Waller County - Waller Isd - 1996 Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use
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TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE WALLER 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 Waller Independent School District (WISD). A total of 1235 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 70 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 1165.1 Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that: •Sixty-seven* percent of Waller ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 36* percent said they had used tobacco during the past month (Fig. 2).2 •Nine percent of Waller ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 8* percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis. •Eighty-two* percent of Waller ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 45* percent reported using alcohol during the past month (Fig. 2). •Eighteen percent of Waller 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).
1
The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I: District Survey Results." Due to the differences in rounding procedures, there may be slight discrepancies between the percentages referred to in the tables and those reflected in the executive summary and in the corresponding figures. Figures referenced throughout this report are included in "Part III: Executive Summary." 2
Data in this report marked with an asterisk are estimated to be statistically significant at the .01 level from the comparable data for the state as a whole. This means that in only one of a hundred samples would a difference this large have occurred when there was no difference between the district and state data. Differences in very small districts will seldom be statistically significant due to the small number of cases. Differences that are not marked may be important, but should be treated with more caution than those that are statistically significant.
1
•Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 19 percent of Waller ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 6 percent (Fig. 2). •Thirty-one percent of WISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 15 percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Waller ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (75 percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (29 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 Waller ISD students, with the notable exception of those in the 12th grade, is higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide. Sixty-seven* percent of Waller students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 55 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was lowest among district 7th graders (58* percent), a rate higher than that reported by 7th graders statewide (41 percent). Seventy-four* percent of Waller 9th grade students (58 percent statewide) and 75* percent of WISD 11th grade students (61 percent statewide) reported lifetime use of a tobacco product, rates higher than those reported by their 9th and 11th grade peers statewide. Thirty-six* percent of Waller ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month, compared to 26 percent of students statewide (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was lowest among WISD 12th grade students (22* percent), a rate lower than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (34 percent). The highest rate of past-month use of a tobacco product was reported by district 9th graders (48* percent), a rate nearly twice that reported by 9th graders statewide (28 percent). Sixty-two* percent of Waller students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (53 percent statewide), and 29* percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 9 percent of district students (8 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was highest among Waller ISD 9th graders (15* percent/9 percent statewide). Four* percent of district 12th graders reported daily cigarette use, a rate lower than that reported by 12th graders statewide (14 percent). Twenty-four percent of WISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). 3
Statewide data is collected every other year. The statewide data used for comparison purposes in the district report and executive summary is taken from the results of the survey administered in the Spring of 1996.
2
Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 31* percent of WISD students (16 percent statewide), while 15* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 8* percent of district students (1 percent statewide), and 18* percent said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (5 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Waller ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Waller ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Eighty-two* percent of Waller students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 74 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was lowest among WISD 7th graders (72* percent/56 percent statewide) and highest among district 11th graders (92* percent/82 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide (Fig. 3). Forty-five* percent of Waller ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month, compared to 38 percent of students statewide (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month alcohol use ranged from 30 percent among WISD 7th graders (23 percent statewide) to 56 percent among district 12th graders (51 percent statewide). Fifty-five* percent of Waller 10th grade students reported consuming alcohol during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (42 percent) (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Waller students are wine coolers (70* percent/58 percent statewide) and beer (69* percent/56 percent statewide). Forty-four* percent of WISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 38* percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Forty-five* percent of Waller 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). Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 45* percent of WISD 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). Eleven percent of Waller students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (9 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 17*
3
percent of WISD 9th graders, nearly double the rate reported by 9th graders statewide (10 percent) (Figs. 9a and 9b). Eighteen percent of WISD 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 rate of driving while intoxicated was reported by Waller 11th graders (26 percent/20 percent statewide) and WISD 12th graders (26 percent/26 percent 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-three* percent of Waller ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (75 percent statewide), and 48* percent reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (37 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Forty-three* percent of district students 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 10 percent of WISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-five* percent of Waller students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year, compared to 37 percent of students statewide. Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 49* percent of WISD 9th graders (37 percent statewide), 61* percent of district 10th graders (48 percent statewide), and 68* percent of Waller 11th graders (55 percent statewide); rates higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide (Figs. 13a and 13b). Fifty-one* percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (43 percent statewide), while 21* percent of WISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (17 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students 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 WISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (36* percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (49 percent/44 percent statewide). Sixty percent of Waller 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 34* 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, 68* percent of Waller students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove, compared to 76 percent of students statewide. Twelve percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their
