Drug use and related attitudes of U.S. high school seniors from the graduating classes of 1975-1985 aad young adults is their late teens and earlyto mid-twenties were studied, as part of an ongoing research project. Eleven classes of drugs were assessed: marijuana (including hashish), inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaise, heroin, other natural and synthetic opiates, stimmlants (amphetamines), sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, and cigarettes. Several subclasses of drugs were also covered: PCP and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), amyl and butyl nitrites, and barbiturates and methaqualone. Attention was focused on drug use at the higher frequency levels rather than whether respoadents had ever used various drugs. Of concern were: age of first use; the seniors' own attitudes and beliefs; and the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of others in the seniors' social environment, including perceived drug availability. The use of non-prescription stimulants, including diet pills, stay-awake pills, and pseudo-amphetamines were also reported, along with cocaine use among young people. Findings include sex differences in drug use, differences related to college plass, regional differences, and differences related to population deasity. The implications of findings for prevention efforts were addressed. (SW) ************** Reproduct ************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *** * * ** * ** * **** * *** * * ** * * * * ions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************* National Institutu on Drug Abuse DRUG USE AMONG AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, AND OTHER YOUNG ADULTS National Trends through 1985 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Ruesrch and Improvement ED CATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document heti been reproduced as received from the person Of ozganizahon originating it O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points ol view or opinions stated in this docu. ment do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy LC.) \`) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service *C3 Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration DRUG USE AMONG AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, AND OTHER YOUNG ADULTS National Trends through 1985 by Lloyd D. Johnston, Ph.D. Patrick M. O'Malley, Ph.D. Jerald G. Bachman, Ph.D. The University of Michigan lnsfitute for Social Research Natkmal Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, Maryland 20857 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration