DRUG-USE AMONG YOUTH ON PROBATION - DIFFERENCES IN CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPLANATORY FACTORS

This study examines relationships among adolescent drug use and family relationships, aspirations, school involvement, and delinquent behavi ors. Participants were youth on probation in Utah during 1992. Analysi s of variance was used to identify differences among nonusers, experim enters and high users. A stepwise multiple regression was used to exam ine factors related to drug use. Friends' alcohol or marijuana use, pl ans for future drug use during adulthood and selling drugs were signif icantly related to both marijuana and alcohol use. It is hypothesized that attention to thinking patterns related to lifestyle selection may result in supporting lifestyle changes related to drug uses that are positive in nature. Communities, youth workers, probation officers and youth on probation all contribute to the influence and development of thinking patterns and must be involved in solutions to the problem of adolescent drug use.