Kaufman County - Forney Isd - 1996 Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use
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TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE FORNEY 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 Forney Independent School District (FISD). A total of 798 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 32 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 766.1 Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that: •Fifty-five percent of Forney 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). •Eight percent of Forney ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 3 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis. •Seventy-five percent of Forney ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 40 percent reported using alcohol during the past month (Fig. 2). •Nineteen percent of Forney 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 22 percent of Forney ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 8* 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 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
1
•Twenty-three* percent of Forney ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 11* percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Forney ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (79 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in school (20* 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 Forney ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by students statewide, although use of smokeless tobacco products among FISD students is somewhat higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-five percent of Forney students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was reported by 43 percent of district 8th graders, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by 8th graders statewide (52 percent). The highest rate of lifetime use of a tobacco product was reported among FISD 12th grade students (71 percent), a rate somewhat higher than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (63 percent). Twenty-seven percent of Forney ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was lowest among FISD 7th grade students (15 percent/17 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of district 10th graders reported using a tobacco product during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 10th graders statewide (30 percent). Fifty-two percent of Forney 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), and 17 percent said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 24* percent of FISD students (16 percent statewide), while 8* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers 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
statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 3 percent of district students (1 percent statewide), and 6 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 Forney ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Forney ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat similar to those reported by students statewide. Seventy-five percent of Forney students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (74 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was lowest among FISD 7th graders (60 percent/56 percent statewide) and highest among district 12th graders (90 percent/85 percent statewide) (Fig. 3). Forty percent of Forney ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (38 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was lowest among FISD 7th graders (19 percent/23 percent statewide). Sixty-one percent of district 12th grade students reported drinking alcohol during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (51 percent) (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Forney students are beer (62* percent/56 percent statewide) and wine coolers (61 percent/58 percent statewide). Thirty-four percent of FISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 32 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-two percent of Forney ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide), while 24* 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 FISD students (40 percent statewide), while 20 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide). Five* percent of Forney students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk," nearly half the rate reported by students statewide (9 percent). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 2* percent of FISD 9th graders, a rate lower than that reported by 9th graders statewide (10 percent) (Figs. 9a and 9b). Nineteen percent of FISD 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). The highest rates of driving while intoxicated were reported by Forney 11th graders (31* percent/20 percent statewide) and FISD 12th graders (35 percent/26 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by 11th and 12th
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graders statewide. Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 4 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 11). Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties. Eighty* percent of Forney ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (75 percent). Thirty-seven 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 always (39 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 11 percent of FISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of Forney students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year (37 percent statewide). The highest rates of alcohol use at most or all parties were reported by FISD 10th graders (63* percent/48 percent statewide) and Forney 12th graders (81* percent/61 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by 10th and 12th graders statewide (Figs. 13a and 13b). Forty 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 FISD 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 FISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (31 percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (46 percent/44 percent statewide). Sixty-three percent of Forney ISD 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 30 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, 80 percent of Forney students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide). Five* percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9 percent statewide), and 10 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Inhalants4 4
Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
4
In general, inhalants are common, licit substances (paints, thinners, correction fluid, glue, etc.) which, when sniffed, huffed, or inhaled, produce an intoxicating effect. Over the last two years, use of inhalants among students statewide has stayed about the same. Overall, Forney ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat similar to those reported by students statewide, although FISD 11th grade students are using inhalants at rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Twenty-two percent of Forney students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes (20 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was lowest among district 12th graders (13 percent/14 percent statewide). Twenty-six* percent of FISD 11th grade students reported lifetime inhalant use, a rate higher than that reported by 11th grade students statewide (16 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Eight* percent of Forney ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 9* percent of district 11th grade students, a rate higher than that reported by 11th grade students statewide (2 percent) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Two percent of FISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (4 percent statewide). Fourteen percent of FISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (12 percent statewide). The inhalant substances most frequently used by Forney students were those in the "other inhalants" category (9 percent/8 percent statewide), correction fluid/Liquid Paper (8 percent/9 percent statewide), and gasoline (8 percent/5 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), and 6 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). Fewer Forney ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (4 percent/4 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (9 percent/6 percent statewide). Four percent of FISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (3 percent statewide). By contrast, 18 percent of district students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using inhalants during the past 30 days (11 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
