NCJ Number
161262
Date Published
1996
Length
71 pages
Annotation
Telephone surveys of a random, representative sample of 2,016 noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 or older living in telephone households in the contiguous continental United States gathered information on their attitudes toward the country's drug problem and about actions they would support
Abstract
Results revealed that participants were most concerned with crime and violence and regard drugs, the current government, and the Federal deficit as serious problems. They regarded reducing violent crime, reducing illegal drug use among children and adolescents, and increasing educational opportunities for children as the most important areas where tax dollars should be spent. They perceived a strong link between violent crimes and illegal drug use. They generally included alcohol in their definition of drug use. No single strategy to control drugs was endorsed by a majority. Thirty-one percent supported government interdiction to reduce the supply of drugs entering the United States, and 28 percent supported the expansion of education programs about the dangers of drugs. Forty-five percent reported that they, a family member, or a close friend have ever used illegal drugs. They said they are generally aware of drug prevention programs in their community for children and adolescents and regard these programs as being at least somewhat effective. Eighty-one percent felt that families and parents should be responsible for stopping drug use among children under age 12. They regarded youth peer pressure as the most important influence on children's and adolescents' decisions to use or avoid alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Figures, tables, and appended methodological information and instrument