Cameron County - Los Fresnos Consolidated Isd - 1996 Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use
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TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE LOS FRESNOS 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 8, 10, and 12 in the Los Fresnos Independent School District (LFISD). A total of 791 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 43 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 748.1 Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that: •Fifty-eight percent of Los Fresnos ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 31 percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2). •Seven percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while none of the students reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis. •Seventy-two percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 42 percent reported using alcohol during the past month (Fig. 2). •Eighteen percent of Los Fresnos ISD 10th and 12th grade students said they had driven a car at least once during the past year after having "a good bit to drink" (Fig. 11). •Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 15* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 2* percent (Fig. 2).2 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
1
•Twenty-six* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 14 percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Los Fresnos ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (75 percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (41* percent), or a counselor or program in school (42* percent) (Fig. 17). Tobacco Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products) among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Los Fresnos ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-eight percent of Los Fresnos students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (58 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was reported by 51 percent of district 8th graders (52 percent statewide). Sixty-four percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (60 percent statewide) and 61 percent of LFISD 12th graders (63 percent statewide) said they had used a tobacco product at least once during their lifetimes. Thirty-one percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (28 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was reported by 23 percent of LFISD 8th grade students (23 percent statewide) and 30 percent of district 12th grade students (34 percent statewide). Forty* percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (30 percent statewide). Fifty-seven percent of Los Fresnos students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (56 percent statewide), and 29 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (26 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 7 percent of district students (9 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was reported by 3 percent of Los Fresnos 8th graders (5 percent statewide), 10 percent of LFISD 10th graders (11 percent statewide), and 11 percent of district 12th graders (14 percent statewide). Twenty-six percent of Los Fresnos students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (22 percent statewide). 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. 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
Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 18 percent of LFISD students (18 percent statewide), while 6 percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (6 percent statewide). None of the district students reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis (2 percent statewide), while 4 percent said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (5 percent statewide). Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Los Fresnos ISD. Alcohol use among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Los Fresnos ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates similar to those reported by their peers statewide. Seventy-two percent of Los Fresnos students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (76 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol consumption was reported by 67 percent of district 8th graders (68 percent statewide). Seventy-four percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (79 percent statewide) and 78 percent of LFISD 12th graders (85 percent statewide) said they had consumed alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 3). Forty-two percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (40 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was reported by 31 percent of LFISD 8th grade students (32 percent statewide). Forty-six percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students (42 percent statewide) and 54 percent of district 12th grade students (51 percent statewide) said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Los Fresnos students are beer (57 percent/59 percent statewide) and wine coolers (56* percent/62 percent statewide). Thirty-eight percent of LFISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (35 percent statewide), and 33 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (32 percent statewide). "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Thirty-nine percent of Los Fresnos ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (40 percent statewide), while 19 percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (21 percent statewide). Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was also reported by 39 percent of LFISD students (41 percent statewide), while 17 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide). Ten percent of Los Fresnos students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (10 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 6 percent of LFISD 8th graders (9 percent statewide), 13 percent of district 10th graders (10 percent statewide), and 13 percent of Los Fresnos 12th graders (10 percent statewide) (Figs. 9a and 9b).
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Eighteen percent of LFISD 10th and 12th grade students said that they had driven a car after having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year (18 percent statewide). Driving while intoxicated at least once during the past year was reported by 11 percent of district 10th grade students (12 percent statewide) and 27 percent of Los Fresnos 12th grade students (26 percent statewide). Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 4 percent of district 10th and 12th graders (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 11). Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties. Seventy-five percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (79 percent statewide). Forty percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (40 percent statewide), and 39 percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or always (42 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 9 percent of LFISD students (10 percent statewide). Forty percent of Los Fresnos students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year (41 percent statewide). Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 17 percent of LFISD 8th graders (21 percent statewide), 50 percent of district 10th graders (48 percent statewide), and 59 percent of Los Fresnos 12th graders (61 percent statewide) (Fig. 13). Forty-nine percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (46 percent statewide), while 18 percent of LFISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (19 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 LFISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (27 percent/27 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (54 percent/47 percent statewide). Seventy-three* percent of the Los Fresnos students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (65 percent statewide). By contrast, only 27 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (27 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 Los Fresnos students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide). Eleven percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (8 percent statewide), and 10 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (11 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).
