Methodological Issues in Drug Use Prevention Research: Theoretical Foundations

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of social science theory in the prevention of drug use. It briefly describes several prominent theories of drug use onset and shows one way these theories can be integrated into a more comprehensive model with five distinct domains of variables. It then describes the various and subtle benefits of theories, including their use in the development, evaluation and interpretation of drug use prevention programs, and critical implications that theories have for the methods of prevention research.

Key Words:

• Drug use
• Theory
• Triadic
• Sociocultural
• Intrapersonal