ABSTRACT
The relationship between self-esteem and the use and expected use of legal and illegal drugs was examined. Students in grades four-nine (n = 2,032) representing 16 schools from Arkansas completed an anonymous questionnaire concerning self-esteem and drug use. Results indicated statistically significant differences both for home self-esteem and school self-esteem on 18 or 19 measures of use and expected use. Results for peer self-esteem showed no differences for any of 19 measures. Results suggest including area specific self-esteem enhancement as a potentially important part of comprehensive drug education programs. Findings also highlight the role parents and teachers may play by promoting self-esteem at home and school.
Subject(s)
Schools , Self Concept , Substance-Related Disorders/psychology , Adolescent , Arkansas , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Parents , Peer Group , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiologyABSTRACT
A team of two female interviewers, two male interview assistants, and one or two additional male observers were stationed in front of targeted drinking establishments to survey individuals about their drinking practices and to collect blood alcohol levels (BALs) using portable breath testers. Of the 176 individuals asked to participate, 156 (88%) consented to be interviewed and 141 (90%) provided breath samples. Of those tested, 40 (29%) were legally intoxicated (BAL greater than or equal to 100 mg/dl) while 68 (49%) registered a BAL of 50 mg/dl or greater. The mean BAL was 72 mg/dl. Individuals reporting that they were going to drive had significantly lower BALs than those planning not to drive. Subjects who thought they were legally intoxicated, on average, had BALs greater than the legal level of intoxication, and BALs significantly greater than those who felt they were not intoxicated. These data suggest that the collection of BAL, in combination with self-reported alcohol data, is an important component of methodologically sound alcohol field research.
