Oral

This session examines strategies to reduce substance abuse initiation among youths. Researchers have been developing strategies and programs to preventing youths from initiating substance use. In the past several years, more attention has been given to implementation issues during the various stages of program development and diffusion. Adolescent substance abuse has increased for 4 years. According to the Cochrane Reviews, the most successful adolescent ATOD prevention program is the Strengthening Families Program. Research has shown that parenting and religiosity have many positive effects on adolescent health behaviors, especially regarding substance use. Nonetheless, few studies have investigated the concurrent effects of parenting and religion on adolescent substance use, and fewer still have looked to compare these effects across countries. Delinquency and amphetamine use share some risk factors, suggesting that delinquent youth are at elevated risk for amphetamine use.

Session Objectives: Design prevention efforts based on risk factors. Evaluate technology approaches to prevention. Identify family intervention factors in prevention.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)