RT Journal
A1 BUCHTA RM
T1 Drug usage among adolescents: A survey from a pediatric/adolescent practice
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1989
FD July 1
VO 143
IS 7
SP 765
OP 766
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150190015007
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150190015007
AB Sir.—Studies have documented alcohol and other drug usage among the adolescent population. In 1985, in a study of over 17000 high school students, 75% admitted to trying alcohol, 60% marijuana, and 16% cocaine.1 Because these statistics, along with other statistics from similar studies, involve a cross section of the population, the percentages of drug usage by adolescents in a given practice might be very different. Depending on many factors, including demographics, socioeconomic status, ethnic population served, and geographic areas (urban vs rural), the figures in any pediatric practice may be dissimilar to the figures quoted.In dealing with the problem of drug usage/abuse in an adolescent population in one's own practice, it might be beneficial to know what the statistics are in regard to drug usage in the population being served. In the process of obtaining information about the deliberate intoxication of children and pets by adolescents, I