CAMH Releases 2005 OSDUS Results

Breakthrough

Fall 2005

In November, CAMH released the 2005 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS). OSDUS is the longest systematic study of alcohol and drug use among a youthful population in Canada, and the second-longest in North America. Since 1977, the study has surveyed about 4,000 students every two years, and to date, has interviewed over 65,000 students.

Under the direction of CAMH's Dr. Edward Adlaf, Research Scientist at CAMH and Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, the OSDUS provides data on the extent of drug use by Ontario students in grades 7 to 12, and trends in use since 1977.

In the spring of 2005, 7,726 students across the province in grades 7 to 12 participated in the 15th cycle of the survey. Some of the positive highlights from OSDUS include:

• For the first time in over a decade, the use of both legal and illegal drugs among Ontario students from Grades 7 to 12 has declined significantly
• More students in 2005 reported being drug free (including alcohol and tobacco) during the past year compared to 2003 (35.9% vs. 31.6%)
• The prevalence of student smoking is at its lowest rate since 1977 (14%)
• 71% of students have not used any illicit drug (including cannabis) during the past year, an increase compared to 2003
• The percentage of students who consume alcohol has decreased from 66% to 62%.

While it is encouraging to see positive trends emerging, OSDUS also revealed some troubling data:

• 23% of students report binge drinking at least once during the month before the survey
• 14% of students with a driver's license continue to drink and drive
• 20% of students reported driving within one hour of smoking cannabis
• About one-quarter (29%) of all students report being a passenger with a driver who had been drinking, and 22% with a driver who had been using drugs
• 23% of students were likely to be offered, sold, or given a drug at school in the 12 months before the survey.

This CAMH survey is important because it provides reliable, current information about the health, behaviour, attitudes and beliefs of Ontario children and adolescents. Findings from the OSDUS have been widely used by health, education, and government officials in setting health priorities and facilitating preventative policies, programs and services that address the needs of youth. For full survey details, visit www.camh.net.

Leah Young is Manager of Research Communications at CAMH.

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