NCJ Number
136185
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 267-279
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study compared the acquisition curves for the initial use of six illicit drugs by two samples of adolescents separated by a 5-year interval.
Abstract
The first project was conducted during 1981-82 and involved school-aged youth from eight locations in Alaska. A total of 3,609 questionnaires were completed by students in grades 7-12. The second study was conducted during 1987-88. It consisted of an evaluation of 3,814 completed questionnaires obtained from students in grades 7-12 from the same locations as in the 1983 study. For both surveys, a self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information about the use or nonuse of drugs (marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants, and inhalants). Individual variations in the ages for first drug use were found for different substances, but the general pattern of exposures to drugs was virtually stable over the time interval. The findings indicate that there is a range of first drug use that extends from 13 to 16 years old. Implications of the findings are drawn for education and intervention programs as well as for further research. 8 figures and 12 references