NCJ Number
198391
Date Published
September 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This bulletin examines beliefs among youths about risks from illicit drug use.
Abstract
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse is an annual survey sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In 1999, a majority of youths aged 12 to 17 perceived great risk from smoking marijuana or using LSD, cocaine, or heroin once or twice a week. Females were more likely than their male peers to perceive great risk from using marijuana once or twice a week. White youths were generally more likely to perceive great risk from using illicit drugs once or twice a week than youths from other racial/ethnic groups. American Indian/Alaska Native youths were less likely than youths from other racial/ethnic groups to perceive great risk. Perceptions of great risk from using marijuana and cocaine once or twice a week significantly decreased from 1994 to 1999. Youths who perceived great risk from smoking marijuana once or twice a week were less likely in 1999 to use substances than youths who perceived less risk. Figures, notes