NCJ Number
125322
Date Published
1990
Length
185 pages
Annotation
Professionals and policymakers can use this study of the drug-taking behavior of Alaskan youth to plan preventive strategies.
Abstract
The book furnishes information on the extent and patterns of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among Alaskan youth, concentrating primarily on demographic variations among students in grades 7-12. Data for Alaskan youth are compared with data for youth in the lower 48 States. Study findings show that the lifetime prevalence for experience with any chemical substance in Alaska is high. More adolescents in grades 7-12 have tried one or more substances than those not trying. Prevalence rates are also high for lifetime experience with alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. More male than female students try drugs; all students seem to vary their drug use patterns, trying some substances earlier and delaying the use of others until they are older. Data on ethnic group drug use indicate that concentrated efforts need to be directed at developing education and prevention programs to account for ethnic diversity and to be responsive to the needs of a multicultural society. Data also suggest that marijuana has been accepted by a significant number of youth because it is not perceived as particularly deviant or illicit. It is concluded that legislation aimed at punishing the drug user and penalizing drug distributors is not effective. What is needed is an integrated approach of legal, social, health, law enforcement, education, and government professionals to develop public policies aimed at reducing the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Appendixes contain the study questionnaires. 92 references, 9 tables and 64 figures.