NCJ Number
164366
Date Published
1993
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report presents preliminary national estimates of rates of use and numbers of users of illicit drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco in 1992.
Abstract
Data came from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, an ongoing national survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. Results revealed that an estimated 11.4 million people were current illicit drug users, meaning that they had used an illicit drug in the month prior to the interview. The number of illicit drug users has been declining since its peak in 1979 at 24 million. Marijuana is used by 78 percent of the current illicit drug users. The number of current cocaine users decreased from 1.9 million users in 1991 to 1.3 million users in 1992. Weekly use of cocaine remained unchanged between 1991 and 1992 at about 640,000 users. About 10 million people were heavy drinkers; they drank five or more drinks per occasion on five or more days in the past 30 days. No decreases have occurred in this measure since 1988. An estimated 54 million people were current smokers; the smoking rate is 26 percent and has declined from 29 percent in 1988. Rates of illicit drug use and heavy alcohol use continue to be highest among those with the lowest educational attainment. Figures, appended tables, and 30 references