4
age drinking beer (9 percent statewide), and 14* percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 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, Waller ISD students are using inhalants at rates similar to those reported by their counterparts statewide. Nineteen percent of Waller students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes (20 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was lowest among district 12th grade students (9 percent/14 percent statewide) and highest among WISD 8th grade students (28 percent/24 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Six percent of Waller ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month inhalant use ranged from 1 percent among district 11th grade students (2 percent statewide) to 13 percent among WISD 8th grade students (7 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Two percent of WISD 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). Twelve percent of WISD 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 Waller students were correction fluid/Liquid Paper (10 percent/9 percent statewide) and those substances in the "other inhalants" category (9 percent/8 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), and 6 percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). Fewer Waller ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (3 percent/4 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (8 percent/6 percent statewide). Two percent of WISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (3 percent statewide). By contrast, 15 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). 4
Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
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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 Waller ISD, 33 percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 25 percent of WISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates similar to 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. Waller students reported average usage rates of 1.9 times in the past month and 5.9 times during their lifetimes. Thirty-one percent of WISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, the same rate reported by students statewide (Fig. 1). The rates of lifetime marijuana use ranged from 14 percent among Waller 7th graders (17 percent statewide) to 39 percent among district 10th graders (36 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 15 percent of Waller ISD students (16 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month marijuana use ranged from 8 percent among district 7th graders (9 percent statewide) to 24 percent among WISD 9th graders (19 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Thirteen percent of WISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (13 percent statewide). The rates of class attendance while stoned ranged from a low among Waller 7th graders (5 percent/7 percent statewide) to a high among district 9th graders (22 percent/16 percent statewide) (Figs. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 14 percent of Waller ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide). Driving under the influence of drugs was reported by 13* percent of WISD 9th graders, nearly twice the rate reported by 9th graders statewide (7 percent statewide). Fifty-four percent of WISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53 percent statewide), and 17* percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (21 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (6 percent statewide). Twenty-four percent of the Waller ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year (23 percent statewide). The use of
6
marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was highest among district 11th graders (37 percent/32 percent statewide). Fewer Waller ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (10 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (18 percent/20 percent statewide). Five percent of WISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 33 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, Waller students reported a disapproval rate of 85 percent (85 percent statewide). Nine 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 Waller ISD students. Ten percent of WISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 5 percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 4 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), and 4* percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1). CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the Waller ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used steroids than were district female students. On the other hand, WISD females 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 WISD 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. WISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have smoked marijuana than were those district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Waller 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 Waller students said they would seek help from their friends (75 percent/74 percent statewide). Sixty-one percent of WISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (58 percent statewide), and 51 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 another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (29 percent/32 percent statewide) (Fig. 17).
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Since school began in the Fall, 7 percent of Waller students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Seventy-nine* percent of Waller 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-eight percent of district students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (46 percent statewide), while "an assembly program" was reported by 42 percent as a source for this information (44 percent statewide), and 38 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for information about drugs and alcohol (38 percent statewide). The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Ninety-one percent of Waller 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). Eighty* percent of WISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (76 percent statewide), and 64 percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Forty-two percent of WISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide). Thirty-two* percent of Waller ISD students believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous," a rate somewhat lower than that reported by students statewide (39 percent) (Fig. 13).
