NCJ Number
94183
Date Published
1984
Length
159 pages
Annotation
This report documents the results of a large-scale research effort to gather data relative to the extent of juvenile drug and alcohol abuse.
Abstract
Researchers administered the survey questionnaire in the fall of 1983 to approximately 2,000 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students throughout New Jersey. The data identified and described the types of substances used, the frequency of use, and patterns of substance abuse. There was also information regarding the perceived availability of illicit substances and respondent attitudes regarding substance use. Survey findings are discussed under two headings: prevalence of substance use and student attitudes and patterns of substance use. Each section includes narrative highlights and tables. In addition, there are comparisons throughout of these findings and those of a 1980 survey. Findings show that the past 3 years have witnessed an appreciable decline in marijuana use and a significant decrease in the proportion of students reporting recent alcohol use. However, lifetime usage data remains constant. More students report amphetamine use and glue sniffing than before. Hallucinogens, barbituates, and tranquilizers are somewhat less common than before. More than half of all first usages -- with the exception of cocaine -- occur before 10th grade. Drug use increases among students receiving poor grades. Most students reported that the chance of being stopped by the police would influence their decision to drive after drinking too much. Appendixes present the statistical data and procedures from the survey. Three graphs and 47 tables are included. (Author summary modified)