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Drug use among 8th grade students is increasing
1Tri-Ethnic Center for Prevention Research, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
The International Journal of the Addictions
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Drug use among 8th graders has shifted. While marijuana and stimulant use decreased initially, inhalant and marijuana use have since risen, with inhalants surpassing marijuana in prevalence since 1989.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Substance use research
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Adolescent drug experimentation is a significant public health concern.
- Trends in substance use among young people require ongoing monitoring.
- Understanding shifts in drug prevalence is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in drug use among 8th-grade students in the United States.
- To identify changes in the relative prevalence of marijuana and inhalant use over time.
- To establish a baseline for future drug use prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of longitudinal survey data from 8th-grade students.
- Tracking reported use of specific substances including marijuana, stimulants, and inhalants.
- Comparison of drug prevalence rates across different time periods.
Main Results:
- Marijuana and stimulant use declined between 1987 and 1990.
- Following 1990, both marijuana and inhalant use showed an increasing trend.
- Since 1989, inhalants have become more frequently tried by 8th graders than marijuana.
Conclusions:
- The landscape of adolescent drug use has evolved, with a notable increase in inhalant experimentation.
- Shifting patterns necessitate updated prevention and intervention efforts for adolescent substance abuse.
- Inhalant use represents a growing area of concern among US 8th graders.