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AA and NA for Teens
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Only 10% of the estimated 1.4 million teens with an alcohol or drug problem are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are now deemed an effective adjunct to substance abuse treatment for adults. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for teens. This review article looks at teen involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), and at studies of formal teen treatment programs that used an AA/NA model. The article also provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence,...
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Only 10% of the estimated 1.4 million teens with an alcohol or drug problem are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are now deemed an effective adjunct to substance abuse treatment for adults. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for teens. This review article looks at teen involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), and at studies of formal teen treatment programs that used an AA/NA model. The article also provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence,...
High School Pregaming: an indicator of wider hazardous alcohol use
June 2nd, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Pregaming is an urban slang term that has found its way into the mainstream vernacular. Pregaming is the practice of drinking alcohol prior to attending parties, sporting events or social gatherings. There have been studies of this practice in the college setting but little is known about the prevalence of this behavior in high school students. This study examined how gender, age, alcohol expectancies, motivations for drinking, and engagement in other risky alcohol use were associated with high school pregaming. The prevalence of this behavior was derived from a parent approved...
June 2nd, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Pregaming is an urban slang term that has found its way into the mainstream vernacular. Pregaming is the practice of drinking alcohol prior to attending parties, sporting events or social gatherings. There have been studies of this practice in the college setting but little is known about the prevalence of this behavior in high school students. This study examined how gender, age, alcohol expectancies, motivations for drinking, and engagement in other risky alcohol use were associated with high school pregaming. The prevalence of this behavior was derived from a parent approved...
U.S. Youth Switching to the Hard Stuff
June 2nd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Nearly half of 8th-grade youth have used alcohol. By the end of high school almost three-fourths have initiated use. Alcohol is a key contributor to the causes of death among those 10 to 24 years—motor-vehicle mortality, suicide, and unintentional injuries. Alcohol continues to be the drug of choice among adolescents but consumption has shifted from beer to liquor. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use, particularly hard liquor. Specific types of alcohol may be associated with different levels...
June 2nd, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Nearly half of 8th-grade youth have used alcohol. By the end of high school almost three-fourths have initiated use. Alcohol is a key contributor to the causes of death among those 10 to 24 years—motor-vehicle mortality, suicide, and unintentional injuries. Alcohol continues to be the drug of choice among adolescents but consumption has shifted from beer to liquor. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use, particularly hard liquor. Specific types of alcohol may be associated with different levels...
Higher Socioeconomic Status May Lead to Early Adult Drug Problems
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
This recent University of Chicago study looked at the relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of adolescents and their substance use in early adulthood. Much of the earlier research in this area focused on substance abuse in lower SES populations. However, growing evidence shows that teens from high SES backgrounds are also at high risk. This study analyzed the relationship between adolescent SES (measured by parental education and income) and their adult substance use. The data came from The National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) a nationally...
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
This recent University of Chicago study looked at the relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of adolescents and their substance use in early adulthood. Much of the earlier research in this area focused on substance abuse in lower SES populations. However, growing evidence shows that teens from high SES backgrounds are also at high risk. This study analyzed the relationship between adolescent SES (measured by parental education and income) and their adult substance use. The data came from The National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) a nationally...
Effectiveness of High School Substance Use Prevention Programs
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys show that initiation of teen substance use increases rapidly during middle and high school grades. This study points to a lack of evidence-based drug prevention programs in high schools. Researchers identified eight prevention programs recognized as evidence-based and classified as “model” or effective” based on the following criteria: (1) they target substance use; (2) they are intended for all students; (3) they are designed for use in high school; and (4) they are classified as effective by either the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or...
January 7th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys show that initiation of teen substance use increases rapidly during middle and high school grades. This study points to a lack of evidence-based drug prevention programs in high schools. Researchers identified eight prevention programs recognized as evidence-based and classified as “model” or effective” based on the following criteria: (1) they target substance use; (2) they are intended for all students; (3) they are designed for use in high school; and (4) they are classified as effective by either the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or...
Does Availability Increase Teen Drinking?
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Restricting access to alcohol is thought to reduce underage drinking. Community policies such as strict enforcement of underage drinking laws and responsible beverage server training have proven effective. Research has also shown an association between geographic availability of alcohol and consumption. A recent study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation examined whether the frequently advocated strategy of limiting the number or density of alcohol purveyors in a neighborhood further reduces underage drinking. The study focused on adolescents from 50 California zip...
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Restricting access to alcohol is thought to reduce underage drinking. Community policies such as strict enforcement of underage drinking laws and responsible beverage server training have proven effective. Research has also shown an association between geographic availability of alcohol and consumption. A recent study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation examined whether the frequently advocated strategy of limiting the number or density of alcohol purveyors in a neighborhood further reduces underage drinking. The study focused on adolescents from 50 California zip...
