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CHS Home > Services > Research & Training > DRUG USE TRENDS

LIFETIME DRUG USE TRENDS: HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: 1975-1998

 

DRUG

Year of Highest Use (%)

Year of Lowest Use (%)

1997 Use (%)

Current (1998) Use (%)

1997-1998
% Change

Any Illicit Drug 1981 (65.4) 1992 (40.7) 54.3 54.1 -0.2
Cannabis 1979 (60.4) 1992 (32.6) 49.6 49.1 -0.5
Cocaine 1985 (17.3) 1994 (5.9) 8.7 9.3 +0.6
Inhalants1 1990 (18.0) 1976 (10.3) 16.1 15.2 -0.9
Hallucinogens 1975 (16.3) 1988 (8.9) 15.1 14.1 -1.0
PCP2 1979 (12.8) 1992 (2.4) 3.9 3.9 no change
Stimulants3

Crystal Meth4

1981 (32.2)

1998 ( 5.3)

1992 (13.9)

1990 (2.7)

16.5

4.4

16.4

5.3

-0.1

+0.9

Heroin 1975 ( 2.2) 1991 (0.9) 2.1 2.0 -0.1
Alcohol 1980 (93.2) 1993 (80.0) 81.7 81.4 -0.3
Barbiturates 1975 (16.9) 1992 (5.5) 8.1 8.7 +0.6
Tranquilizers 1977 (18.0) 1992 (6.0) 7.8 8.5 +0.7

SOURCE: "Monitoring the Future Study", Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 1998.

1 Data based on four of five forms in 1976-88; N is four-fifths of N indicated. Data based on five of six forms in 1989-98; N is five-sixths of N indicated.

2 A specific question regarding PCP has only been included in the survey since 1979. Data based on one form; N is one-fifth of N indicated in 1979-88 and one-sixth of N indicated in 1989-98. Question text changed slightly in 1987.

3 Beginning in 1982 the question about stimulant use (i.e., amphetamines) was revised to get respondents to exclude the inappropriate reporting of non-prescription stimulants. The prevalence rate dropped slightly as a result of this methodological change. Only drug use which was not under a doctor's orders is included here.

4 A specific question regarding methamphetamine has only been included in the survey since 1990.