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Substance Use Among Students in Texas Secondary Schools: 1988: Executive Summary

NCJ Number
115717
Author(s)
E V Fredlund; R T Spence; J C Maxwell
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report presents the main findings of the 1988 survey of substance abuse in Texas secondary schools.
Abstract
Some 7,500 students selected through a multistage probability sample completed an eight-page questionnaire on alcohol and drug use patterns. The questionnaire explored usage patterns of 14 drugs and included questions pertaining to correlates of substance abuse, problems relating to substance abuse, and sources of information about and help for substance abuse-related problems. The data cover trends in substance abuse among youth for 1980-88, inhalant abuse, alcohol abuse, and illicit drug abuse. The use of inhalants has apparently increased substantially among youth. The heaviest usage was reported by the youngest children in all racial and ethnic groups. There is widespread and heavy use of alcohol by students: A substantial proportion of students continue beyond experimental use to a pattern of chronic heavy consumption in the later grades. Illicit drugs are available and are used by a large number of students. Over half of all students will have used such drugs and consequently will have engaged in illegal behavior by the time they graduate from high school. Students who use illicit drugs are apparently likely to use them frequently. 17 figures, 3 tables.