TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

TROY 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 Troy Independent School District (TISD). A total of 416
students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and
drugs. Of that number, 43 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 373.1

Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that:

•Sixty percent of Troy ISD students reported using tobacco at least once during their
lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 32* percent said they had used tobacco during the past
month (Fig. 2).2

•Eight percent of TISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, while 3
percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.

•Seventy-three percent of Troy ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once
during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 42 percent reported using alcohol during the
past month (Fig. 2).

•Nine percent of TISD students reported attending at least one class during the past year
while "drunk," and 23* percent of district 9th through 12th grade students said

1
The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I
(Standardized): District Survey Results." Sixth grade student participation in the secondary survey has been
eliminated throughout this report so that comparisons can be made with statewide data. 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 executive summary and 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 a 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.

1
 they had driven a car at least once during the past year after having "a good bit
to drink."

•Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 25* percent of district students (Fig. 1),
while past-month inhalant use was reported by 7 percent (Fig. 2).

•Nineteen* percent of TISD students reported using marijuana at least once during their
lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 9 percent said they had used marijuana during the past
month (Fig. 2).

•Troy ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or alcohol
problem (84* percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in
school (34 percent) or another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (34
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 Troy ISD students is somewhat higher than that reported by their
counterparts statewide.

Sixty percent of Troy students reported general tobacco use at least once during their lifetimes
(55 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime tobacco use was reported by 55 percent of district 7th
and 8th graders, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by 7th and 8th graders statewide (46
percent). Sixty-three percent of TISD 9th through 12th graders reported lifetime general
tobacco use (60 percent statewide).

Thirty-two* percent of Troy ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past
month, compared to 24 percent of students statewide (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use
was reported by 28 percent of TISD 7th and 8th grade students (20 percent statewide) and 35
percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (27 percent statewide), rates higher than
those reported by their counterparts statewide.

Fifty-six percent of Troy students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their
lifetimes (52 percent statewide), and 27 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 use of cigarettes was reported by 3 percent of Troy
7th and 8th grade students (4 percent statewide) and 11 percent of district 9th through 12th
grade students (9 percent statewide). Nineteen percent of TISD students said most or all of
their close friends smoke cigarettes, the same rate reported by students statewide.

Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 29* percent of TISD students (17
percent statewide), while 11* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during

2
the past month (6 percent statewide), rates somewhat higher than those reported by their
counterparts statewide. Using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis was reported by 3
percent of district students (2 percent statewide), and 5 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 Troy ISD.
Alcohol use among secondary students statewide was similar to that reported two years ago.
Overall, Troy ISD students are drinking alcohol at rates somewhat similar to those reported by
their peers statewide.

Seventy-three percent of Troy students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their
lifetimes (74 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was reported by 69 percent of
TISD 7th and 8th graders, a rate somewhat higher than that reported by 7th and 8th graders
statewide (63 percent). Seventy-six percent of district 9th through 12th graders reported
lifetime alcohol use (81 percent statewide) (Fig. 3).

Forty-two percent of Troy ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month
(39 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Current alcohol use was reported by 36 percent of district 7th
and 8th grade students, compared to 29 percent of 7th and 8th grade students statewide. Forty-
five percent of TISD 9th through 12th grade students said they had consumed alcohol during
the past month (46 percent statewide) (Fig. 4).

The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Troy students are beer (62 percent/59 percent
statewide) and wine coolers (61 percent/61 percent statewide). Thirty-six percent of TISD
students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (37 percent statewide), and 31
percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (34 percent statewide).

"Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or
drinks with liquor at one time. Thirty-seven percent of Troy ISD students reported "binge
drinking" beer at least once during the past-year (39 percent statewide), while 24 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 39 percent of TISD
students (41 percent statewide), while 23 percent said they usually drink five or more wine
coolers at a time on average when they drink (19 percent statewide).

Nine percent of Troy students reported attending at least one class during the past school year
while "drunk" (10 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 10
percent of TISD 7th and 8th graders (9 percent statewide) and 8 percent of district 9th through
12th graders (10 percent statewide) (Fig. 9).

Twenty-three* percent of TISD 9th through 12th grade students said they had driven a car after
having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year, a rate somewhat higher than that

3
reported by their 9th through 12th grade peers statewide (15 percent). Driving while
intoxicated four or more times during the past year was reported by 7 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-nine percent of Troy ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor
were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (77 percent statewide). Thirty-five percent of
district students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (40 percent statewide),
and 42 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 13 percent of TISD students (10 percent statewide).

Thirty* percent of Troy students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they attended
in the past school year, compared to 39 percent of students statewide. Alcohol use at most or all
parties was reported by 39* percent of TISD 9th through 12th graders, a rate lower than that
reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (51 percent) (Fig. 12). Forty-one percent of
district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the
time or always (44 percent statewide). Fifteen* percent of TISD students said they get alcohol
"from the store" most of the time or always, a rate somewhat lower than that reported by
students statewide (21 percent).

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 TISD students who had not been absent since the Fall
reported having used alcohol during the past month (34 percent/26 percent statewide) than did
district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (51 percent/47 percent
statewide). Seventy-one* 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 23* 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, 76 percent of Troy 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 14 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (11 percent
statewide) (Fig. 15).

