NIH Radio
Early Intervention Can Limit Methamphetamine Use Among Teens
Brief Description:
New research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that prevention programs conducted in middle school can reduce methamphetamine abuse among rural teens later in life.
Transcript:
Akinso: New research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that prevention programs conducted in middle school can reduce methamphetamine abuse among rural teens later in life. Because methamphetamine addiction leads to problems with social interactions and a wide range of medical conditions, research into early interventions is critical to protecting the nation's youth according to NIDA Director, Dr. Nora Volkow.
Volkow: That's what's so extraordinary about this study is that it shows that universal intervention program that teaches the parents how to deal with their children. And it teaches the children how to address social situations where it maybe difficult to say no to drugs, to teach them how to avoid those situations in the intervention that was done. Aimed at that and strengthening the bond between child and parent has such a significant effect in the rate of methamphetamine abuse later on; 5 or 6 years later.
Akinso: The research assessed the effect of two Iowa studies on methamphetamine abuse among middle and high school students. Dr. Volkow said previous preventive interventions have been effective in reducing adolescents' abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. This is the first study to examine the effects of a preventive intervention on methamphetamine abuse among youth. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland.
About This Audio Report
Date: 9/29/2006
Reporter: Wally Akinso
Sound Bite: Dr. Nora Volkow
Topic: Drug Abuse
Institute(s): NIDA
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