8
1
The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I: District Survey Results." Due to the differences in rounding procedures, there may be slight discrepancies between the percentages referred to in the tables and those reflected in the executive summary and in the corresponding figures. Figures referenced throughout this report are included in "Part III: Executive Summary." 2
Data in this report marked with an asterisk are estimated to be statistically significant at the .01 level from the comparable data for the state as a whole. This means that in only one of a hundred samples would a difference this large have occurred when there was no difference between the district and state data. Differences in very small districts will seldom be statistically significant due to the small number of cases. Differences that are not marked may be important, but should be treated with more caution than those that are statistically significant.
1
•Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 19 percent of Waller ISD students (Fig. 1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 6 percent (Fig. 2). •Thirty-one percent of WISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 15 percent said they had used marijuana during the past month (Fig. 2). •Waller ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol problem (75 percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (29 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 Waller ISD students, with the notable exception of those in the 12th grade, is higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide. Sixty-seven* percent of Waller students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 55 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was lowest among district 7th graders (58* percent), a rate higher than that reported by 7th graders statewide (41 percent). Seventy-four* percent of Waller 9th grade students (58 percent statewide) and 75* percent of WISD 11th grade students (61 percent statewide) reported lifetime use of a tobacco product, rates higher than those reported by their 9th and 11th grade peers statewide. Thirty-six* percent of Waller ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month, compared to 26 percent of students statewide (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was lowest among WISD 12th grade students (22* percent), a rate lower than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (34 percent). The highest rate of past-month use of a tobacco product was reported by district 9th graders (48* percent), a rate nearly twice that reported by 9th graders statewide (28 percent). Sixty-two* percent of Waller students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes (53 percent statewide), and 29* percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students statewide. Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 9 percent of district students (8 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was highest among Waller ISD 9th graders (15* percent/9 percent statewide). Four* percent of district 12th graders reported daily cigarette use, a rate lower than that reported by 12th graders statewide (14 percent). Twenty-four percent of WISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (21 percent statewide). 3
Statewide data is collected every other year. The statewide data used for comparison purposes in the district report and executive summary is taken from the results of the survey administered in the Spring of 1996.
2
Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 31* percent of WISD students (16 percent statewide), while 15* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month (5 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 8* percent of district students (1 percent statewide), and 18* percent said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (5 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Alcohol Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Waller ISD. Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two years ago. Overall, Waller ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their peers statewide. Eighty-two* percent of Waller students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes, compared to 74 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was lowest among WISD 7th graders (72* percent/56 percent statewide) and highest among district 11th graders (92* percent/82 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide (Fig. 3). Forty-five* percent of Waller ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month, compared to 38 percent of students statewide (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month alcohol use ranged from 30 percent among WISD 7th graders (23 percent statewide) to 56 percent among district 12th graders (51 percent statewide). Fifty-five* percent of Waller 10th grade students reported consuming alcohol during the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 10th grade students statewide (42 percent) (Fig. 4). The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Waller students are wine coolers (70* percent/58 percent statewide) and beer (69* percent/56 percent statewide). Forty-four* percent of WISD students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 38* percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. Forty-five* percent of Waller 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). Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 45* percent of WISD 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). Eleven percent of Waller students reported attending at least one class during the past school year while "drunk" (9 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 17*
3
percent of WISD 9th graders, nearly double the rate reported by 9th graders statewide (10 percent) (Figs. 9a and 9b). Eighteen percent of WISD 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 rate of driving while intoxicated was reported by Waller 11th graders (26 percent/20 percent statewide) and WISD 12th graders (26 percent/26 percent 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-three* percent of Waller ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (75 percent statewide), and 48* percent reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (37 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide. Forty-three* percent of district students 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 10 percent of WISD students (9 percent statewide). Forty-five* percent of Waller students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year, compared to 37 percent of students statewide. Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 49* percent of WISD 9th graders (37 percent statewide), 61* percent of district 10th graders (48 percent statewide), and 68* percent of Waller 11th graders (55 percent statewide); rates higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide (Figs. 13a and 13b). Fifty-one* percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (43 percent statewide), while 21* percent of WISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (17 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by students 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 WISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used alcohol during the past month (36* percent/25 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (49 percent/44 percent statewide). Sixty percent of Waller 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 34* 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, 68* percent of Waller students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove, compared to 76 percent of students statewide. Twelve percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their
4
age drinking beer (9 percent statewide), and 14* percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 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, Waller ISD students are using inhalants at rates similar to those reported by their counterparts statewide. Nineteen percent of Waller students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes (20 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was lowest among district 12th grade students (9 percent/14 percent statewide) and highest among WISD 8th grade students (28 percent/24 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Six percent of Waller ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month inhalant use ranged from 1 percent among district 11th grade students (2 percent statewide) to 13 percent among WISD 8th grade students (7 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Two percent of WISD 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). Twelve percent of WISD 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 Waller students were correction fluid/Liquid Paper (10 percent/9 percent statewide) and those substances in the "other inhalants" category (9 percent/8 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), and 6 percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b). Fewer Waller ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used inhalants during the past month (3 percent/4 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (8 percent/6 percent statewide). Two percent of WISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (3 percent statewide). By contrast, 15 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). 4
Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.
