The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70294

Ryoko Yamaguchi, PhD¹, Lloyd Johnston, PhD¹, Patrick O'Malley, PhD¹, and Yvonne Terry-McElrath, MSA². (1) Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, P.O. Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, (2) Office of Social Research, University Of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48101-2321, 734-647-9142, yterry@isr.umich.edu

While prevention efforts are an important component of addressing adolescent drug use, treatment issues are often neglected, especially in school settings. The current study focuses on school drug counseling and referrals and the association with student licit and illicit drug use. From 1998 through 2002, student responses were obtained from the Monitoring the Future study; school treatment services information was collected through the Youth, Education, and Society study, resulting in nationally representative data from approximately 32,000 8th-grade students in 286 schools, 24,000 10th-grade students in 238 high schools, and 25,000 12th-grade students in 252 high schools. Results indicate that 31% of schools reported offering in-school substance abuse counseling, and 25% reported referring students to external substance abuse counseling. Availability of both drug counseling and referral significantly differed by school characteristics, where middle schools, smaller schools, and the North Central and South regions had lower availability of services. Hierarchical linear modeling showed no significant relationships between either access to school drug counseling or referrals and student 30-day alcohol use, 12-month marijuana use, and 12-month illicit drug use (other than marijuana), particularly after controlling for student and school characteristics. Access to substance abuse counseling (either in-school or through referral to community providers) may not be related to level of service need among students. These findings indicate a need for schools and community public health providers to build stronger collaborative relationships to offer more quality services in schools, and to inform school administrators of other community programs and services designed for youths.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to 1: Describe substance abuse-related services offered to youth in American schools, 2: Identify school differences in the availability of substance abuse services, and 3: Assess the relationship between access to school services and student alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drug use.

Keywords: Other Drugs, Drug Abuse Treatment

Related Web page: www.impacteen.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bridging the Gap/ImpacTeen
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.