Increased use of marijuana and other illicit drugs at US colleges in the 1990s: results of three national surveys

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1360-0443.2000.951116556.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-10T10:18:24Z
• Authors: Jeana Gledhill‐Hoyt; Hang Lee; Jared Strote; Henry Wechsler
• Keywords: Binge drinking; Illicit drug; Monitoring the Future

Aims. To examine rates and patterns of marijuana other illicit drug use among different types students colleges in 1999, changes since 1993. Design. Self‐administered mail survey (Harvard School Public Health College Alcohol Study). Setting. One hundred nineteen nationally representative US 4‐year colleges. Participants. A sample 15 403 randomly selected 1993, 14 724 1997 138 1999. Measurements. Self‐reports the past 30 days year, cigarette use, drinking behavior, age initiation smoking, using marijuana. Findings. The prevalence 30‐day rose from 12.9% to 15.7% between 1993 an increase 22%. Almost all this change occurred by 1997. An was observed at 66% 119 annual increased nearly student demographic subgroups except for Hispanic students, with low binge rates. Rates slightly drugs interval LSD. Nine out 10 (91%) who used drugs, smoked cigarettes and/or engaged drinking. Of any days, 87% another substance or drank. Twenty nine per cent users first 34% began regularly after 18, when most were college. Conclusions. Use has on campuses across United States This may reflect earlier increases middle schools secondary cohort. However, one‐third initiated college one three it regularly. Intervention efforts should be directed as well school students.