TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

ABILENE ISD

SECONDARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OVERVIEW

In the Spring of 1994, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, in conjunction with
the Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University, administered a survey to
students in grades 7 through 12 in the Abilene Independent School District (AISD). A total of
6245 students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with
alcohol and drugs. Of that number, 266 surveys were excluded from analysis because students
did not indicate their grade or age, or because they were identified as exaggerators (i.e., claimed
to have used a non-existent drug or reported overly excessive drug use). The final number of
surveys included in the overall district analysis was 5979.1

Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that:

•Fifty-four percent of Abilene ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during
their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 25 percent said they had used tobacco during the past
month (Fig. 2).

•Eight percent of AISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 2*
percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.2

•Sixty-six* percent of Abilene ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once
during their lifetimes (Fig.1), and 34* percent reported using alcohol during the
past month (Fig. 2).

•Seven* percent of AISD students reported attending at least one class during the past
year while "drunk," and 16 percent of district 9th through 12th grade students
said they had driven a car at least once during the past year after having "a good
bit to drink."

1 The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I: Abilene
ISD." Due to the differences in rounding procedures, there may be slight discrepancies between the percentages
referred to in the tables and those reflected in the corresponding figures. Figures referenced throughout this
report are included in "Part III: Executive Summary."

2 Data in this report marked with an asterisk are estimated to be statistically significant at the .01 level from
the comparable data for the state as a whole. This means that in only one of one hundred samples would a
difference this large have occurred when there was no difference between the district and state data. Differences
in very small districts will seldom be statistically significant due to the small number of cases. Differences that
are not marked may be important, but should be treated with more caution than those that are statistically
significant.

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•Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 20 percent of district students (Fig. 1), while
past-month inhalant use was reported by 5 percent (Fig. 2).

•Twenty-five percent of AISD students reported using marijuana at least once during
their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 13 percent said they had used marijuana during the
past month (Fig. 2).

•Abilene ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol
problem (78* percent) and least likely to consult another adult in school, such as
a teacher or nurse (35* percent), or a counselor or program in school (36
percent) (Fig. 17).

Tobacco

Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless
products) among students statewide has stayed much the same. Overall, the general use of
tobacco products among Abilene ISD students is similar to that reported by their counterparts
statewide.

Fifty-four percent of Abilene students reported general tobacco use at least once during their
lifetimes (55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime general tobacco use was lowest among AISD
7th graders (38 percent/40 percent statewide). Sixty-five percent of district 12th graders (63
percent statewide) and 63 percent of Abilene 11th graders (61 percent statewide) reported
general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes.

Twenty-five* percent of Abilene ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the
past month (24 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was lowest among
district 7th graders (15 percent/16 percent statewide). Thirty-four percent of AISD 12th grade
students said they had used a tobacco product during the past month (31 percent statewide).

Fifty percent of Abilene students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes
(52 percent statewide), and 21 percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month
(22 percent statewide). Smoking cigarettes on a daily basis was reported by 8 percent of district
students (7 percent statewide). Daily cigarette use was highest among Abilene ISD 11th graders
(12 percent/10 percent statewide). Eleven percent of district 12th graders (12 percent statewide)
and 10* percent of AISD 9th graders said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis. Eighteen
percent of AISD students said most or all of their close friends smoke cigarettes (19 percent
statewide).

Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 22* percent of AISD students (17
percent statewide), while 9* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the
past month (6 percent statewide). Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was

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reported by 2 percent of district students (2 percent statewide), and 8* percent said most or all
of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (5 percent statewide).

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Abilene ISD.
Alcohol use among secondary students statewide was similar to that reported two years ago.
Overall, Abilene ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat lower than those reported
by their peers statewide.

Sixty-six* percent of Abilene students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their
lifetimes, compared to 74 percent of students statewide (74 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol
use was lowest among AISD 7th graders (46* percent), a rate lower than that reported by their
7th grade peers statewide (58 percent). Eighty-one* percent of district 12th graders reported
consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetimes (86 percent statewide) (Fig. 3).

Thirty-four* percent of Abilene ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past
month (39 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Current alcohol use was lowest among AISD 7th graders
(18* percent), a rate somewhat lower than that reported by 7th graders statewide (24 percent).
Twenty-eight* percent of district 8th graders (34 percent statewide), 34* percent of AISD 9th
graders (41 percent statewide), and 42* percent of Abilene 11th graders (48 percent statewide)
said they had consumed alcohol during the past month , rates somewhat lower than those
reported by their counterparts statewide. Past-month alcohol consumption was reported by 49
percent of district 12th graders (52 percent statewide) (Fig. 4).

