Knowledge about Drug Abuse in an American Small Town

Abstract

In a small (pop. 25,000) Eastern community in the United States, “counselors” (teachers, parents, police, mental health clinic workers, and ministers) and high school students were interviewed and tested to ascertain knowledge regarding drugs. Data suggest that less is known about certain categories of drugs than others; drug users are more knowledgeable about drugs than non-users; police scored consistently lower than other “counselors” and students; and those with higher levels of formal education scored higher. Particular problems and areas of ignorance among the (usually non-drug using) adults who give counsel require identification to aid in establishing more realistic, efficient, and effective organizing, staffing, and operating of programs.