4
Inhalants4 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 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has stayed about the same. Overall, Los Fresnos ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifteen* percent of Los Fresnos students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 19 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 20 percent of district 8th graders (24 percent statewide) and 12 percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (18 percent statewide). Ten percent of LFISD 12th graders said they had used an inhalant at least once during their lifetimes (14 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Two* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 4* percent of LFISD 8th grade students, nearly half the rate reported by 8th grade students statewide (7 percent). Two percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students reported past-month inhalant use (4 percent statewide). None of the district 12th grade students said they had used an inhalant during the past month (2 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Three percent of LFISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent statewide), and 2 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (3 percent statewide). Ten percent of LFISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (11 percent statewide). The inhalant substance most frequently used by Los Fresnos students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper (10 percent/9 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide), 4 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 7a and 7b). Fewer Los Fresnos ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (1 percent/3 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (4 percent/5 percent statewide). One percent of district students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (2 percent statewide). By contrast, 8 percent of district students who had 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 generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
5
gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using inhalants during the past 30 days (10 percent statewide). Illicit Drugs 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 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders statewide over the last two years. In the Los Fresnos ISD, 29* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by their counterparts statewide (36 percent). Twenty-three percent of LFISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (27 percent statewide). Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 2.4 times in the past 30 days and 7.0 times during their lives. Los Fresnos students reported average usage rates of 1.9 times in the past month and 5.5 times during their lifetimes. Twenty-six* percent of LFISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by their counterparts statewide (33 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime use of marijuana was reported by 21 percent of district 8th graders (26 percent statewide) and 32 percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (36 percent statewide). Twenty-five* percent of LFISD 12th graders said they had smoked marijuana at least once during their lifetimes, a rate lower than that reported by 12th graders statewide (41 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 14 percent of Los Fresnos ISD students (17 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 11 percent of LFISD 8th grade students (14 percent statewide) and 12 percent of district 12th grade students (19 percent statewide). Eighteen percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students said they had smoked marijuana during the past month (18 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Ten percent of LFISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (13 percent statewide). Attending class while stoned was reported by 9 percent of Los Fresnos ISD 8th graders (11 percent statewide), 9 percent of LFISD 12th graders (13 percent statewide), and 13 percent of district 10th graders (14 percent statewide) (Fig. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 9* percent of Los Fresnos ISD 10th and 12th grade students (13 percent statewide). Driving while under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 9 percent of district 10th grade students (10 percent statewide). Nine percent of Los Fresnos 12th grade
6
students reported driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year, nearly half the rate reported by their 12th grade peers statewide (17 percent). Fifty-three percent of LFISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (56 percent statewide), and 19 percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (22 percent statewide). Five 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). Eighteen* percent of the Los Fresnos ISD students said marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year (25 percent statewide). The use of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was reported by 9* percent of LFISD 8th graders (15 percent statewide) and 21* percent of Los Fresnos 12th graders (33 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by 8th and 8th graders statewide. Twenty-six percent of district 10th graders said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, compared to 25 percent of students statewide (29 percent statewide). Fewer Los Fresnos ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (7 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (20 percent/20 percent statewide). Four percent of Los Fresnos students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 44 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 (39 percent statewide). When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Los Fresnos students reported a disapproval rate of 86 percent (87 percent statewide). Nine percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (7 percent statewide), while 3 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Powdered cocaine is next most frequently used illicit substance among Los Fresnos ISD students (11* percent/7 percent statewide). Nine percent of LFISD students reported using uppers (9 percent statewide), 8 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 4* percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 3 percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide), 3* percent reported using ecstasy (6 percent statewide), and 2 percent said they had used steroids (2 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 Los Fresnos ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used a tobacco product, crack, or ecstasy, over two times more likely to have used marijuana, uppers, or downers, nearly three times more likely to have used powdered cocaine, and over three times more likely to have used hallucinogens than were district female students. There were no other
7
significant differences by gender among LFISD students with regard to the use of alcohol or steroids. Statewide, students making A and B grades reported lower drug use than did students making C, D, and F grades. In the Los Fresnos ISD, students reporting lower grades were somewhat more likely to have used crack or steroids and nearly twice as likely to have used inhalants than were those students making A and B grades. There were no other significant differences by grade average among LFISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, marijuana, or other illicit substances. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Los Fresnos students said they would seek help from their friends (75 percent/76 percent statewide). Sixty-four* percent of LFISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (58 percent statewide), and 58 percent said they would turn to their parents (54 percent statewide). District students are least likely to seek help from another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (41* percent/31 percent statewide), or a counselor or program in school (42* percent/33 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 7 percent of Los Fresnos students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (6 percent statewide). Eighty-eight* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall, compared to 73 percent of students statewide. "An assembly program" was reported by 65* percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 63* percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), and 53* percent reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (43 percent statewide); rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Eighty-nine percent of Los Fresnos students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (89 percent statewide), and 88 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Eighty percent of LFISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (77 percent statewide). Seventy* percent of Los Fresnos students believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous," a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (58 percent). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 46 percent of LFISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (43 percent statewide), while 42 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (36 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
