Psychoactive Drug Use in a Midwestern High School: Extent of Current Use and Future Trends

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Abstract
A comprehensive drug use questionnaire was administered to a sample of 110 Midwestern high school students to determine whether or not a similar trend of decreasing use among college students was evident among this younger group of drug users. Alcohol, tobacco and marihuana were the only substances used by a sizable proportion of respondents, and were used more frequently and over a longer period of time than any other drug. The overwhelming majority of the users of these substances reported that they intended to continue using them in the futre. All other drugs (e.g., LSD, barbiturates and amphetamines) were used by a relatively small proportion of respondents and typically in an experimental fashion; i.e., used on only 1 occasions with no intention for future use. The relationship of various demorgraphic, psychological and sociocultural variables to drug use were also examined. Drug use was significantly related to age, class level, religious preference and the percentage of friends reported to be drug users. Drug use does appear to be decreasing. at least among this sample of high school students. Policy decisions concerning drug use were discussed.

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