Falls County _ Rosebud-lott Isd _ 1996 Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use
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TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE ROSEBUD-LOTT 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 7 through 12 in the Rosebud-Lott Independent School District (RLISD). A total of 382 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 19 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 363.1 Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that: •
Fifty-eight percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 27 percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Seven percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 3 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.
•
Seventy-two percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 43 percent reported using alcohol during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Twenty percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD 9th through 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 13* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 3 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-two* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 9* percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Rosebud-Lott ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (72 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in school (39 percent) (Fig. 17).
Tobacco Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products) among students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Rosebud-Lott ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-eight percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime tobacco use was reported by 52 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (47 percent statewide) and 62 percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders (60 percent statewide). Twenty-seven percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was reported by 23 percent of RLISD 7th and 8th grade students (20 percent statewide) and 29 percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (30 percent statewide). Fifty-two percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (53 percent statewide), 24 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent statewide), and 7 percent reported smoking cigarettes on a daily basis (8 percent statewide). Nineteen percent of RLISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 28* percent of RLISD students, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (16 percent). Nine percent of Rosebud-Lott students said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), and 3 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis (1 percent statewide). Nine* percent of district students said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco, nearly twice the rate reported by students statewide (5 percent). 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
Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Rosebud-Lott ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Rosebud-Lott ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat similar to those reported by their peers statewide. Seventy-two percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (74 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was reported by 57 percent of RLISD 7th and 8th graders (63 percent statewide) and 82 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (80 percent statewide) (Fig. 3). Forty-three percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (38 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was reported by 28 percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (28 percent statewide). Fifty-three percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade students reported drinking alcohol during the past month, compared to 43 percent of 9th through 12th grade students statewide (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Rosebud-Lott students are beer (60 percent/56 percent statewide) and wine coolers (58 percent/58 percent statewide). Thirty-eight percent of RLISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 33 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide). "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Forty-four percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide), while 26* percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 43 percent of RLISD students (40 percent statewide), while 24 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide). Seven percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (9 percent statewide) (Fig. 9). Twenty percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade 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). Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 6 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. Seventy-four percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (75 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (37 percent statewide), and 40
3
percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or always (39 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 6 percent of RLISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of Rosebud-Lott students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year (37 percent statewide). Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 20 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (17 percent statewide) and 54 percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders (49 percent statewide) (Fig. 12). Forty-four percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (43 percent statewide), while 15 percent of RLISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (17 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 RLISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (22 percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (50 percent/44 percent statewide). Sixty-four percent of the district students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (62 percent statewide). By contrast, only 33 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (25 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, 71 percent of Rosebud-Lott students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide), and 15 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent statewide). Nine percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). 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 students statewide has stayed about the same. Overall, Rosebud-Lott ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Thirteen* percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 20 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was 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.
4
reported by 15 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (23 percent statewide). Eleven* percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders reported lifetime inhalant use, a rate lower than that reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (18 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Three percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 5 percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (8 percent statewide) and 1 percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade students (3 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). One* percent of RLISD 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 (4 percent statewide). Seven* percent of RLISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes, nearly half the rate reported by their peers statewide (12 percent). Five* percent of district students reported inhaling correction fluid/Liquid Paper (9 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 4 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), 4* percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide), 3 percent reported inhaling substances in the "other sprays" category (4 percent statewide), 3 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide), and 2* percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). 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 secondary students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among secondary students statewide over the last two years. In the Rosebud-Lott ISD, 22* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 15* percent of RLISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 2.2 times in the past 30 days and 6.4 times during their lives. Rosebud-Lott students reported average usage rates of 0.8 times in the past month and 3.0 times during their lifetimes. Twenty-two* percent of RLISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a rate lower than that reported by students statewide (31 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime marijuana use was reported by 12* percent of Rosebud-Lott 7th and 8th grade students (21 percent statewide) and 28* percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (37 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b).
