College Drug Use Down Sharply Nationwide

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Long-term research shows drug usage is actually down among immature people nationwide. The subject is back in the limelight after this week's flop at San Diego State University. KPBS Reporter Saint Andrew Phelps have more.

Lloyd J. E. Johnston of the University of Wolverine State tracks the drug wonts of immature people from 8th class through college. The information travels back to 1975. J. E. Johnston states drugs are plentiful at campuses nationwide.

Johnston: Oh sure, I mean, entree is very widespread, particularly for marijuana.

But J. E. Johnston states overall drug usage is down. In 1980, more than than one-half of college pupils admitted trying illicit drugs in the past year. Today, just a 3rd of pupils state they've experimented.

Even as illicit usage falls off, J. E. Johnston states the maltreatment of pharmaceuticals stays high.

Johnston: The prescription drugs have got got go a more than of import portion of the picture, and they have not shown very much diminution yet.

Johnston states alcoholic beverage and marihuana are the most popular drugs among college students. Only 5 percentage admitted trying cocaine.

Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.