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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 Forney ISD, 26* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 20* percent of FISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates somewhat 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. Forney students reported average usage rates of 1.6 times in the past month and 4.9 times during their lifetimes. Twenty-three* percent of FISD 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 9 percent of Forney 9th graders (17 percent statewide) and 23* percent of FISD 12th graders (41 percent statewide), rates nearly half those reported by their peers statewide. Thirty-one percent of district 11th grade students reported lifetime marijuana use, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by 11th grade students statewide (39 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 11* percent of Forney ISD students (16 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 3* percent of district 7th graders (9 percent statewide) and 11 percent of Forney 12th graders (19 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by 7th and 12th graders statewide. Fourteen percent of FISD 11th grade students reported smoking marijuana during the past month (19 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Six* percent of FISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana, less than half the rate reported by students statewide (13 percent). Class attendance while stoned was reported 1* percent of Forney 7th graders (7 percent statewide), 5* percent of FISD 9th graders (16 percent statewide), and 5* percent of district 11th graders (14 percent statewide), rates considerably lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide (Figs. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 10 percent of Forney ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide). Driving under the influence of drugs was highest among FISD 11th graders (16 percent/14 percent statewide). Fifty percent of FISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53 percent statewide). Eleven* percent of Forney ISD students reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana, nearly half the rate reported by students statewide (21 percent). Five 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). Fifteen* percent of the Forney ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, compared to 23 percent of
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students statewide. The use of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was reported by 2* percent of district 7th graders (8 percent Statewide) and 15* percent of FISD 9th graders (25 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by 7th and 9th graders statewide. Fewer Forney ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (8 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (12 percent/20 percent statewide). Five percent of FISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 28 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, Forney students reported a disapproval rate of 93* percent, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (85 percent). Four* percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (8 percent statewide), while 2* percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Other illicit substances are used by Forney ISD students. Ten percent of FISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 8 percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 6 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 6 percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 4* percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), 2 percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide) and 1 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 Forney ISD, however, female students were somewhat more likely to have used powdered cocaine or hallucinogens and over two times more likely to have used uppers or downers than were district male students. There were no other significant differences by gender among FISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, 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. FISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used inhalants, uppers, or downers, nearly twice as likely to have used marijuana or hallucinogens, and over two times more likely to have used ecstasy than were those district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Forney ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, powdered cocaine, crack, or steroids.
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When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Forney students said they would seek help from their friends (79 percent/74 percent statewide). Fifty-nine percent of FISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (58 percent statewide), and 54 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 (20* percent/35 percent statewide), or another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (24* percent/32 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students statewide (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 3* percent of Forney students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Seventy-three percent of Forney ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (75 percent statewide). Forty-seven percent of FISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (46 percent statewide). "An assembly program" was reported by 38* percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 29* percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), rates somewhat lower than those reported by students statewide. The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Ninety percent of Forney students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 89 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-two percent of FISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (76 percent statewide), and 66* percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 36* percent of FISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 30* percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students 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 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
1
•Twenty-three* percent of Forney ISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 11* percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Forney ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (79 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in school (20* 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 Forney ISD students is somewhat similar to that reported by students statewide, although use of smokeless tobacco products among FISD students is somewhat higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-five percent of Forney students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was reported by 43 percent of district 8th graders, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by 8th graders statewide (52 percent). The highest rate of lifetime use of a tobacco product was reported among FISD 12th grade students (71 percent), a rate somewhat higher than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (63 percent). Twenty-seven percent of Forney ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was lowest among FISD 7th grade students (15 percent/17 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of district 10th graders reported using a tobacco product during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 10th graders statewide (30 percent). Fifty-two percent of Forney 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), and 17 percent said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 24* percent of FISD students (16 percent statewide), while 8* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers 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
statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 3 percent of district students (1 percent statewide), and 6 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 Forney ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Forney ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat similar to those reported by students statewide. Seventy-five percent of Forney students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (74 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was lowest among FISD 7th graders (60 percent/56 percent statewide) and highest among district 12th graders (90 percent/85 percent statewide) (Fig. 3). Forty percent of Forney ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month (38 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was lowest among FISD 7th graders (19 percent/23 percent statewide). Sixty-one percent of district 12th grade students reported drinking alcohol during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (51 percent) (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Forney students are beer (62* percent/56 percent statewide) and wine coolers (61 percent/58 percent statewide). Thirty-four percent of FISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 32 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-two percent of Forney ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide), while 24* 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 FISD students (40 percent statewide), while 20 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide). Five* percent of Forney students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk," nearly half the rate reported by students statewide (9 percent). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 2* percent of FISD 9th graders, a rate lower than that reported by 9th graders statewide (10 percent) (Figs. 9a and 9b). Nineteen percent of FISD 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). The highest rates of driving while intoxicated were reported by Forney 11th graders (31* percent/20 percent statewide) and FISD 12th graders (35 percent/26 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by 11th and 12th
