Drug use among Adelaide secondary students, 1974

This survey was conceived as a pilot study to provide an indication of the current usage of various drugs by third and fifth year students at Adelaide High Schools. It was hoped that the information that was obtained could determine the extent of the drug problem in schools and suggest ways of tackling the problem. It was anticipated that a larger study could later be undertaken to monitor trends. Questions were designed to measure use of and attitudes towards a wide range of drugs. The drugs included were: marijuana, minor painkillers, tobacco, narcotics, alcohol, sedatives, hallucinogens, stimulants and tranquillisers. Students were asked their opinion of the danger of each drug, their 'goodness and the desired availability. Previous, present and future drug use was explored, including an estimate of frequency, quantity and relative use. Drug use by peers and the source of certain drugs was also investigated. Other data collected included a measurement of the frequency with which students participated in various leisure activities and the following background variables; age, sex, parents' country of birth, own country of birth, length of residence in Australia, fathers' occupation as well as satisfaction with school performance, usual confidant and usual social company. Four questions designed to measure the students' interest, suspicion, concern and willingness to complete the survey were included at the end of the questionnaire.