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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 Waller ISD, 33 percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 25 percent of WISD students said they had used one or more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates similar to 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. Waller students reported average usage rates of 1.9 times in the past month and 5.9 times during their lifetimes. Thirty-one percent of WISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, the same rate reported by students statewide (Fig. 1). The rates of lifetime marijuana use ranged from 14 percent among Waller 7th graders (17 percent statewide) to 39 percent among district 10th graders (36 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b). Past-month marijuana use was reported by 15 percent of Waller ISD students (16 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). The rates of past-month marijuana use ranged from 8 percent among district 7th graders (9 percent statewide) to 24 percent among WISD 9th graders (19 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b). Thirteen percent of WISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (13 percent statewide). The rates of class attendance while stoned ranged from a low among Waller 7th graders (5 percent/7 percent statewide) to a high among district 9th graders (22 percent/16 percent statewide) (Figs. 10a and 10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 14 percent of Waller ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide). Driving under the influence of drugs was reported by 13* percent of WISD 9th graders, nearly twice the rate reported by 9th graders statewide (7 percent statewide). Fifty-four percent of WISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53 percent statewide), and 17* percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (21 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (6 percent statewide). Twenty-four percent of the Waller ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year (23 percent statewide). The use of
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marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was highest among district 11th graders (37 percent/32 percent statewide). Fewer Waller ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used marijuana during the past month (10 percent/9 percent statewide) than did district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (18 percent/20 percent statewide). Five percent of WISD students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using marijuana within the past 30 days (7 percent statewide). By contrast, 33 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, Waller students reported a disapproval rate of 85 percent (85 percent statewide). Nine 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 Waller ISD students. Ten percent of WISD students reported using uppers (8 percent statewide), 7 percent said they had used hallucinogens (8 percent statewide), 5 percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 4 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), and 4* percent said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1). CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the Waller ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used steroids than were district female students. On the other hand, WISD females 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 WISD 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. WISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have smoked marijuana than were those district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Waller 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 Waller students said they would seek help from their friends (75 percent/74 percent statewide). Sixty-one percent of WISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (58 percent statewide), and 51 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 another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (29 percent/32 percent statewide) (Fig. 17).
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Since school began in the Fall, 7 percent of Waller students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide). Seventy-nine* percent of Waller 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-eight percent of district students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health class" (46 percent statewide), while "an assembly program" was reported by 42 percent as a source for this information (44 percent statewide), and 38 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source for information about drugs and alcohol (38 percent statewide). The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of specific substances. Ninety-one percent of Waller 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). Eighty* percent of WISD students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (76 percent statewide), and 64 percent believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous" (60 percent statewide). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Forty-two percent of WISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide). Thirty-two* percent of Waller ISD students believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous," a rate somewhat lower than that reported by students statewide (39 percent) (Fig. 13).
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