The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Abilene students are beer (49* percent/59
percent statewide) and wine coolers (51* percent/61 percent statewide), rates lower than those
reported by their peers statewide. Thirty* percent of AISD students said they drink beer on a
weekly or monthly basis (37 percent statewide), while 27* percent said they drink wine coolers
weekly or monthly (34 percent statewide), rates somewhat lower than those reported by their
counterparts statewide.

"Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or
drinks with liquor at one time. Thirty-three* percent of Abilene ISD students reported "binge
drinking" beers at least once during the past year (39 percent statewide), while 19 percent said
they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (20 percent
statewide). Past-year "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 34* percent of AISD
students (41 percent statewide), while 17 percent said they usually drink five or more wine
coolers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide).

Seven* percent of Abilene students reported attending at least one class during the past school
year while "drunk" (10 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by
9* percent of AISD 10th graders (11 percent statewide) and 9 percent of AISD 12th graders (10
percent statewide). Six percent of district 7th graders (7 percent statewide) and 6* percent of

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AISD 11th graders (10 percent statewide) reported attending at least one class during the past
school year while "drunk" (Figs. 9a and 9b).

Sixteen percent of AISD 9th through 12th grade students said that they had driven a car after
having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year (15 percent statewide). The
highest rate of driving while intoxicated was reported by Abilene 12th graders (28 percent/26
percent statewide). Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past year was
reported by 3 percent of district 9th through 12th graders (4 percent statewide) (Fig. 11).

Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at
parties. Seventy-five* percent of Abilene ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor
were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (77 percent statewide). Thirty-four* percent of
district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (40 percent statewide),
and 37* percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the
time or always (40 percent statewide). "Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's
own drinking was reported by 9 percent of AISD students (10 percent statewide).

Thirty-six* percent of Abilene students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they
attended in the past school year (39 percent statewide). The highest rate of alcohol use at most
or all parties was reported by AISD 12th graders (59 percent/62 percent statewide) (Figs. 12a
and 12b). Thirty-eight* percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where
they obtain alcohol most of the time or always (44 percent statewide), while 14* percent of
AISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (21 percent
statewide).

Students were asked how many days during the school year they were absent from class due to
an illness or for some other reason, and how many days they had gotten into trouble because of
conduct or attitude problems. Fewer AISD students who had not been absent since the Fall
reported having used alcohol during the past month (19* percent/26 percent statewide) than did
district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (39* percent/47 percent
statewide). Sixty-three percent of the district students who had experienced difficulties with
school officials on four or more days reported using alcohol during the past 30 days (65 percent
statewide). By contrast, only 21* percent of district students who had not experienced
difficulties with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past
30 days (26 percent statewide).

Parental attitudes can be a major factor in whether or not a student uses alcohol or drugs. When
asked how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer, 80* percent of Abilene students
said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (75 percent statewide). Seven* percent of
district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer
(10 percent statewide), and 9* percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (11
percent statewide) (Fig. 15).

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Inhalants3

In general, inhalants are common, licit substances (paints, thinners, correction fluid, glue, etc.)
which, when sniffed, huffed, or inhaled, produce an intoxicating effect. Over the last two years,
use of inhalants among students statewide decreased. Overall, Abilene ISD students are using
inhalants at rates similar to those reported by their counterparts statewide.

Twenty percent of Abilene students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes
(19 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was reported by 25 percent of district 8th
grade students (24 percent statewide). Eighteen* percent of AISD 11th grade students (14
percent statewide) and 16 percent of district 12th grade students (15 percent statewide) reported
using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes (Figs. 5a and 5b).

Five percent of Abilene ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5
percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Current inhalant use was reported by 8 percent of district 8th grade
students (8 percent statewide) and 1 percent of AISD 12th grade students (2 percent statewide)
(Figs. 6a and 6b).

Two percent of AISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3
percent statewide), and 3 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school
year while "high" on inhalants (3 percent statewide). Thirteen* percent of AISD students said
they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (12
percent statewide).

The inhalant substances most frequently used by Abilene students were correction fluid/Liquid
Paper (10 percent/10 percent statewide) and substances in the "other inhalants" category (9*
percent/8 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students reported inhaling liquid/spray
paint (7 percent statewide), 6 percent reported inhaling gasoline (6 percent statewide), and 6
percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (6 percent statewide) at least once during their
lifetimes (Figs. 7a and 7b).

Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs are defined as controlled substances and include marijuana, cocaine (powdered
form and crack), uppers (stimulants), downers (narcotics), hallucinogens, and ecstasy. Over the
last two years, the use of illicit drugs among students statewide has increased. The use of
marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among students
statewide over the last two years.

In the Abilene ISD, 28 percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their
lifetimes (28 percent statewide), while 19 percent of AISD students said they had used one or
3 Lifetime and current inhalant use figures have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants
and inhalant use generally. Some students responded positive to specific use without responding positive to
generic use. Some students responded positive to generic use but not specific inhalants.