Brief Intervention Cuts Alcohol – Related Teen Violence
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
In 2006 there were nearly 20,000 emergency department (ED) visits by patients aged 15 to 24 years. These ED visits are an opportunity for intervention efforts to reach adolescents not attending school, who lack a primary care MD, or who are otherwise outside mainstream medical care. A recent study conducted at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan looked at whether therapist and computer interventions could be effective in reducing adolescent violence and alcohol misuse. Over a 3-year period (2006-2009) 3,338 patients 14-18 years old completed a 15-minute computerized survey....
September 22nd, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
In 2006 there were nearly 20,000 emergency department (ED) visits by patients aged 15 to 24 years. These ED visits are an opportunity for intervention efforts to reach adolescents not attending school, who lack a primary care MD, or who are otherwise outside mainstream medical care. A recent study conducted at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan looked at whether therapist and computer interventions could be effective in reducing adolescent violence and alcohol misuse. Over a 3-year period (2006-2009) 3,338 patients 14-18 years old completed a 15-minute computerized survey....
AA and NA Help Teens
August 16th, 2010 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
August 16th, 2010 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
Alcohol, Autos, and College – A High Risk Combo
July 9th, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
College students are likely to be more vulnerable to alcohol related traffic risk behavior because they have less driving experience. Also, binge drinking and other risky alcohol-related behavior are highly prevalent in that population. Alcohol consumption and alcohol impaired driving appear to be common even before college. Almost half of high school seniors report having used alcohol in the past 30 days, and 28% have been drunk. Past month drinking and driving by high school seniors is estimated to be about 15%. This investigation looked at changes in traffic risk behavior as...
July 9th, 2010 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
College students are likely to be more vulnerable to alcohol related traffic risk behavior because they have less driving experience. Also, binge drinking and other risky alcohol-related behavior are highly prevalent in that population. Alcohol consumption and alcohol impaired driving appear to be common even before college. Almost half of high school seniors report having used alcohol in the past 30 days, and 28% have been drunk. Past month drinking and driving by high school seniors is estimated to be about 15%. This investigation looked at changes in traffic risk behavior as...
Youth Saying No to Marijuana
June 8th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
A significant percentage of recent marijuana using high school seniors wish to reduce or stop their use. This conclusion is based on analysis of data collected by the Monitoring the Future Study (MFS), an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (might want to explain why no 9 th grade data). The MFS is conducted by the Survey Research Center in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan...
June 8th, 2010 / Families / Betty Ford Institute
A significant percentage of recent marijuana using high school seniors wish to reduce or stop their use. This conclusion is based on analysis of data collected by the Monitoring the Future Study (MFS), an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (might want to explain why no 9 th grade data). The MFS is conducted by the Survey Research Center in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan...
AA and NA Help Teens
January 31st, 2009 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
January 31st, 2009 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the widespread use of 12-Step approaches and numerous referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) by youth-service providers, there is little “hard scientific evidence” showing that these groups can improve outcomes among youth who are in recovery. Part of the issue is that mutual-help organizations like AA and NA are community organizations based on anonymity, and cannot be directly controlled by researchers. This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents in their transition to young adulthood who were initially enrolled in treatment...
Pro Sports Stadiums Likely to Sell Alcohol to Intoxicated and Underage Patrons
January 31st, 2009 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
While “tail-gating parties” and “throwing back a few at the game” are traditions for many sports fans, the reality is that drinking alcohol before, during and/or after sporting events can increase the chances of traffic accidents and injuries before, during, and after professional sporting events. Illegal alcohol sales at these events may be one contributing factor to such alcohol-related incidents. This first-of-its-kind study looked at the likelihood of alcohol sales to underage youth and intoxicated patrons at professional sports stadiums across the U.S., and what factors may...
January 31st, 2009 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
While “tail-gating parties” and “throwing back a few at the game” are traditions for many sports fans, the reality is that drinking alcohol before, during and/or after sporting events can increase the chances of traffic accidents and injuries before, during, and after professional sporting events. Illegal alcohol sales at these events may be one contributing factor to such alcohol-related incidents. This first-of-its-kind study looked at the likelihood of alcohol sales to underage youth and intoxicated patrons at professional sports stadiums across the U.S., and what factors may...
Genes Influence Early Drinking
October 31st, 2008 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
A 2001/2002 survey by the World Health Organization found that about 80 percent of young people began drinking before they were16 years old. Furthermore, the average age of drinking for the first time was 12 years. Boys reported drinking for the first time at an average age of 12.3 years and girls at an average of 12 years. As in many other countries Dutch adolescents establish a drinking pattern early in life. This University of Amsterdam study looked at the contribution of genes and environment to the initiation of alcohol use and frequency of drinking among early adolescents in The...
