Student Drug Use Survey Results: At the Centre Fall 2003

At the Centre

Usage is Up and Down

Ontario adolescents, or more specifically, students in Grades 7 to 12, are once again under the microscope of Ed Adlaf, CAMH Research Scientist and Associate Professor, University of Toronto, in the 2003 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS). He and his colleagues have surveyed this group every two years since 1977, to analyze trends for short term (since 1999) and long-term drug use.

Ed thinks that this year's results are significant because, "ecstasy is finally seeing its first decline since 1991 and the use of LSD and cigarettes has been continually declining since 1999." He adds, "With all this talk of student drug use, more than two-thirds of the students surveyed indicated they have not used any illicit drug, including cannabis, this past year."

The report highlights many significant issues. For example, the rates of heavy or binge drinking have not declined and remain at an elevated level. Alcohol remains the drug most heavily used overall by each grade, with a total of 66.2 % having tried it at least once, whereas 29.6 % have tried cannabis at least once. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug with the onset of use getting younger. Now, 6 % of Grade 7 students and nearly 28 % of Grade 9 students have tried cannabis at least once compared to 4 % and 26 % respectively as noted in the 1999 results. As well, the use of cocaine has increased in the short term from 3.4 % in 1999 to 4.8 % in 2003.

The average age for smoking the first cigarette is 13. In the early 1980s, it was age 11. The average age to try alcohol has remained fairly steady at 13. First cannabis use is generally at age 14 but that number was higher in the '80s and decreased again in the '90s.

Except for ecstasy, students perceive less risk surrounding most substance use. More than one-third report that someone tried to sell them drugs in the past year. Only 1.4 % of all youth surveyed report that they have received alcohol or drug treatment in the past year. This could be problematic since nearly one in five, or 18 % report that they use drugs to feel better about themselves or use drugs alone, which are both indicators of a drug use problem.

The mental health component of this survey will be released in the spring of 2004 and will look at the mental health status of students and changes from previous surveys.

To read the full OSDUS survey report, go to www.camh.net/research. For the full version or the highlights document please contact CAMH Marketing at 1-800-661-1111 or 416-595-6059 in Toronto.