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more illicit substances three or more times (19 percent statewide). Statewide, students who said
they had used illicit drugs reported using them an average of 1.4 times in the past 30 days and
4.2 times during their lives. Abilene students reported average usage rates of 1.5 times in the
past month and 4.3 times during their lifetimes.

Twenty-five percent of AISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes,
the same rate reported by their counterparts statewide (25 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime marijuana
use was lowest among district 7th graders (12 percent/13 percent statewide). Thirty-five
percent of Abilene 11th graders (32 percent statewide) and 35 percent of district 12th graders
(34 percent statewide) said they had used marijuana at least once in their lifetimes (Figs. 5a and
5b).

Past-month marijuana use was reported by 13 percent of Abilene ISD students (12 percent
statewide) (Fig. 2). Current marijuana use was lowest among district 7th graders (6 percent),
the same rate reported by 7th graders statewide. Seventeen* percent of AISD 10th grade
students said they had used marijuana during the past month (14 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a
and 6b).

Nine percent of AISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while
"stoned" on marijuana, the same rate reported by students statewide. Attending class while
stoned was reported by 12 percent of Abilene 10th graders (11 percent statewide) (Figs. 10a and
10b). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by
10* percent Abilene ISD 9th through 12th grade students (8 percent statewide). Driving under
the influence of drugs was highest among AISD 12th graders (14 percent/12 percent statewide)
and district 11th graders (13 percent/10 percent statewide).

Forty-six* percent of AISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (48
percent statewide), and 15 percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (17
percent statewide). Five percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any
kind" with their friends because of their own drug use (5 percent statewide).

Seventeen percent of the Abilene ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used
at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year (17 percent statewide). Drug
use at most or all parties was reported by 24 percent of district 10th graders (23 percent
statewide), 24 percent of Abilene 11th graders (25 percent statewide), and 23 percent of AISD
12th graders (24 percent statewide).

Fewer Abilene ISD students who had not been absent since the Fall reported having used
marijuana during the past month (5 percent/6 percent statewide) than did district students who
said they had missed four or more days of school (15 percent/15 percent statewide). Five
percent of district students who had not gotten into trouble with school officials reported using
marijuana within the past 30 days (4 percent statewide). By contrast, 34 percent of district
students who had gotten into trouble with school officials on four or more days reported using
marijuana during the past 30 days (31 percent statewide).

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When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Abilene students reported a
disapproval rate of 89* percent (87 percent statewide). Six* percent of district students said
they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (8 percent
statewide), while 3 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent
statewide) (Fig. 15).

Eight percent of Abilene ISD students said they had used uppers (7 percent statewide), 7
percent said they had used hallucinogens (6 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had used
powdered cocaine (5 percent statewide), and 4 percent said they had used downers (5 percent
statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1).

CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE

Statewide, female students were less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the
Abilene ISD, there were no significant differences by gender with regard to the use of tobacco,
alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or other illicit substances.

In the statewide survey, students living in two-parent homes reported lower drug use than did
students living in other family situations. AISD students living in other family situations were
somewhat more likely to report inhalant and marijuana use than were those district students
living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living
arrangement among Abilene ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other
illegal drugs.

When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest
percentage of Abilene students said they would seek help from their friends (78* percent/74
percent statewide). Fifty-nine* percent of AISD students said they would seek help from an
adult friend or relative (57 percent statewide), and 55 percent said they would turn to their
parents (54 percent statewide). District students are least likely to seek help from another adult
in school, such as a teacher or nurse (35* percent/33 percent statewide), or a counselor or
program in school (36 percent/35 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 6
percent of Abilene students reported seeking help for any problems connected with alcohol or
drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide).

Seventy-three* percent of Abilene ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs
and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall, a rate somewhat lower than
that reported by students statewide (79 percent). "A health class" was reported by 45 percent of
district students as a source for this information (46 percent statewide). Thirty-five* percent of
AISD students said "an assembly program" was a source of information about drugs or alcohol
(54 percent statewide), and 33* percent reported getting information about drugs and alcohol
from a "an invited school guest" (46 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by
students statewide.

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The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use
of specific substances. Ninety-three* percent of Abilene students believe that crack use is "very
dangerous" (91 percent statewide), and 92* percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very
dangerous" (90 percent statewide). Seventy-eight percent of AISD students believe that
inhalant use is "very dangerous" (77 percent statewide), and 71* percent believe that marijuana
use is "very dangerous" (67 percent statewide). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol
and tobacco use is lower. Only 50* percent of AISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to
use alcohol (46 percent statewide), while 37* percent believe that tobacco use is "very
dangerous" (41 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).