Resistance-Skills Training and Onset of Alcohol Use: Evidence for Beneficial and Potentially Harmful Effects in Public Schools and in Private Catholic schools.

Document Type

Article

Department

Community and Global Health (CGU)

Publication Date

7-1995

Disciplines

Health Policy | Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation | Substance Abuse and Addiction

Abstract

The United States has the highest rate of substance abuse of any industrialized country (see Falco, 1992). Approximately 18 million Americans experience health-related problems as a result of alcohol use (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 1987). Alcohol use is a major risk factor for liver disease, and it is a factor in approximately one half of all homicides, suicides, and motor vehicle fatalities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & [DHHS], 1991).

The social development of millions of children and adolescents is substantially hindered by alcohol and other substance use (Dryfoos, 1991). For example, unwanted pregnancy, delinquency, and school failure are often associated with adolescent substance use (see Hawkins, Catalano, & Miller, 1992). Primary prevention programs are important because the earlier that adolescents start using alcohol and other substances, the more likely it is that they will abuse alcohol and drugs (Robins & Pryzbeck, 1985).

Rights Information

© 1995 American Psychological Association

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