Grimes County - Anderson-shiro Cisd _ 1996 Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use
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TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE ANDERSON-SHIRO 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 AM University, administered a survey to students in grades 7 through 12 in the Anderson-Shiro Independent School District (ASISD). A total of 188 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 14 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 174.1 Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that: •
Fifty-eight percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 28 percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Eight percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 5 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.
•
Eighty-four* percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 46 percent reported using alcohol during the past month (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 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
•
Twenty-one percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 8* percent of district students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 2 percent (Fig. 2).
•
Seventeen* percent of Anderson-Shiro 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).
•
Anderson-Shiro ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (68 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in school (31 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD students is similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide; however, use of the smokeless variety was higher than that reported by students statewide. Fifty-eight percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1).4 Twenty-eight percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Fifty-six percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (53 percent statewide), and 24 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 8 percent of district students (8 percent statewide), while 19 percent said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 31* percent of ASISD students (16 percent statewide), and 9 percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), nearly double the rates reported by students statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 5 percent of district students (1 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. 4
Due to the small number of students surveyed in this district, no between-grade comparisons can be made.
2
percent statewide), and 7 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Anderson-Shiro ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Eighty-four* percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 74 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Forty-six percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (38 percent) (Fig. 2). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Anderson-Shiro students are wine coolers (72* percent/58 percent statewide) and beer (69* percent/56 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Forty percent of ASISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 37 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by their counterparts 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide), while 27 percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 44 percent of ASISD students (40 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide). Thirteen percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (9 percent statewide) (Fig. 9). Twenty-one percent of ASISD 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 7 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-seven percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 39 percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or
3
always (39 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 5 percent of ASISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-four percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 (37 percent) (Fig. 13). Forty-five percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (43 percent statewide), while 17 percent of ASISD 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 ASISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (32 percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (55 percent/44 percent statewide). Eighty-three* percent of the Anderson-Shiro students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (62 percent). 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, 63* percent of Anderson-Shiro students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by their peers statewide (76 percent). Twelve percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9 percent statewide), and 17 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).
Inhalants5 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, Anderson-Shiro ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Eight* percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, less than half the reported by students statewide (20 percent) (Fig. 1). Two percent of 5
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
Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). One percent of ASISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent statewide), and 3 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (4 percent statewide). Six percent of ASISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (12 percent statewide). The inhalant substance most frequently used by Anderson-Shiro students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper (7 percent/9 percent statewide). Four percent of district students said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide), 4 percent reported inhaling paint thinner (5 percent statewide), 3 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 2 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), and 2* percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 7). 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 students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among students statewide over the last two years. In the Anderson-Shiro ISD, 20* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 13* percent of ASISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students 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. Anderson-Shiro students reported average usage rates of 2.7 times in the past month and 4.8 times during their lifetimes. Seventeen* percent of ASISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes (31 percent statewide) (Fig. 1), while past-month marijuana use was reported by 9* percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students (16 percent statewide), nearly half the rates reported by students statewide (Fig. 2). Ten percent of ASISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (13 percent statewide) (Fig. 10). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 9 percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide). Forty-four percent of ASISD 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
5
percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students statewide. Four 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). Ten* percent of the Anderson-Shiro ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, less than half the rate reported by their counterparts statewide (23 percent). Fewer Anderson-Shiro ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (3 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (15 percent/20 percent statewide). Two percent of Anderson-Shiro students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 45 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, Anderson-Shiro students reported a disapproval rate of 84 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 5 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Other illicit substances are used by a small number of Anderson-Shiro ISD students. Seven percent of ASISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), 4 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 4 percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 3 percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 2 percent said they had used steroids (2 percent statewide), and 1 percent reported using crack (3 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used tobacco products or hallucinogens than were district female students. In addition, ASISD male students were the only reported users of steroids in the district. On the other hand, AndersonShiro female students were nearly three times more likely to have used powdered cocaine than were district males. There were no other significant differences by gender among ASISD students with regard to the use of alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or 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. ASISD students living in other family situations were over two times more likely to have used powdered cocaine and nearly three times more likely to have smoked marijuana than were those district students living in homes with two parents. On the other hand, those Anderson-Shiro students living in two-parent homes were the only reported users of crack in the district. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement
6
among Anderson-Shiro ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, or other illegal drugs. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Anderson-Shiro students said they would seek help from their friends (68 percent/74 percent statewide). Sixty-two percent of ASISD 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 a counselor or program in school (31 percent/35 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 4 percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Eighty percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 62* percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 57* percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Thirty-six percent of ASISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class," compared to 46 percent of students statewide. The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Eighty-seven percent of Anderson-Shiro students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 86 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-nine percent of ASISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (70 percent statewide), and 71* percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 42 percent of ASISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 39 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
7
Fifty-eight percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 28 percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2).
