Prescription Drug Use Trends Among Israeli School Dropouts: An Analysis of Gender and Country of Origin

• NCJ Number: 234398
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2011 Pages: 75-86
• Author(s): Richard Isralowitz, Ph.D.; Alexander Reznik, Ph.D.; Shulamith Lala A. Straussner, D.S.W.
• Date Published: March 2011
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study reported on the use of prescription drugs among school dropouts in Israel.

Abstract

Widespread international concern exists about the nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NPD), especially among adolescents. This article examines NPD use trends of school dropouts in Israel from 2004 to 2009 based on gender and country of origin status. A cohort of 470 youths completed a self-report questionnaire prior to receiving drug treatment. Females reported NPD at a younger age than males, and their rates of lifetime use and use in the last 30 days were significantly higher. Males, but not females, from former Soviet Union origins reported a higher rate of NPD use than those of Israeli origin. Given the paucity of literature on this topic, this article makes an initial contribution to understanding a growing international problem. (Published Abstract)