Bexar County - Northside Isd - 1996 Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use
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TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE NORTHSIDE ISD SECONDARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OVERVIEW In the Spring of 1996, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, in conjunction with the Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University, administered a survey to students in grades 9 through 12 in the Northside Independent School District (NISD). A total of 991 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 46 surveys were excluded from analysis because students did not indicate their grade or age, or because they were identified as exaggerators (i.e., claimed to have used a non-existent drug or reported overly excessive drug use). The final number of surveys included in the overall district analysis was 945.1 Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that: •Sixty-three percent of Northside ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 30 percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2). •Seven* percent of Northside ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 1* percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.2 •Eighty-four* percent of Northside ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 48* percent reported using alcohol during the past month (Fig. 2). •Fifteen percent of Northside ISD students said they had driven a car at least once during the past year after having "a good bit to drink" (Fig. 11).
1
The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I: District Survey Results." Due to the differences in rounding procedures, there may be slight discrepancies between the percentages referred to in the tables and those reflected in the executive summary and in the corresponding figures. Figures referenced throughout this report are included in "Part III: Executive Summary." 2
Data in this report marked with an asterisk are estimated to be statistically significant at the .01 level from the comparable data for the state as a whole. This means that in only one of a hundred samples would a difference this large have occurred when there was no difference between the district and state data. Differences in very small districts will seldom be statistically significant due to the small number of cases. Differences that are not marked may be important, but should be treated with more caution than those that are statistically significant.
1
•Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 26* percent of Northside ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 7* percent (Fig. 2). •Forty-four* percent of Northside ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 20 percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Northside ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (79 percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (25* percent) (Fig. 17). Tobacco Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products) among 9th through 12th grade students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Northside ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by students statewide. Sixty-three percent of Northside students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (60 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was lowest among district 11th graders (51 percent/61 percent statewide). Seventy-two* percent of NISD 10th grade students reported lifetime use of a tobacco product, a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (60 percent). Thirty percent of Northside ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (30 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month general tobacco use ranged from 26 percent among NISD 11th grade students (31 percent statewide) to 32 percent among district 12th grade students (34 percent statewide). Sixty-one percent of Northside students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (58 percent statewide), and 28 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (28 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 7* percent of district students (11 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was reported by 4* percent of Northside ISD 10th graders, a rate lower than that reported by 10th graders statewide (12 percent). Twenty-six percent of NISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (24 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 15 percent of NISD students (19 percent statewide), while 5 percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (6 percent statewide). Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was 3
Statewide data is collected every other year. The statewide data used for comparison purposes in the district report and executive summary is taken from the results of the survey administered in the Spring of 1996.
2
reported by 1* percent of district students (2 percent statewide), and 5 percent said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (6 percent statewide). Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Northside ISD. Alcohol use among 9th through 12th grade students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Northside ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Eighty-four* percent of Northside students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (80 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was lowest among NISD 9th graders (80 percent/76 percent statewide) and Northside 11th graders (80 percent/82 percent statewide). The highest rate of lifetime alcohol use was reported by district 10th grade students (93* percent), a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (79 percent) (Fig. 3). Forty-eight* percent of Northside ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (43 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was lowest among NISD 9th graders (44 percent/38 percent statewide) and highest among district 12th graders (56 percent/51 percent statewide) (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Northside students are wine coolers (74* percent/66 percent statewide) and beer (67 percent/63 percent statewide). Thirty-eight percent of NISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (38 percent statewide), and 38 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (35 percent statewide). "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 52* percent of NISD students (45 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (21 percent statewide). Forty-five percent of Northside ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (43 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (23 percent statewide). Twelve percent of Northside students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (10 percent statewide). The rates of class attendance while intoxicated ranged from 9 percent among NISD 12th graders (10 percent statewide) to 14 percent among district 11th graders (10 percent statewide) (Figs. 9a and 9b). Fifteen percent of NISD students said that they had driven a car after having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year (15 percent statewide). The highest rate of driving while intoxicated was reported by Northside 12th graders (27 percent/26 percent statewide). Driving
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while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 5 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 11). Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties. Eighty-eight* percent of Northside ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain, compared to 83 percent of students statewide. Fifty-two* percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (45 percent statewide), and 55* percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or always (47 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 14 percent of NISD students (11 percent statewide). Fifty-six* percent of Northside students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (49 percent). The highest rate of alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by NISD 12th graders (66 percent/61 percent statewide) (Figs. 13a and 13b). Fifty-seven* percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always, compared to 51 percent of students statewide. Twenty-five percent of NISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (22 percent statewide). Students were asked how many days during the school year they were absent from class due to an illness or for some other reason, and how many days they had gotten into trouble because of conduct or attitude problems. Fewer NISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (29 percent/30 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (52 percent/50 percent statewide). Seventy-six* percent of Northside ISD students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (67 percent statewide). By contrast, only 28 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (30 percent statewide). Parental attitudes can be a major factor in whether or not a student uses alcohol or drugs. When asked how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer, 76 percent of Northside students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (75 percent statewide). Eight percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (7 percent statewide), and 11 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (13 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).
