Behavioral Scientist. Dr. D'Amico's work focusses on Adolescent risk-taking behavior and the development of innovative interventions for this populationDrug Policy Research Center
The goal of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center is to provide a firm, empirical foundation on which sound drug policies can be built. It's a goal we have pursued with energy, commitment, and skill since 1989.
Featured Project
Brief Substance Use Intervention for Youth in Teen Court
PI: Elizabeth D'Amico
Funded by:National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
This study will develop and test a theoretically based group intervention among teens who have committed a first time alcohol or other drug misdemeanor offense. These teens have been referred by the juvenile Probation Department to a Teen Court program because they have not been found to need more serious intervention such as treatment or detention. We will examine the impact of our new intervention on cognitive and behavioral outcomes at a three-month follow up.
Recent DPRC Insight
The DPRC Insight is a regular publication focussing on major drug policy issues. The newsletter is a free service.
Marijuana Abuse Increases the Cost of Treating Other Health Conditions – August 26, 2008
The August issue of DPRC Insights examines marijuana use and associated increases in medical costs. A free, monthly electronic newsletter, DPRC Insights spotlights our researchers' findings, whether published through RAND or elsewhere.
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Recent Publications
Marijuana use and high school drop out rates July 17, 08
Data from over 4,500 seventh grade students show a positive relationship between marijuana smoking and the likelihood of dropping out of school; however the relationship is statistically insignificant when other factors, including cigarette use, are taken into account.
Knowledge and Appraisal Personality Assessment (KAPA) used to test efficacy in resisting urge to smoke July 14, 08
Self-appraisals and other ongoing self-evaluations are important for smokers in coping with and responding to stressful situations, such as resisting the urge to smoke. How one appraises oneself is based on self-knowledge, which can benefit from priming.
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