NCJ Number
208900
Date Published
December 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Based on selected findings from the 2002 and 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), this paper reports on the prevalence of substance use and DUI (driving under the influence) among persons ages 16 to 20, as well as demographic differences in DUI and the prevalence of being arrested for DUI among those self-reporting DUI.
Abstract
In 2002 and 2003, an annual average of 44 percent of persons ages 16 to 20 had used alcohol in the past month; 30 percent were binge alcohol users; and 10 percent were heavy alcohol users. Approximately 38 percent of this age group had used an illicit drug in the past year. More than 4 million (21 percent) in this age group reported DUI that involved either alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year. Older persons in this age group had a higher reported prevalence of DUI that involved alcohol or illicit drug than those who were younger. Whites and American Indians/Alaska Natives in the 16-20 age group were more likely to report DUI than other racial/ethnic groups. The prevalence of DUI was highest among persons who lived outside of metropolitan statistical areas (MSA's), followed by persons who lived in small MSA's. Among those who reported DUI that involved alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year, approximately 4 percent indicated they had been arrested and booked for DUI in the past year. 3 figures and 8 notes