FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG-USE AMONG YOUTH LIVING IN HOMELESS SHELTERS

There have been only a limited number of studies that examine drug use among homeless youth and there have been no studies to date on drug u se with adolescents living in homeless families, This study examined p redictors of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use with homeless adolesc ents and preadolescents (N = 234) living in shelters for homeless fami lies. Structured interviews were conducted an self-reported drug use, as well as background variables, social environmental influences, and individual characteristics hypothesized to promote drug use. Logistic- regression analyses revealed that social influences (friends and famil y drug use) are strong predictors of experimental drug use and intenti ons to use drugs, as are several psychological factors (psychological well-being, assertiveness, and social support). Implications of the fi ndings for effective prevention programs for homeless and other high r isk youth are discussed.