NCJ Number
194761
Date Published
2002
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This report outlines key findings from the Monitoring the Future 2001 nationwide survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students regarding adolescent drug use. Recent trends are emphasized and personal disapproval, perceived risk, and availability of drugs are also investigated.
Abstract
Researchers have administered this self-report questionnaire from the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research since 1975. As was the case with the 1999 and 2000 surveys, the 2001 survey also yielded mixed results. The sample size was about 44,300 students in 424 schools throughout the United States. The drug that continues to increase in use is ecstasy and was reported to be easily available. Anabolic steroid use among 12th graders increased significantly, but not among 8th or 10th graders. Heroin and LSD, inhalant use, crack and powdered cocaine and cigarette use declined. The drugs holding steady included marijuana, hallucinogens, barbiturates and Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine. Despite the above statistics, substance abuse remains widespread in the United States as evidence 54 percent of students have tried an illicit drug before high school graduation. If inhalant use is included in the definition, 35 percent of students had done so as early as the 8th grade. Despite declining cigarette use among adolescents, 30 percent of 12th graders were cigarette smokers. Alcohol use remains very widespread among the study participants. Eighty percent surveyed reported consuming alcohol before finishing high school, and 51 percent had consumed alcohol before entering the 8th grade, which may explain that 64 percent of 12th graders and 23 percent of 8th graders reported being drunk at least once. Prevalence levels and trends are outlined in nine tables and a detailed analysis of gender, race/ethnicity, and other subgroup differences are available in Volume I, see NCJ-191251. Charts, tables