October 31st, 2008 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
A 2001/2002 survey by the World Health Organization found that about 80 percent of young people began drinking before they were16 years old. Furthermore, the average age of drinking for the first time was 12 years. Boys reported drinking for the first time at an average age of 12.3 years and girls at an average of 12 years. As in many other countries Dutch adolescents establish a drinking pattern early in life. This University of Amsterdam study looked at the contribution of genes and environment to the initiation of alcohol use and frequency of drinking among early adolescents in The...
Impaired Youth Behind the Wheel Is a Widespread Problem
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Auto accidents are a leading cause of death among teens and young adults. A substantial number of these fatalities result from driving after drinking or using drugs. Efforts to reduce driving after drinking have met some success but little is known about the extent of youth driving after use of marijuana or other illicit drugs. The National Study on Drug Use and Health reported in 2002 that 15%-18% of persons 18-21 years old drove after drinking or using illicit drugs in the previous year. Clearly a considerable amount of driving after illicit drug use is occurring. However, little is known...
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Auto accidents are a leading cause of death among teens and young adults. A substantial number of these fatalities result from driving after drinking or using drugs. Efforts to reduce driving after drinking have met some success but little is known about the extent of youth driving after use of marijuana or other illicit drugs. The National Study on Drug Use and Health reported in 2002 that 15%-18% of persons 18-21 years old drove after drinking or using illicit drugs in the previous year. Clearly a considerable amount of driving after illicit drug use is occurring. However, little is known...
Sacramento SNAPP Program Pays Off
August 31st, 2007 / Community Programs / Betty Ford Institute
Most alcohol-prevention projects are large, community-wide efforts with the intent of reducing alcohol-related problems such as assaults, automobile accidents, and other injuries. While these programs are effective in communities at large, certain neighborhoods within a larger community may benefit from more targeted strategies. For example, prior studies have shown that neighborhoods with a high density of alcohol outlets have more alcohol-related problems such as violence and drunk driving. Thus prevention efforts on the neighborhood level would benefit not only the neighborhood, but the...
August 31st, 2007 / Community Programs / Betty Ford Institute
Most alcohol-prevention projects are large, community-wide efforts with the intent of reducing alcohol-related problems such as assaults, automobile accidents, and other injuries. While these programs are effective in communities at large, certain neighborhoods within a larger community may benefit from more targeted strategies. For example, prior studies have shown that neighborhoods with a high density of alcohol outlets have more alcohol-related problems such as violence and drunk driving. Thus prevention efforts on the neighborhood level would benefit not only the neighborhood, but the...
Where There Is Smoke
April 30th, 2007 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Cigarette smoking and alcohol use disorders (AUD) have been closely linked. Yet it is not clear whether higher rates of AUD among smokers are due to heavier drinking or whether smokers are more vulnerable to AUD than non-smokers who drink the same heavier amounts. Using data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, researchers looked at a representative sample of U.S adolescents and young adults to analyze the relationship between smoking and AUD. Nearly 75,000 non-institutionalized 12-20 year olds from the civilian population were studied for current diagnosis of alcohol...
April 30th, 2007 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Cigarette smoking and alcohol use disorders (AUD) have been closely linked. Yet it is not clear whether higher rates of AUD among smokers are due to heavier drinking or whether smokers are more vulnerable to AUD than non-smokers who drink the same heavier amounts. Using data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, researchers looked at a representative sample of U.S adolescents and young adults to analyze the relationship between smoking and AUD. Nearly 75,000 non-institutionalized 12-20 year olds from the civilian population were studied for current diagnosis of alcohol...
Early Intervention with Youth More Effective
October 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol is the drug of choice for youth in the United States. By 8th grade, more than 40 percent of youth have used alcohol; by 12th grade, almost 80 percent have done so. Many of these young people began drinking at early ages. On average, boys start drinking earlier than girls, and whites and Native Americans start drinking earlier than other races/ethnicities. With alcohol consumption such a prevalent behavior among young people, it is crucial to understand the initiation of drinking as well as possible causes so as to facilitate interventions to delay this behavior. This study 1)...
October 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol is the drug of choice for youth in the United States. By 8th grade, more than 40 percent of youth have used alcohol; by 12th grade, almost 80 percent have done so. Many of these young people began drinking at early ages. On average, boys start drinking earlier than girls, and whites and Native Americans start drinking earlier than other races/ethnicities. With alcohol consumption such a prevalent behavior among young people, it is crucial to understand the initiation of drinking as well as possible causes so as to facilitate interventions to delay this behavior. This study 1)...