Inhalants3

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.

4
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, Troy ISD students are using
inhalants at rates somewhat higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide.

Twenty-five* percent of Troy students reported using inhalants at least once during their
lifetimes, compared to 19 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was
reported by 31 percent of district 7th and 8th graders, a rate somewhat higher than that reported
by their peers statewide (22 percent). Twenty-two percent of TISD 9th through 12th graders
reported lifetime inhalant use (17 percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b).

Seven percent of Troy ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5
percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Current inhalant use was reported by 10 percent of district 7th and
8th grade students (7 percent statewide) and 5 percent of TISD 9th through 12th grade students
(4 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b).

Two percent of TISD 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). Sixteen* percent of TISD students said they
had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances during their lifetimes (12 percent
statewide).

The inhalant substance most frequently used by Troy students was correction fluid/Liquid Paper
(16* percent), compared to 10 percent of students statewide. Twelve* percent of district
students said they had inhaled liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 10 percent said they had
inhaled paint thinner (6 percent statewide), 9 percent reported inhaling gasoline (6 percent
statewide), and 9 percent reported inhaling substances in the "other inhalants" category (8
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 Troy ISD, 23 percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their
lifetimes (28 percent statewide), while 18 percent of TISD students said they had used one or
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. Troy students reported average usage rates of 1.1 times in the past
month and 3.7 times during their lifetimes.

5
Nineteen* percent of TISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, a
rate somewhat lower than that reported by their peers statewide (25 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime
marijuana use was reported by 11 percent of Troy 7th and 8th grade students (17 percent
statewide) and 23 percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (31 percent statewide)
(Figs. 5a and 5b).

Past-month marijuana use was reported by 9 percent of Troy ISD students (12 percent
statewide) (Fig. 2). Current marijuana use was reported by 5 percent of district 7th and 8th
graders (8 percent statewide) and 11 percent of TISD 9th through 12th graders (14 percent
statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b).

Six percent of TISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while "stoned"
on marijuana (9 percent statewide). Attending class while "stoned" was reported by 4 percent
of Troy 7th and 8th graders (7 percent statewide) and 7 percent of district 9th through 12th
graders (11 percent statewide) (Fig. 10). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once
during the past year was reported by 10 percent of Troy ISD 9th through 12th grade students (8
percent statewide).

Thirty-seven* percent of TISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain
(48 percent statewide). Seven* percent of Troy students reported most or all of their close
friends use marijuana, a rate lower than that reported by students statewide (17 percent). Six
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).

Nine* percent of Troy ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at most or
all of the parties they attended during the school year, a rate lower than that reported by their
counterparts statewide (17 percent statewide). Marijuana and/or other drug use at most or all
parties was reported by 11* percent of TISD 9th through 12th grade students, a rate lower than
that reported by their 9th through 12th grade peers statewide (22 percent).

When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Troy students reported a disapproval
rate of 90 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).

Uppers are the next most frequently used illicit substance among Troy ISD students (10
percent/7 percent statewide). Six percent of TISD students reported using downers (5 percent
statewide), 5 percent said they had used hallucinogens (6 percent statewide), and 5 percent said
they had used powdered cocaine (5 percent statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig.
1).

CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE

6
Statewide, female students were less likely to have used drugs than were male students. In the
Troy ISD, male students were nearly twice as likely to report marijuana use than were female
students. There were no other significant differences by gender among TISD students with
regard to the use of tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, 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. TISD students living in other family situations were
somewhat more likely to have used tobacco, marijuana, or uppers, and nearly three times more
likely to have used downers than were those district students living in homes with two parents.
There were no other significant differences by living arrangement among Troy ISD students
with regard to alcohol, inhalants, or other illegal drugs.

When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest
percentage of Troy students said they would seek help from their friends (84* percent), a rate
higher than that reported by students statewide (74 percent). Fifty-three percent of TISD
students said they would seek help from an adult friend or relative (57 percent statewide), and
51 percent said they would turn to their parents (54 percent statewide). District students are
least likely to seek help from a counselor or program in school (34 percent/35 percent
statewide) or another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (34 percent/33 percent
statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began in the Fall, 6 percent of Troy students reported seeking
help for any problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or
friends (7 percent statewide).

Seventy-one* percent of Troy ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and
alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall, compared to 79 percent of students
statewide. "A health class" was reported by 43 percent of district students as a source for
information about drugs and alcohol (46 percent statewide). Thirty-five* percent of TISD
students said "an assembly program" was a source for information about drugs and alcohol (53
percent statewide), while 30* percent reported getting information about drugs and alcohol
from a "an invited school guest" (46 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by their
counterparts statewide.

The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use
of specific substances. Ninety-two percent of Troy students believe that crack use is "very
dangerous" (91 percent statewide), and 91 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very
dangerous" (90 percent statewide). Eighty* percent of TISD students believe that marijuana
use is "very dangerous," a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (67 percent).
Seventy-four percent of district students believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (77
percent statewide). By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower.
Only 48 percent of TISD students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (46 percent
statewide), while 36 percent believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (41 percent statewide)
(Fig. 13).