Patterns of alcohol and other drug use in an Iowa community

From a baseline survey of high school students in two school systems, information was obtained to describe patterns of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and adverse consequences of use, compare indices of AOD use and consequences for grade level and gender differences, and examine relationships of indices to selected individual, family-related, and social competence/adjustment-related risk factors. Though use of illicit drugs was reported at low levels, prevalence of drinking and incidence of binge drinking were relatively high. Increases in AOD use and adverse consequences with age and grade level were found, but gender differences were not found. Relationships of AOD use and adverse consequences to selected individual, family, and social risk factors were consistent with a substantial body of prior work but exceptions were found. Strongest correlations to both indices were found for risk taking, sense of mastery, family management/cohesion, peer pressure, and social/school adjustment.