The Prevalence and Frequency of Drug use among Western Australian High School Students

Data pertaining to prevalence and frequency of drug use were obtained from 1,394 Western Australian metropolitan high school students using a self-report questionnaire. Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, hallucinogens, and amphetamines were reported as the most prevalent substances, with over 50% of ''current drug users'' using alcohol and marijuana on a frequent basis (i.e., weekly to more than once per day). Significant interactions existed between Gender and prevalence of tobacco and hallucinogens; and School Year Level and prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, hallucinogens and amphetamines. In terms of the frequency of use, significant interactions were found between Gender and marijuana; and between School Year Level and tobacco. Approximately 40% of substance-using participants used one single substance, 40% used two or three substances, and 20% used four or more substances. The results suggest there is a need for educators to have a greater understanding of the patterns of substance use in order for them to more aptly shape drug education programs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.