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SD 3.7

ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

The use of alcohol and other illicit drugs by teens has been related to numerous social problems such as delinquency, fighting, and early sexual activity,34 and to a variety of short- and long-term health problems.35 For many reasons, then, it is important that youth stay free of all such substances.

In 1995, 15 percent of 12 to 17 year olds reported either binge drinking or any use of an illicit drug during the previous month (see Table SD 3.7).

Differences by Gender. Rates of reported use in 1995 appear to be modestly higher among males at 17 percent, compared to 13 percent among female youth.

Differences by Race and Ethnicity. Rates of reported use differed little among whites, blacks, and Hispanics, ranging from 12 percent to 16 percent in 1995.
 

Figure SD 3.7  
Abuse of Alcohol or Other Controlled Substances: Percentage of Persons Reporting Using an Illicit Druga or Binge Drikingb in the Past Month, by Sex for Persons 12-17 Years of Age, 1994-1995 

Note: aIllicit drugs include marijuana, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens (including PCP), inhalants, and nonmedical use of psychotherapeutics.
bFive or more drinks on the same occasion on one or more days in the past 30 days.

Source: Office of Applied Studies, SAMHSA. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.
 
 

Table SD 3.7 
Abuse of Alcohol or Other Controlled Substances: Percentage of Persons Reporting Using an Illicit Druga or Binge Drinkingb in the Past Month, by Sex and Race for Persons 12-17 Years of Age, 1994-1995

       
   
1994
1995
   
————
————
Total
13
15
       
Sex
  Male
14
17
  Female
12
13
       
Race/Ethnicity
  White
15
16
  Black
10
12
  Hispanic
10
13
       
Note: aIllicit drugs include marijuana, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens (including PCP), inhalants, and nonmedical use of psychotherapeutics.  
bFive or more drinks on the same occasion on one or more days in the past 30 days.  

Source: Office of Applied Studies, SAMHSA. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.


34 National Institute of Drug Abuse. National Trends in Drug Use and Related Factors Among American High School Students and Young Adults, 1976-1986. DHHS Pub. No. (ADM)87-1535. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1987.

35 Measuring the Health Behavior of Adolescents: The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and Recent Reports on High Risk Adolescents. Public Health Reports. Volume 108, Supplement 1. Rockville, MD: Public Health Service. 1993.
 
 
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