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graders statewide. Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 4 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 11). Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties. Eighty* percent of Forney ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (75 percent). Thirty-seven 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 always (39 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 11 percent of FISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-one percent of Forney students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year (37 percent statewide). The highest rates of alcohol use at most or all parties were reported by FISD 10th graders (63* percent/48 percent statewide) and Forney 12th graders (81* percent/61 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by 10th and 12th graders statewide (Figs. 13a and 13b). Forty 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 FISD 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 FISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (31 percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (46 percent/44 percent statewide). Sixty-three percent of Forney ISD 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 30 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, 80 percent of Forney students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide). Five* percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9 percent statewide), and 10 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Inhalants4 4
Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
4
In general, inhalants are common, licit substances (paints, thinners, correction fluid, glue, etc.) which, when sniffed, huffed, or inhaled, produce an intoxicating effect. Over the last two years, use of inhalants among students statewide has stayed about the same. Overall, Forney ISD students are using inhalants at rates somewhat similar to those reported by students statewide, although FISD 11th grade students are using inhalants at rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Twenty-two percent of Forney students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes (20 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was lowest among district 12th graders (13 percent/14 percent statewide). Twenty-six* percent of FISD 11th grade students reported lifetime inhalant use, a rate higher than that reported by 11th grade students statewide (16 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Eight* percent of Forney ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 9* percent of district 11th grade students, a rate higher than that reported by 11th grade students statewide (2 percent) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Two percent of FISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year while "high" on inhalants (4 percent statewide). Fourteen percent of FISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (12 percent statewide). The inhalant substances most frequently used by Forney students were those in the "other inhalants" category (9 percent/8 percent statewide), correction fluid/Liquid Paper (8 percent/9 percent statewide), and gasoline (8 percent/5 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), and 6 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). Fewer Forney ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (4 percent/4 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (9 percent/6 percent statewide). Four percent of FISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (3 percent statewide). By contrast, 18 percent of district students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using inhalants during the past 30 days (11 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
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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 Forney ISD, 26* percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 20* percent of FISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates somewhat 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. Forney students reported average usage rates of 1.6 times in the past month and 4.9 times during their lifetimes. Twenty-three* percent of FISD 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 9 percent of Forney 9th graders (17 percent statewide) and 23* percent of FISD 12th graders (41 percent statewide), rates nearly half those reported by their peers statewide. Thirty-one percent of district 11th grade students reported lifetime marijuana use, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by 11th grade students statewide (39 percent) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 11* percent of Forney ISD students (16 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 3* percent of district 7th graders (9 percent statewide) and 11 percent of Forney 12th graders (19 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by 7th and 12th graders statewide. Fourteen percent of FISD 11th grade students reported smoking marijuana during the past month (19 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Six* percent of FISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana, less than half the rate reported by students statewide (13 percent). Class attendance while stoned was reported 1* percent of Forney 7th graders (7 percent statewide), 5* percent of FISD 9th graders (16 percent statewide), and 5* percent of district 11th graders (14 percent statewide), rates considerably lower than those reported by their counterparts statewide (Figs. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 10 percent of Forney ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide). Driving under the influence of drugs was highest among FISD 11th graders (16 percent/14 percent statewide). Fifty percent of FISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53 percent statewide). Eleven* percent of Forney ISD students reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana, nearly half the rate reported by students statewide (21 percent). Five 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). Fifteen* percent of the Forney ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, compared to 23 percent of
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students statewide. The use of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was reported by 2* percent of district 7th graders (8 percent Statewide) and 15* percent of FISD 9th graders (25 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by 7th and 9th graders statewide. Fewer Forney ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (8 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (12 percent/20 percent statewide). Five percent of FISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 28 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, Forney students reported a disapproval rate of 93* percent, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by students statewide (85 percent). Four* percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (8 percent statewide), while 2* percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 15). Other illicit substances are used by Forney ISD students. Ten percent of FISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 8 percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 6 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 6 percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 4* percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), 2 percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide) and 1 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 Forney ISD, however, female students were somewhat more likely to have used powdered cocaine or hallucinogens and over two times more likely to have used uppers or downers than were district male students. There were no other significant differences by gender among FISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, 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. FISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used inhalants, uppers, or downers, nearly twice as likely to have used marijuana or hallucinogens, and over two times more likely to have used ecstasy than were those district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Forney ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, powdered cocaine, crack, or steroids.
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When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of Forney students said they would seek help from their friends (79 percent/74 percent statewide). Fifty-nine percent of FISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (58 percent statewide), and 54 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 (20* percent/35 percent statewide), or another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (24* percent/32 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students statewide (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 3* percent of Forney students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Seventy-three percent of Forney ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (75 percent statewide). Forty-seven percent of FISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (46 percent statewide). "An assembly program" was reported by 38* percent of district students as a source for information about drugs and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 29* percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for this information (38 percent statewide), rates somewhat lower than those reported by students statewide. The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Ninety percent of Forney students believe that crack use is "very dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 89 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-two percent of FISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (76 percent statewide), and 66* percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 36* percent of FISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 30* percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students statewide (Fig. 13).
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