Highlights From Drugs and American High School Students, 1975-1983

• NCJ Number: 103422
• Author(s): Johnston; P M O'Malley; J G Bachman
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 137 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Corporate Author: University of Michigan
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: No longer available from GPO.

Annotation

Statistics on drug use among American high school seniors in 1983 and trends since 1975 indicate a decline in overall illicit drug use from peak levels attained during the late 1970's, although roughly two-thirds of all young people still try an illicit drug before they finish high school.

Abstract

Data were collected from high school seniors in approximately 125 to 140 public and private schools during the spring of each year, beginning with the class of 1975. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to secure a nationwide sample. From 77 to 83 percent of all sampled students completed the questionnaires. The report not only covers current drug use, but provides data on grade of first use; trends in use at earlier grade levels; intensity of drug use; seniors' attitudes and beliefs regarding harmfulness of drugs; and trends in disapproval of drug use among seniors, parents, and peers. Statistics distinguish 11 separate classes of drugs, marijuana, inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, natural and synthetic opiates other than heroin, stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, and cigarettes. Special sections deal with the use of nonprescription stimulants like diet or stay-awake pills and the results of a set of questions on the use of marijuana at a daily or near-daily level. Footnotes, graphs, and 21 tables.