Inhalants4 4
Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to
4
In general, inhalants are common, licit substances (paints, thinners, correction fluid, glue, etc.) which, when sniffed, huffed, or inhaled, produce an intoxicating effect. Over the last two years, use of inhalants among 9th through 12th grade students statewide stayed about the same. Overall, Northside ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Twenty-six* percent of Northside students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 18 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was lowest among district 12th grade students (19 percent/14 percent statewide). The highest rate of lifetime inhalant use was reported by 34* percent of NISD 10th graders, nearly double the rate reported by 10th graders statewide (18 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Seven* percent of Northside ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month, over twice the rate reported by students statewide (3 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 3 percent of district 12th grade students (2 percent statewide). Thirteen* percent of NISD 11th graders reported using an inhalant during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 11th graders statewide (2 percent) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Two percent of NISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (2 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (3 percent statewide). Fourteen* percent of NISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (10 percent statewide). The inhalant substance most frequently used by Northside students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper (13* percent), a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (8 percent). Nine* percent of district students reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (6 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (6 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled glue (4 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). Fewer Northside ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (3 percent/3 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (10 percent/4 percent statewide). Three percent of NISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (2 percent statewide). By contrast, 13 percent of district students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using inhalants during the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). Illicit Drugs generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
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Illicit drugs are defined as controlled substances and include marijuana, cocaine (powdered form and crack), uppers (stimulants), downers (narcotics), hallucinogens, and ecstasy. Over the last two years, the use of illicit drugs among 9th through 12th grade students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among 9th through 12th graders statewide over the last two years. In the Northside ISD, 46* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (40 percent statewide), while 35* percent of NISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (30 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 2.7 times in the past 30 days and 8.2 times during their lives. Northside students reported average usage rates of 2.9 times in the past month and 9.3 times during their lifetimes. Forty-four* percent of NISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (37 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime marijuana use was lowest among Northside 9th graders (36 percent/35 percent). Fifty percent of district 12th grade students (40 percent statewide) and 53* percent of NISD 10th grade students (36 percent statewide) reported smoking marijuana during the past month, rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 20 percent of Northside ISD students (19 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month marijuana use ranged from 17 percent among district 10th graders (18 percent statewide) to 26 percent among NISD 12th graders (19 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Fifteen percent of NISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (14 percent statewide) (Figs. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 12 percent of Northside ISD grade students, the same rate reported by students statewide. Driving under the influence of drugs was highest among NISD 11th graders (19 percent/14 percent statewide) and district 12th graders (21 percent/17 percent statewide). Seventy* percent of NISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (64 percent). Twenty-nine percent of Northside students reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (25 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (7 percent statewide). Thirty-eight* percent of the Northside ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, compared to 29 percent of students statewide. The use of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was highest among district 11th graders (45* percent/32 percent statewide) and NISD 12th graders (46* percent/33 percent statewide).
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Fewer Northside ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (7 percent/11 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (23 percent/23 percent statewide). Seven percent of NISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (8 percent statewide). By contrast, 40 percent of district students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using marijuana during the past 30 days (42 percent statewide). When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Northside students reported a disapproval rate of 88 percent (86 percent statewide). Five percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (6 percent statewide), while 4 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Powdered cocaine is the next most frequently used illicit substance among Northside ISD students (13* percent), a rate higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide (8 percent). Twelve percent of NISD students reported using uppers (10 percent statewide), 11 percent said they had used hallucinogens (10 percent statewide), 8 percent reported using downers (7 percent statewide), and 8 percent reported using ecstasy (7 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1). CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the Northside ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used inhalants, marijuana, uppers, downers, steroids, or ecstasy, and nearly two times more likely to have used powdered cocaine or hallucinogens than were district female students. There were no other significant differences by gender among NISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, or crack. In the statewide survey, students living in two-parent homes reported lower drug use than did students living in other family situations. NISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used uppers or downers, nearly twice as likely to have used powdered cocaine, and over two times more likely to have used crack than were those district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Northside ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or other illicit drugs. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Northside students said they would seek help from their friends (79 percent/78 percent statewide). Sixty-five* percent of NISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (58 percent). Fortyeight percent of Northside students said they would turn to their parents (52 percent statewide). District students are least likely to seek help for a drug or alcohol problem from another adult in
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school, such as a teacher or nurse (25* percent/30 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 6 percent of Northside students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (6 percent statewide). Seventy-four percent of Northside ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (73 percent statewide). Fortytwo percent of NISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (47 percent statewide), while "an assembly program" was reported by 41 percent of district students as a source for this information (40 percent statewide), and 29 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for information about drugs and alcohol (34 percent statewide). The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Eighty-nine percent of Northside students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (90 percent statewide), and 84 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-four percent of NISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (77 percent statewide). Forty-five* percent of district students believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous," a rate lower than that reported by students statewide (54 percent). Forty-five percent of NISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (42 percent statewide), while only 30 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (34 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
8
1
The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I: District Survey Results." Due to the differences in rounding procedures, there may be slight discrepancies between the percentages referred to in the tables and those reflected in the executive summary and in the corresponding figures. Figures referenced throughout this report are included in "Part III: Executive Summary." 2
Data in this report marked with an asterisk are estimated to be statistically significant at the .01 level from the comparable data for the state as a whole. This means that in only one of a hundred samples would a difference this large have occurred when there was no difference between the district and state data. Differences in very small districts will seldom be statistically significant due to the small number of cases. Differences that are not marked may be important, but should be treated with more caution than those that are statistically significant.
