* * * * *

The following statistics were taken from the Reuters Health, 9-5-02.

• The number of Americans who use drugs and alcohol rose sharply last year, and teen marijuana use has reached its highest level in more that 20 years.
   
• Officials estimate 109 million persons, nearly half the U.S. teen and adult population, are current alcohol drinkers.
   
• Survey results show that few persons with drug abuse problems ever seek treatment. An estimated 5 million Americans needed drug treatment, but did not get it. And, less than 10% of drug users believe they need help with their drug use.
   
• More than 1.6 million 12 to 17 year olds currently are using illicit drugs.

These statistics speak for themselves. Juveniles are engaging in substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse. And, many juvenile substance abusers are denying their use and abuse. In school, court and even treatment settings, juveniles are attempting to minimize problems and fake good. And, we haven’t even discussed the increase in juvenile violence, suicide and mental health problems in the last decade. With these facts in mind, contemplate the Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile's (JSAP's) five scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale, 4. Aggressiveness Scale and 5. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

* * * * *