5
Past-month marijuana use was reported by 9* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students, in contrast to the 16 percent reported by students statewide (16 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 6 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (11 percent statewide). Ten* percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders reported smoking marijuana during the past month, nearly half the rate reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (19 percent) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Five* percent of RLISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana, a rate lower than that reported by their peers statewide (13 percent). Attending class while "stoned" was reported by 4* percent of Rosebud-Lott 7th and 8th graders (10 percent statewide) and 7* percent of district 9th through 12th graders (14 percent statewide) (Fig. 10). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 6* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD 9th through 12th grade students, half the rate reported by 9th through 12th grade students statewide (12 percent). Thirty-eight* percent of RLISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53 percent statewide), and 10* percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (21 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by their peers statewide. Two* percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (6 percent statewide). Twelve* percent of the Rosebud-Lott ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, nearly half the rate reported by students statewide (23 percent). Marijuana and/or other drug use at most or all parties was reported by 4* percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (12 percent statewide) and 16* percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade students (29 percent statewide). Fewer Rosebud-Lott ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (6 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (12 percent/20 percent statewide). Two percent of district students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 24 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 (38 percent statewide). When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Rosebud-Lott students reported a disapproval rate of 88 percent (85 percent statewide). Eight percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (8 percent statewide), while 3 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Other illicit substances are used by a small number of Rosebud-Lott ISD students at rates generally lower than those reported by students statewide. Four* percent of RLISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 2* percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 2* percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 2 percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide), 1* percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), and 1* percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide) at least once during their
6
lifetimes. None of the district students said they had ever used steroids (2 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the Rosebud-Lott ISD, male students were the only reported users of steroids. On the other hand, RLISD female students were somewhat more likely to have used uppers than were their male counterparts in the district. There were no other significant differences by gender among RLISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or any other illicit substances. In the statewide survey, students living in two-parent homes reported lower drug use than did students living in other family situations. RLISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used hallucinogens and over two times more likely to have used inhalants or smoked marijuana than were those district students living in homes with two parents and were the only reported users of ecstasy in the district. On the other hand, RLISD students living in two-parents homes were the only reported users of steroids in the district. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Rosebud-Lott ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, or other illegal drugs. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Rosebud-Lott students said they would seek help from their friends (72 percent/74 percent statewide). Sixty percent of RLISD 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 for a drug or alcohol problem from a counselor or program in school (39 percent/35 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 4 percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Seventy-seven percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (75 percent statewide). "An assembly program" was reported by 49 percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 44 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), and 42 percent reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (46 percent statewide). The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Ninety-two percent of Rosebud-Lott students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 92 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Eighty percent of RLISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (70 percent statewide), and 72* percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 49
7
percent of RLISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 37 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
8
Fifty-eight percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 27 percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Seven percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 3 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.
•
Seventy-two percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 43 percent reported using alcohol during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Twenty percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD 9th through 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 13* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 3 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-two* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 9* percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Rosebud-Lott ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (72 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in school (39 percent) (Fig. 17).
Tobacco Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products) among students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Rosebud-Lott ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-eight percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime tobacco use was reported by 52 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (47 percent statewide) and 62 percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders (60 percent statewide). Twenty-seven percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was reported by 23 percent of RLISD 7th and 8th grade students (20 percent statewide) and 29 percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (30 percent statewide). Fifty-two percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (53 percent statewide), 24 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent statewide), and 7 percent reported smoking cigarettes on a daily basis (8 percent statewide). Nineteen percent of RLISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 28* percent of RLISD students, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (16 percent). Nine percent of Rosebud-Lott students said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), and 3 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis (1 percent statewide). Nine* percent of district students said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco, nearly twice the rate reported by students statewide (5 percent). 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
Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Rosebud-Lott ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Rosebud-Lott ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat similar to those reported by their peers statewide. Seventy-two percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (74 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was reported by 57 percent of RLISD 7th and 8th graders (63 percent statewide) and 82 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (80 percent statewide) (Fig. 3). Forty-three percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (38 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was reported by 28 percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (28 percent statewide). Fifty-three percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade students reported drinking alcohol during the past month, compared to 43 percent of 9th through 12th grade students statewide (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Rosebud-Lott students are beer (60 percent/56 percent statewide) and wine coolers (58 percent/58 percent statewide). Thirty-eight percent of RLISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 33 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide). "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Forty-four percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide), while 26* percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 43 percent of RLISD students (40 percent statewide), while 24 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide). Seven percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (9 percent statewide) (Fig. 9). Twenty percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade 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). Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 6 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. Seventy-four percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (75 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (37 percent statewide), and 40
3
percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or always (39 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 6 percent of RLISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of Rosebud-Lott students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year (37 percent statewide). Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 20 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (17 percent statewide) and 54 percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders (49 percent statewide) (Fig. 12). Forty-four percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (43 percent statewide), while 15 percent of RLISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (17 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 RLISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (22 percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (50 percent/44 percent statewide). Sixty-four percent of the district students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (62 percent statewide). By contrast, only 33 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (25 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, 71 percent of Rosebud-Lott students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide), and 15 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent statewide). Nine percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). 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 students statewide has stayed about the same. Overall, Rosebud-Lott ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Thirteen* percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 20 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was 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.
