1.4 Overview of Chapter Contents

Chapter 2 describes the data source for this report, including the survey methods used in the NHSDA. The measurement of adolescent substance use is described and the mental health measures are discussed in greater detail.

Chapter 3 presents national estimates of the association between specific psychological factors and substance use among adolescents. Estimates for specific ages (early, middle, and late adolescence) and for each gender are presented. The implications of prevalence patterns are discussed.

Chapter 4 further examines emotional risk factors for substance use among adolescents within specific age and gender groups. The implications of the findings for theories of emotional vulnerability to substance use and for identification of high-risk adolescents are discussed. Also, Chapter 4 presentsan examination of specific emotional and behavioral problems that are most associated with substance abuse in adolescents of different age groups.

Appendix A presents the standard error tables for the estimates in Chapter 3. Standard errors for the estimates in Chapter 4 are either presented within the tables or are available upon request. Appendix B describes sample weighting, estimation, statistical tests, statistical models, and suppression of estimates due to low precision. The NHSDA questionnaire items used are presented in Appendix C.

This page was last updated on August 05, 2008.

SAMHSA, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's lead agency for improving the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services in the United States.