rb@cci632.UUCP (Rex Ballard) (10/17/86)
In article <21341@rochester.ARPA> ray@rochester.ARPA (Ray Frank) writes: >In article <3707@hplabsb.UUCP>, piety@hplabsb.UUCP (Bob Piety) writes: >Over 50% of high-schoolers are using or have tried various drugs. So it would >appear that MOST people in a certain age group do use or have tried drugs, and >the usage of certain drugs by this age group is increasing. >ray One report (don't remember where) indicates that: 75-80% will try using drugs and or alcohol before they are 18. 50% will use them more them once a week or more for more than a month before they are 18. 25% will experience adverse effects (legal, financial, educational, or medical problems) before age 30. 5% will require medical treatment for addiction and/or alcoholism. 1% of those experiencing adverse effects will quit for more than 2 years. These were based on a study done in 1976. As you point out, use is increasing. The one figure missing is the group medically defined as addicts. Those exceeding the equivalent level of intoxication as for DUI (about 4 oz actual alcohol) more than twice a week for more than a month. The trouble here is that most who reach that level don't put it down on paper. Note: this is the medical definition of an addict, many addicts cut down to less when they learn this definition, or aren't honest with themselves about it. Like the ones who count one *pitcher* as one drink, or use 12 oz glasses for wine or scotch. Rex B.