NCJ Number
119660
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 37 Issue: 2 and 3 Dated: (April-September 1985) Pages: 49-53
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A survey conducted in 1970, 1973, 1976, 1980, and 1984 at five American universities, involving 4,171 students, showed an increase in the use of cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, sedatives, amphetamines, and alcohol.
Abstract
The universities involved were Arizona State, Pennsylvania State, Northern Colorado University, State University of New York at Geneseo, and the University of Tennessee. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of approximately 1 percent of the student population of these universities. In 1984, 25 percent of the respondents reported they had used cannabis within the past month, and the percentage of students using alcohol increased from 84.2 percent in 1970 to 95.4 percent in 1984. From 1970 to 1984, the percentage of students using cocaine increased from 2.7 percent to 30 percent. The peak use of LSD was found in the 1976 survey (15.4 percent); the percentage decreased to 9.6 percent in 1980 and increased again to 12.5 percent in 1984. The percentage of students using stimulants increased from 20.7 percent in 1970 to 49 percent in 1984. Athletes used significantly more anabolic steroids than nonathletes. 1 table, 5 references. (Author abstract modified)