Patterns of common drug use in teenagers

Abstract

Abstract: To ascertain current levels of drug use among teenagers and to examine interrelationships in use, a two‐stage cluster sample of Victorian secondary school students in years 7 (aged 12 to 13 years), 9 (14 to 15 years) and 11 (16 to 17 years) were surveyed using a questionnaire on computer. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were evaluated by self‐reported frequency of use and seven‐day retrospective diaries. Marijuana and coffee consumption were assessed by self‐reported frequency of recent use. The questionnaire was completed by 2525, a participation rate of 83 per cent Tobacco use rose with year, with 24 per cent of young women and 16 per cent of young men in year 11 being regula..