The Social and Demographic Correlates of Adolescent Drug use Patterns

Abstract

A seven-part survey instrument was administered to middle and high school students (grades six through twelve; N = 2767) in three school districts in the state of Georgia. Basic demographic and experiential data related to drug taking, factor analysis, and multiple regression techniques revealed groups of problem behaviors (Jessor, et al.'s theory) and social-psychological factors which are related to those behaviors. In general, the data indicate all drug users are not alike (i.e., it is erroneous to group all beer drinkers and/or marijuana users with all cocaine or heroin users) and that a variety of social-psychological variables (e.g., friends' use patterns, grade point average) are significantly correlated with level of drug use or abuse. Recommendations include careful needs (problem) assessment for drug education planning, and school or community policy making. Additionally, parents, school personnel and community agencies are encouraged to work together in order to facilitate attainment of common goals.