1
•Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 26* percent of Northside ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 7* percent (Fig. 2). •Forty-four* percent of Northside ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 20 percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Northside ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (79 percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (25* percent) (Fig. 17). Tobacco Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products) among 9th through 12th grade students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Northside ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by students statewide. Sixty-three percent of Northside students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (60 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was lowest among district 11th graders (51 percent/61 percent statewide). Seventy-two* percent of NISD 10th grade students reported lifetime use of a tobacco product, a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (60 percent). Thirty percent of Northside ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (30 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month general tobacco use ranged from 26 percent among NISD 11th grade students (31 percent statewide) to 32 percent among district 12th grade students (34 percent statewide). Sixty-one percent of Northside students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (58 percent statewide), and 28 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (28 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 7* percent of district students (11 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was reported by 4* percent of Northside ISD 10th graders, a rate lower than that reported by 10th graders statewide (12 percent). Twenty-six percent of NISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (24 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 15 percent of NISD students (19 percent statewide), while 5 percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (6 percent statewide). Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was 3
Statewide data is collected every other year. The statewide data used for comparison purposes in the district report and executive summary is taken from the results of the survey administered in the Spring of 1996.
2
reported by 1* percent of district students (2 percent statewide), and 5 percent said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (6 percent statewide). Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Northside ISD. Alcohol use among 9th through 12th grade students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Northside ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Eighty-four* percent of Northside students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (80 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was lowest among NISD 9th graders (80 percent/76 percent statewide) and Northside 11th graders (80 percent/82 percent statewide). The highest rate of lifetime alcohol use was reported by district 10th grade students (93* percent), a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (79 percent) (Fig. 3). Forty-eight* percent of Northside ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (43 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was lowest among NISD 9th graders (44 percent/38 percent statewide) and highest among district 12th graders (56 percent/51 percent statewide) (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Northside students are wine coolers (74* percent/66 percent statewide) and beer (67 percent/63 percent statewide). Thirty-eight percent of NISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (38 percent statewide), and 38 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (35 percent statewide). "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 52* percent of NISD students (45 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (21 percent statewide). Forty-five percent of Northside ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (43 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (23 percent statewide). Twelve percent of Northside students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (10 percent statewide). The rates of class attendance while intoxicated ranged from 9 percent among NISD 12th graders (10 percent statewide) to 14 percent among district 11th graders (10 percent statewide) (Figs. 9a and 9b). Fifteen percent of NISD students said that they had driven a car after having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year (15 percent statewide). The highest rate of driving while intoxicated was reported by Northside 12th graders (27 percent/26 percent statewide). Driving
3
while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 5 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 11). Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties. Eighty-eight* percent of Northside ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain, compared to 83 percent of students statewide. Fifty-two* percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (45 percent statewide), and 55* percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or always (47 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 14 percent of NISD students (11 percent statewide). Fifty-six* percent of Northside students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (49 percent). The highest rate of alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by NISD 12th graders (66 percent/61 percent statewide) (Figs. 13a and 13b). Fifty-seven* percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always, compared to 51 percent of students statewide. Twenty-five percent of NISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (22 percent statewide). Students were asked how many days during the school year they were absent from class due to an illness or for some other reason, and how many days they had gotten into trouble because of conduct or attitude problems. Fewer NISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (29 percent/30 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (52 percent/50 percent statewide). Seventy-six* percent of Northside ISD students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (67 percent statewide). By contrast, only 28 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (30 percent statewide). Parental attitudes can be a major factor in whether or not a student uses alcohol or drugs. When asked how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer, 76 percent of Northside students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (75 percent statewide). Eight percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (7 percent statewide), and 11 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (13 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).