4
reported by 15 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (23 percent statewide). Eleven* percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders reported lifetime inhalant use, a rate lower than that reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (18 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Three percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 5 percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (8 percent statewide) and 1 percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade students (3 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). One* percent of RLISD 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 (4 percent statewide). Seven* percent of RLISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes, nearly half the rate reported by their peers statewide (12 percent). Five* percent of district students reported inhaling correction fluid/Liquid Paper (9 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 4 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), 4* percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide), 3 percent reported inhaling substances in the "other sprays" category (4 percent statewide), 3 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide), and 2* percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). 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 secondary students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among secondary students statewide over the last two years. In the Rosebud-Lott ISD, 22* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 15* percent of RLISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 2.2 times in the past 30 days and 6.4 times during their lives. Rosebud-Lott students reported average usage rates of 0.8 times in the past month and 3.0 times during their lifetimes. Twenty-two* percent of RLISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a rate lower than that reported by students statewide (31 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime marijuana use was reported by 12* percent of Rosebud-Lott 7th and 8th grade students (21 percent statewide) and 28* percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (37 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b).
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Past-month marijuana use was reported by 9* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students, in contrast to the 16 percent reported by students statewide (16 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 6 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (11 percent statewide). Ten* percent of RLISD 9th through 12th graders reported smoking marijuana during the past month, nearly half the rate reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (19 percent) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Five* percent of RLISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana, a rate lower than that reported by their peers statewide (13 percent). Attending class while "stoned" was reported by 4* percent of Rosebud-Lott 7th and 8th graders (10 percent statewide) and 7* percent of district 9th through 12th graders (14 percent statewide) (Fig. 10). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 6* percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD 9th through 12th grade students, half the rate reported by 9th through 12th grade students statewide (12 percent). Thirty-eight* percent of RLISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53 percent statewide), and 10* percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (21 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by their peers statewide. Two* percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (6 percent statewide). Twelve* percent of the Rosebud-Lott ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, nearly half the rate reported by students statewide (23 percent). Marijuana and/or other drug use at most or all parties was reported by 4* percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (12 percent statewide) and 16* percent of RLISD 9th through 12th grade students (29 percent statewide). Fewer Rosebud-Lott ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (6 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (12 percent/20 percent statewide). Two percent of district students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 24 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 (38 percent statewide). When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Rosebud-Lott students reported a disapproval rate of 88 percent (85 percent statewide). Eight percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (8 percent statewide), while 3 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Other illicit substances are used by a small number of Rosebud-Lott ISD students at rates generally lower than those reported by students statewide. Four* percent of RLISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 2* percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 2* percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 2 percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide), 1* percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), and 1* percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide) at least once during their
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lifetimes. None of the district students said they had ever used steroids (2 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the Rosebud-Lott ISD, male students were the only reported users of steroids. On the other hand, RLISD female students were somewhat more likely to have used uppers than were their male counterparts in the district. There were no other significant differences by gender among RLISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or any other illicit substances. In the statewide survey, students living in two-parent homes reported lower drug use than did students living in other family situations. RLISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used hallucinogens and over two times more likely to have used inhalants or smoked marijuana than were those district students living in homes with two parents and were the only reported users of ecstasy in the district. On the other hand, RLISD students living in two-parents homes were the only reported users of steroids in the district. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Rosebud-Lott ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, or other illegal drugs. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Rosebud-Lott students said they would seek help from their friends (72 percent/74 percent statewide). Sixty percent of RLISD 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 for a drug or alcohol problem from a counselor or program in school (39 percent/35 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 4 percent of Rosebud-Lott students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Seventy-seven percent of Rosebud-Lott ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (75 percent statewide). "An assembly program" was reported by 49 percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 44 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), and 42 percent reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (46 percent statewide). The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Ninety-two percent of Rosebud-Lott students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 92 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Eighty percent of RLISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (70 percent statewide), and 72* percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 49
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percent of RLISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 37 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
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