8
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
1
•Twenty-six* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 14 percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Los Fresnos ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (75 percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (41* percent), or a counselor or program in school (42* percent) (Fig. 17). Tobacco Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products) among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Los Fresnos ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-eight percent of Los Fresnos students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (58 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was reported by 51 percent of district 8th graders (52 percent statewide). Sixty-four percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (60 percent statewide) and 61 percent of LFISD 12th graders (63 percent statewide) said they had used a tobacco product at least once during their lifetimes. Thirty-one percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (28 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was reported by 23 percent of LFISD 8th grade students (23 percent statewide) and 30 percent of district 12th grade students (34 percent statewide). Forty* percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (30 percent statewide). Fifty-seven percent of Los Fresnos students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (56 percent statewide), and 29 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (26 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 7 percent of district students (9 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was reported by 3 percent of Los Fresnos 8th graders (5 percent statewide), 10 percent of LFISD 10th graders (11 percent statewide), and 11 percent of district 12th graders (14 percent statewide). Twenty-six percent of Los Fresnos students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (22 percent statewide). 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. 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
Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 18 percent of LFISD students (18 percent statewide), while 6 percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (6 percent statewide). None of the district students reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis (2 percent statewide), while 4 percent said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (5 percent statewide). Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Los Fresnos ISD. Alcohol use among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Los Fresnos ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates similar to those reported by their peers statewide. Seventy-two percent of Los Fresnos students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (76 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol consumption was reported by 67 percent of district 8th graders (68 percent statewide). Seventy-four percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (79 percent statewide) and 78 percent of LFISD 12th graders (85 percent statewide) said they had consumed alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 3). Forty-two percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (40 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was reported by 31 percent of LFISD 8th grade students (32 percent statewide). Forty-six percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students (42 percent statewide) and 54 percent of district 12th grade students (51 percent statewide) said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Los Fresnos students are beer (57 percent/59 percent statewide) and wine coolers (56* percent/62 percent statewide). Thirty-eight percent of LFISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (35 percent statewide), and 33 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (32 percent statewide). "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Thirty-nine percent of Los Fresnos ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (40 percent statewide), while 19 percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (21 percent statewide). Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was also reported by 39 percent of LFISD students (41 percent statewide), while 17 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide). Ten percent of Los Fresnos students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (10 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 6 percent of LFISD 8th graders (9 percent statewide), 13 percent of district 10th graders (10 percent statewide), and 13 percent of Los Fresnos 12th graders (10 percent statewide) (Figs. 9a and 9b).
3
Eighteen percent of LFISD 10th and 12th grade students said that they had driven a car after having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year (18 percent statewide). Driving while intoxicated at least once during the past year was reported by 11 percent of district 10th grade students (12 percent statewide) and 27 percent of Los Fresnos 12th grade students (26 percent statewide). Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 4 percent of district 10th and 12th graders (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 11). Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties. Seventy-five percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (79 percent statewide). Forty percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (40 percent statewide), and 39 percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or always (42 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 9 percent of LFISD students (10 percent statewide). Forty percent of Los Fresnos students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year (41 percent statewide). Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 17 percent of LFISD 8th graders (21 percent statewide), 50 percent of district 10th graders (48 percent statewide), and 59 percent of Los Fresnos 12th graders (61 percent statewide) (Fig. 13). Forty-nine percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (46 percent statewide), while 18 percent of LFISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (19 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 LFISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (27 percent/27 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (54 percent/47 percent statewide). Seventy-three* percent of the Los Fresnos students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (65 percent statewide). By contrast, only 27 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (27 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 Los Fresnos students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide). Eleven percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (8 percent statewide), and 10 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (11 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).
