Suchergebnisse

Although recent surveys of youths in the general population indicate that drug use has declined, drug use among juvenile detainees remains at a high level. These youths, who are often experiencing multiple problems, are a seriously underserved population group in our society. A review of the literature, and results from an ongoing longitudinal study of juvenile detainees in Tampa, Florida, documenting their drug use and related problems, lead to the identification of five key areas for policy and program development: early intervention; quality screening and assessment; providing quality, community-based services; improving linkages between community agencies; and continuity of services. Youths entering the juvenile justice system often require repeated interventions over a protracted period, reinforced by improvements in their social, vocational, and educational skills, if their lives are to be directed in socially responsible ways. A national effort is needed to address the poignant issues presented by these youths and their families.

There are three principal reasons for undertaking the present
paper. First, although all the dimensions of diffusion of drug abuse are
still uncertain and the existence and extent of Drug Abuse Networking
(DAN) is certainly not the only factor determining the likelihood of the
spread of drug abuse. Nevertheless, one of the prime modes of its spread
is through DAN. The extent of DAN and the diffusion of drug abuse in
society are closely related to each other [Brook, Nomura and Cohen
(1989, 1989a, 1992); Kornhauser (1978); Elliott, Huizinge and Dunford
(1983); Delemarre (1993)]. Second, the network analysis provides an
important instrumental element to deal with social problems and to
uncover the information for intervention in specific groups of the
community for the well-being of its members [Uehara (1990); Wellman and
Scott (1990); Brook, Nomura, and Cohen (1980); Coombs (1973); Thompson
(1973); Eggert, Thompson, Herting, Nicholas and Dicker (1994); Gould
(1991)]. Last, the issues of DAN's dynamics and its control have
received little attention in literature relevant to Pakistan or
elsewhere. It is also considered important from the policy point of view
to determine the dynamics of DAN in Pakistan on the basis of
experimental research.1 It is hoped that this paper will help in the
attainment of these goals. It addresses the subject from different
perspectives, but the major aim is to help develop and establish
methodologies in the context of Pakistan. Such research may help those
involved in making the policies and in controlling the diffusion of drug
abuse in Pakistan. In recent

Family research in substance abuse has expanded rapidly over the past decade. This research has progressed from subjective to objective studies of families of substance abusers as well as to more quantitative assessments of the efficacy of family therapy. This work is reviewed and suggestions are made for future directions in relevant aspects of the family and substance abuse.

The history of drug abuse prevention campaigns suggests limitations in producing measurable changes in behavior. In the past, there was concern over the possibility of such publicity actually encouraging interest in drug use, rather than discouraging such behavior. Although little or no scientifically sound empirical evidence has been found to support such a view, several social science textbooks still refer to this as something of which to be wary. Reviews of early research appear to indicate inadequate methods and a lack of rigor in theory testing. In recent years, however, research in co

Drug treatment in the United States has been fragmented, underfunded, less than comprehensive, and poorly planned and integrated. To bring about a significant improvement in the number of drug abusers who receive treatment and in the effectiveness of the treatment they receive, the current fragmented approach needs to be replaced with an integrated, coherent system of drug treatment. This paper discusses the characteristics of a drug treatment system and focuses on two elements of such a system: the use of the health care and criminal justice systems as locations to identify persons in need of drug treatment, and matching clients with appropriate services to improve treatment effectiveness. The paper also discusses several issues that will need to be addressed in developing a drug treatment system, offers examples at the federal, state, and local levels indicative of trends in the direction of a systems approach to drug treatment, and emphasizes the importance of federal leadership in systems development.