Inhalants4 4
Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to
4
In general, inhalants are common, licit substances (paints, thinners, correction fluid, glue, etc.) which, when sniffed, huffed, or inhaled, produce an intoxicating effect. Over the last two years, use of inhalants among 9th through 12th grade students statewide stayed about the same. Overall, Northside ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Twenty-six* percent of Northside students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 18 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was lowest among district 12th grade students (19 percent/14 percent statewide). The highest rate of lifetime inhalant use was reported by 34* percent of NISD 10th graders, nearly double the rate reported by 10th graders statewide (18 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Seven* percent of Northside ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month, over twice the rate reported by students statewide (3 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 3 percent of district 12th grade students (2 percent statewide). Thirteen* percent of NISD 11th graders reported using an inhalant during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 11th graders statewide (2 percent) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Two percent of NISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (2 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (3 percent statewide). Fourteen* percent of NISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (10 percent statewide). The inhalant substance most frequently used by Northside students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper (13* percent), a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (8 percent). Nine* percent of district students reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (6 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (6 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled glue (4 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). Fewer Northside ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (3 percent/3 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (10 percent/4 percent statewide). Three percent of NISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (2 percent statewide). By contrast, 13 percent of district students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using inhalants during the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). Illicit Drugs generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
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Illicit drugs are defined as controlled substances and include marijuana, cocaine (powdered form and crack), uppers (stimulants), downers (narcotics), hallucinogens, and ecstasy. Over the last two years, the use of illicit drugs among 9th through 12th grade students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among 9th through 12th graders statewide over the last two years. In the Northside ISD, 46* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (40 percent statewide), while 35* percent of NISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (30 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 2.7 times in the past 30 days and 8.2 times during their lives. Northside students reported average usage rates of 2.9 times in the past month and 9.3 times during their lifetimes. Forty-four* percent of NISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (37 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime marijuana use was lowest among Northside 9th graders (36 percent/35 percent). Fifty percent of district 12th grade students (40 percent statewide) and 53* percent of NISD 10th grade students (36 percent statewide) reported smoking marijuana during the past month, rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 20 percent of Northside ISD students (19 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month marijuana use ranged from 17 percent among district 10th graders (18 percent statewide) to 26 percent among NISD 12th graders (19 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Fifteen percent of NISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (14 percent statewide) (Figs. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 12 percent of Northside ISD grade students, the same rate reported by students statewide. Driving under the influence of drugs was highest among NISD 11th graders (19 percent/14 percent statewide) and district 12th graders (21 percent/17 percent statewide). Seventy* percent of NISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (64 percent). Twenty-nine percent of Northside students reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (25 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (7 percent statewide). Thirty-eight* percent of the Northside ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, compared to 29 percent of students statewide. The use of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was highest among district 11th graders (45* percent/32 percent statewide) and NISD 12th graders (46* percent/33 percent statewide).
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Fewer Northside ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (7 percent/11 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (23 percent/23 percent statewide). Seven percent of NISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (8 percent statewide). By contrast, 40 percent of district students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using marijuana during the past 30 days (42 percent statewide). When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Northside students reported a disapproval rate of 88 percent (86 percent statewide). Five percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (6 percent statewide), while 4 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Powdered cocaine is the next most frequently used illicit substance among Northside ISD students (13* percent), a rate higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide (8 percent). Twelve percent of NISD students reported using uppers (10 percent statewide), 11 percent said they had used hallucinogens (10 percent statewide), 8 percent reported using downers (7 percent statewide), and 8 percent reported using ecstasy (7 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1). CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the Northside ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used inhalants, marijuana, uppers, downers, steroids, or ecstasy, and nearly two times more likely to have used powdered cocaine or hallucinogens than were district female students. There were no other significant differences by gender among NISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, or crack. In the statewide survey, students living in two-parent homes reported lower drug use than did students living in other family situations. NISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used uppers or downers, nearly twice as likely to have used powdered cocaine, and over two times more likely to have used crack than were those district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Northside ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or other illicit drugs. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Northside students said they would seek help from their friends (79 percent/78 percent statewide). Sixty-five* percent of NISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (58 percent). Fortyeight percent of Northside students said they would turn to their parents (52 percent statewide). District students are least likely to seek help for a drug or alcohol problem from another adult in
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school, such as a teacher or nurse (25* percent/30 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 6 percent of Northside students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (6 percent statewide). Seventy-four percent of Northside ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (73 percent statewide). Fortytwo percent of NISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (47 percent statewide), while "an assembly program" was reported by 41 percent of district students as a source for this information (40 percent statewide), and 29 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for information about drugs and alcohol (34 percent statewide). The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Eighty-nine percent of Northside students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (90 percent statewide), and 84 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-four percent of NISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (77 percent statewide). Forty-five* percent of district students believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous," a rate lower than that reported by students statewide (54 percent). Forty-five percent of NISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (42 percent statewide), while only 30 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (34 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
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