NCJ Number
128189
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 59-72
Date Published
1991
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Aggregate estimates from adolescent drug use surveys conducted in six of the ten Canadian provinces are presented to summarize trends of drug use in this population and to compare them with trends among American adolescents.
Abstract
Between 1977 and 1989, there were marked reductions in the prevalence of 10 of the 17 substances included in the surveys. Four additional substances showed a significant downward trend beginning in the early 1980's. Findings in Ontario, which are presented in greater detail in this article, also indicate a decrease in multiple drug use among adolescents. The authors suggest that the overall decline in drug use is attributable not only to a reduction in demand, but also to greater global health-related behaviors and health consciousness. Some of the future trends in Canadian adolescent drug use outlined by the authors include a lower rate of illicit substance use than that estimated for comparable American age groups, enduring declines in illicit use among the current cohort of adolescents, a stabilization in the numbers of adolescents trying crack or cocaine, and the appearance of new drugs and new methods of drug administration in North America. 3 tables, 3 figures, and 20 references (Author abstract modified)