A Report on the Feasibility of Using Risk-Taking Attitudes as a Basis for Programs To Control and Predict Drug Abuse

Reported is a study regarding the feasibility of using risk-taking attitudes as a basis for programs to control and predict drug abuse. Attitudes toward a number of common behaviors including drug use, sex, theft, etc., were obtained from over 650 subjects from junior high school level through adults. Reported frequencies of actual behaviors were acquired. The attitudes and frequencies of behavior were analyzed separately and then compared to each other. In general, behaviors rated as having high risks were also rated as having low gain and vice versa. Multiple regression equations were drived to predict frequency of behavior from attitude ratings. It was concluded that it should be possible to (a) use attitude ratings to predict which individuals or groups are highly prone to drug use "before" drug use starts, and (b) evaluate the effects of action programs by noting changes in attitude ratings. The low gain value of socially undesirable behaviors can be taught where it can realistically be shown to be the case. The probable consequences of immediate behavior on future goals should also be emphasized, but the goals used must be ones with which the person presently identifies. This work was prepared under an ESEA Title III contract. [Not available in hardcopy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (BL)