NCJ Number
166020
Date Published
1983
Length
62 pages
Annotation
A fall 1982 survey gathered information on adolescent alcohol use in Maryland as part of a larger survey on juvenile drug use.
Abstract
The research used a sampling plan similar to the one used in 1978 and 1980 and gathered information from 18 of the State's 24 subdivisions. The survey was self-administered in large group settings in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. Results were used to develop statewide estimates. Results revealed a direct relationship between age and the percentage currently using alcohol. The percentage in each age group who used alcohol increased as adolescents became older, largely due to increased availability and social acceptability. The average quantity used also increased with age. The median age at first use was 10.7 years for 8th graders, 12.4 for 10th graders, and 13.5 for 12th graders. Adolescents in each age group who did not use alcohol were likely to have much better grades than those reporting frequent use of alcohol. Youths with more spending alcohol also were more likely to use alcohol frequently. The percentage of current alcohol users was similar for the 1978, 1980, and 1982 survey years. Tables, figures, and appended survey instrument and weighting factors for individual jurisdictions