Usage Patterns of Nondrug Alternatives in Adolescence

Abstract

This study examined the usage patterns of nondrug alternatives and obtained knowledge that will be beneficial to those involved in the “alternative” approach to drug abuse prevention and to those counseling in the drug rehabilitation area. The purpose was to identify the specific nondrug alternatives most generally used to achieve a specific mood or state of consciousness alteration. A questionnaire was designed exploring eight possible nondrug alternatives for altering the negative states of anxiety, depression and hostility, and for achieving the positive states of adventure, camaraderie and pleasure. The questionnaire was administered to 300 students, fifty males and fifty females from each of three age levels: 13–14; 15–16; 17–18. Analysis showed that social, physical, and risk-taking activities were used most frequently to achieve positive states and that distracting activity, discussion with friend, and personal contemplation were used most frequently to reduce the negative states. Few sex and age differences were found.