A Bad Rap for Rap Music
August 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Congreve wrote in 1697, “Music has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, to soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.” Research seems to show that this famous adage is not valid in our day, especially if it is the music popular with American youth. Prior research suggests that there are connections between preferences for certain music genres and risky behaviors. Studies have concluded that rap music, the predominant genre of hip-hop culture, more than any other genre, encourages risky behaviors and may have some influence on youth. Many rap musicians have promoted alcoholic beverages, especially...
August 31st, 2006 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Congreve wrote in 1697, “Music has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, to soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.” Research seems to show that this famous adage is not valid in our day, especially if it is the music popular with American youth. Prior research suggests that there are connections between preferences for certain music genres and risky behaviors. Studies have concluded that rap music, the predominant genre of hip-hop culture, more than any other genre, encourages risky behaviors and may have some influence on youth. Many rap musicians have promoted alcoholic beverages, especially...
Lower Copayment Brings More Adolescents Into Treatment
April 30th, 2005 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use by teenagers creates major health and policy issues. The sheer size of this group – today’s adolescents make up the largest generation in American history – illuminates the need for substance-use treatment services. This study looks at the effects of a reduction in the copayment amount by a large self-insured state employer on utilization of adolescent services. Specifically, does the number of adolescent users of substance-use outpatient services increase if there is a resultant reduction in cost-sharing arrangements? Researchers analyzed 31,585 records on...
April 30th, 2005 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug use by teenagers creates major health and policy issues. The sheer size of this group – today’s adolescents make up the largest generation in American history – illuminates the need for substance-use treatment services. This study looks at the effects of a reduction in the copayment amount by a large self-insured state employer on utilization of adolescent services. Specifically, does the number of adolescent users of substance-use outpatient services increase if there is a resultant reduction in cost-sharing arrangements? Researchers analyzed 31,585 records on...
College Student Pill Use Second Only to Pot
April 30th, 2005 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to previous research, the illicit use of prescription pain medication has increased significantly among college students during the past decade, reaching a historic high point in 2002. This University of Michigan study assesses the characteristics of undergraduate college students who illicitly use prescription pain medication. Researchers secured a random sample of 19,378 full-time undergraduate students from the Registrar’s Office at a large Midwestern university in the United States, e-mailing each of them an invitation to self-administer the Student Life Survey via the...
April 30th, 2005 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
According to previous research, the illicit use of prescription pain medication has increased significantly among college students during the past decade, reaching a historic high point in 2002. This University of Michigan study assesses the characteristics of undergraduate college students who illicitly use prescription pain medication. Researchers secured a random sample of 19,378 full-time undergraduate students from the Registrar’s Office at a large Midwestern university in the United States, e-mailing each of them an invitation to self-administer the Student Life Survey via the...
Intoxicated and Underage Find Easy Access to Alcohol
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol, America’s youth, car crashes, violence: the connections aren’t difficult to make. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that of the more than 6,000 youth (ages 15 to 20) who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2000, nearly 40 percent (2,339) were alcohol-related. Furthermore, according to national police data from 1998, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 29) committed 37 percent of those violent incidents that involved alcohol. This study examined how clerk/server, outlet, and neighborhood characteristics may contribute to alcohol sales to underage or...
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol, America’s youth, car crashes, violence: the connections aren’t difficult to make. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that of the more than 6,000 youth (ages 15 to 20) who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2000, nearly 40 percent (2,339) were alcohol-related. Furthermore, according to national police data from 1998, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 29) committed 37 percent of those violent incidents that involved alcohol. This study examined how clerk/server, outlet, and neighborhood characteristics may contribute to alcohol sales to underage or...
Who Do Alcohol Ads Think They Are Kidding?
January 31st, 2003 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
More than $1 billion is spent on alcohol advertising each year via television, radio, magazines, billboards, and posters in public venues. Although many complex factors (parents, friends, other environmental influences) shape children’s attitudes about alcohol, there is a growing concern about the potential effects that alcohol advertising may have on young people. Studies indicate that children and adolescents who are more exposed to alcohol advertisements 1) believe that drinking is more likely to have positive consequences, 2) perceive higher levels of alcohol use by, and approval of,...
January 31st, 2003 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
More than $1 billion is spent on alcohol advertising each year via television, radio, magazines, billboards, and posters in public venues. Although many complex factors (parents, friends, other environmental influences) shape children’s attitudes about alcohol, there is a growing concern about the potential effects that alcohol advertising may have on young people. Studies indicate that children and adolescents who are more exposed to alcohol advertisements 1) believe that drinking is more likely to have positive consequences, 2) perceive higher levels of alcohol use by, and approval of,...
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