•
Eight percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 5 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.
•
Eighty-four* percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 46 percent reported using alcohol during the past month (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 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
•
Twenty-one percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 8* percent of district students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 2 percent (Fig. 2).
•
Seventeen* percent of Anderson-Shiro 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).
•
Anderson-Shiro ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (68 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in school (31 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD students is similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide; however, use of the smokeless variety was higher than that reported by students statewide. Fifty-eight percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1).4 Twenty-eight percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Fifty-six percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (53 percent statewide), and 24 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 8 percent of district students (8 percent statewide), while 19 percent said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 31* percent of ASISD students (16 percent statewide), and 9 percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), nearly double the rates reported by students statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 5 percent of district students (1 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. 4
Due to the small number of students surveyed in this district, no between-grade comparisons can be made.
2
percent statewide), and 7 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Anderson-Shiro ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Eighty-four* percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 74 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Forty-six percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (38 percent) (Fig. 2). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Anderson-Shiro students are wine coolers (72* percent/58 percent statewide) and beer (69* percent/56 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Forty percent of ASISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 37 percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by their counterparts 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide), while 27 percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 44 percent of ASISD students (40 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide). Thirteen percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (9 percent statewide) (Fig. 9). Twenty-one percent of ASISD 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 7 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-seven percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 39 percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or
3
always (39 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 5 percent of ASISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-four percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 (37 percent) (Fig. 13). Forty-five percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (43 percent statewide), while 17 percent of ASISD 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 ASISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (32 percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (55 percent/44 percent statewide). Eighty-three* percent of the Anderson-Shiro students who had experienced difficulties with school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (62 percent). 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, 63* percent of Anderson-Shiro students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by their peers statewide (76 percent). Twelve percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9 percent statewide), and 17 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).
Inhalants5 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, Anderson-Shiro ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Eight* percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes, less than half the reported by students statewide (20 percent) (Fig. 1). Two percent of 5
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
Anderson-Shiro ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). One percent of ASISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent statewide), and 3 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (4 percent statewide). Six percent of ASISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (12 percent statewide). The inhalant substance most frequently used by Anderson-Shiro students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper (7 percent/9 percent statewide). Four percent of district students said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide), 4 percent reported inhaling paint thinner (5 percent statewide), 3 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 2 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), and 2* percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 7). 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 students statewide has increased. The use of marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among students statewide over the last two years. In the Anderson-Shiro ISD, 20* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 13* percent of ASISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students 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. Anderson-Shiro students reported average usage rates of 2.7 times in the past month and 4.8 times during their lifetimes. Seventeen* percent of ASISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes (31 percent statewide) (Fig. 1), while past-month marijuana use was reported by 9* percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD students (16 percent statewide), nearly half the rates reported by students statewide (Fig. 2). Ten percent of ASISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (13 percent statewide) (Fig. 10). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 9 percent of Anderson-Shiro ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide). Forty-four percent of ASISD 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
5
percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students statewide. Four 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). Ten* percent of the Anderson-Shiro ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, less than half the rate reported by their counterparts statewide (23 percent). Fewer Anderson-Shiro ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (3 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (15 percent/20 percent statewide). Two percent of Anderson-Shiro students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 45 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, Anderson-Shiro students reported a disapproval rate of 84 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 5 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Other illicit substances are used by a small number of Anderson-Shiro ISD students. Seven percent of ASISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), 4 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 4 percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 3 percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 2 percent said they had used steroids (2 percent statewide), and 1 percent reported using crack (3 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 Anderson-Shiro ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used tobacco products or hallucinogens than were district female students. In addition, ASISD male students were the only reported users of steroids in the district. On the other hand, AndersonShiro female students were nearly three times more likely to have used powdered cocaine than were district males. There were no other significant differences by gender among ASISD students with regard to the use of alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or 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. ASISD students living in other family situations were over two times more likely to have used powdered cocaine and nearly three times more likely to have smoked marijuana than were those district students living in homes with two parents. On the other hand, those Anderson-Shiro students living in two-parent homes were the only reported users of crack in the district. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement
6
among Anderson-Shiro ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, or other illegal drugs. When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Anderson-Shiro students said they would seek help from their friends (68 percent/74 percent statewide). Sixty-two percent of ASISD 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 a counselor or program in school (31 percent/35 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 4 percent of Anderson-Shiro students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Eighty percent of Anderson-Shiro 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 62* percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 57* percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Thirty-six percent of ASISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class," compared to 46 percent of students statewide. The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Eighty-seven percent of Anderson-Shiro students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 86 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-nine percent of ASISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (70 percent statewide), and 71* percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 42 percent of ASISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 39 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).
7