4
Inhalants4 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 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has stayed about the same. Overall, Los Fresnos ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifteen* percent of Los Fresnos students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 19 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 20 percent of district 8th graders (24 percent statewide) and 12 percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (18 percent statewide). Ten percent of LFISD 12th graders said they had used an inhalant at least once during their lifetimes (14 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Two* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 4* percent of LFISD 8th grade students, nearly half the rate reported by 8th grade students statewide (7 percent). Two percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students reported past-month inhalant use (4 percent statewide). None of the district 12th grade students said they had used an inhalant during the past month (2 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Three percent of LFISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent statewide), and 2 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (3 percent statewide). Ten percent of LFISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (11 percent statewide). The inhalant substance most frequently used by Los Fresnos students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper (10 percent/9 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide), 4 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 7a and 7b). Fewer Los Fresnos ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (1 percent/3 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (4 percent/5 percent statewide). One percent of district students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (2 percent statewide). By contrast, 8 percent of district students who had 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 generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
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gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using inhalants during the past 30 days (10 percent statewide). Illicit Drugs 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 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders statewide over the last two years. In the Los Fresnos ISD, 29* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by their counterparts statewide (36 percent). Twenty-three percent of LFISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (27 percent statewide). Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 2.4 times in the past 30 days and 7.0 times during their lives. Los Fresnos students reported average usage rates of 1.9 times in the past month and 5.5 times during their lifetimes. Twenty-six* percent of LFISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by their counterparts statewide (33 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime use of marijuana was reported by 21 percent of district 8th graders (26 percent statewide) and 32 percent of Los Fresnos 10th graders (36 percent statewide). Twenty-five* percent of LFISD 12th graders said they had smoked marijuana at least once during their lifetimes, a rate lower than that reported by 12th graders statewide (41 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 14 percent of Los Fresnos ISD students (17 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 11 percent of LFISD 8th grade students (14 percent statewide) and 12 percent of district 12th grade students (19 percent statewide). Eighteen percent of Los Fresnos 10th grade students said they had smoked marijuana during the past month (18 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Ten percent of LFISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (13 percent statewide). Attending class while stoned was reported by 9 percent of Los Fresnos ISD 8th graders (11 percent statewide), 9 percent of LFISD 12th graders (13 percent statewide), and 13 percent of district 10th graders (14 percent statewide) (Fig. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 9* percent of Los Fresnos ISD 10th and 12th grade students (13 percent statewide). Driving while under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 9 percent of district 10th grade students (10 percent statewide). Nine percent of Los Fresnos 12th grade
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students reported driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year, nearly half the rate reported by their 12th grade peers statewide (17 percent). Fifty-three percent of LFISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (56 percent statewide), and 19 percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (22 percent statewide). Five 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). Eighteen* percent of the Los Fresnos ISD students said marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year (25 percent statewide). The use of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was reported by 9* percent of LFISD 8th graders (15 percent statewide) and 21* percent of Los Fresnos 12th graders (33 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by 8th and 8th graders statewide. Twenty-six percent of district 10th graders said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, compared to 25 percent of students statewide (29 percent statewide). Fewer Los Fresnos ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (7 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (20 percent/20 percent statewide). Four percent of Los Fresnos students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 44 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 (39 percent statewide). When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Los Fresnos students reported a disapproval rate of 86 percent (87 percent statewide). Nine percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (7 percent statewide), while 3 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Powdered cocaine is next most frequently used illicit substance among Los Fresnos ISD students (11* percent/7 percent statewide). Nine percent of LFISD students reported using uppers (9 percent statewide), 8 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 4* percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 3 percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide), 3* percent reported using ecstasy (6 percent statewide), and 2 percent said they had used steroids (2 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 Los Fresnos ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used a tobacco product, crack, or ecstasy, over two times more likely to have used marijuana, uppers, or downers, nearly three times more likely to have used powdered cocaine, and over three times more likely to have used hallucinogens than were district female students. There were no other
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significant differences by gender among LFISD students with regard to the use of alcohol or steroids. Statewide, students making A and B grades reported lower drug use than did students making C, D, and F grades. In the Los Fresnos ISD, students reporting lower grades were somewhat more likely to have used crack or steroids and nearly twice as likely to have used inhalants than were those students making A and B grades. There were no other significant differences by grade average among LFISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, marijuana, or other illicit substances. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Los Fresnos students said they would seek help from their friends (75 percent/76 percent statewide). Sixty-four* percent of LFISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (58 percent statewide), and 58 percent said they would turn to their parents (54 percent statewide). District students are least likely to seek help from another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (41* percent/31 percent statewide), or a counselor or program in school (42* percent/33 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 7 percent of Los Fresnos students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (6 percent statewide). Eighty-eight* percent of Los Fresnos ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall, compared to 73 percent of students statewide. "An assembly program" was reported by 65* percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 63* percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), and 53* percent reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (43 percent statewide); rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Eighty-nine percent of Los Fresnos students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (89 percent statewide), and 88 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Eighty percent of LFISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (77 percent statewide). Seventy* percent of Los Fresnos students believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous," a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (58 percent). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 46 percent of LFISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (43 percent statewide), while 42 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (36 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
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