TEXAS SCHOOL SURVEY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

DIMMITT ISD

SECONDARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OVERVIEW

In the Spring of 1996, 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 Dimmitt Independent School District (DISD). A total of 534
students completed the questionnaire, which asked about students' experiences with alcohol and
drugs. Of that number, 36 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 498.1

Students' responses to the questionnaire indicate that:

• Sixty-six* percent of Dimmitt ISD students reported using tobacco at least once
during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 30 percent said they had used tobacco during
the past month (Fig. 2).2

• Twelve percent of Dimmitt ISD students said they smoke cigarettes on a daily basis,
while 2 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis.

• Eighty* percent of Dimmitt ISD students said they had used alcohol at least once
during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 47* percent reported using alcohol during the
past month (Fig. 2).

• Thirty-four* percent of Dimmitt ISD 9th through 12th grade students said they had
driven a car at least once during the past year after having "a good bit to drink"
(Fig. 11).
1
The percentages referred to in the executive summary were taken from the tables found in "Part I: District
Survey Results." 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
• Lifetime use of inhalants was reported by 18 percent of Dimmitt ISD students (Fig.
1), while past-month inhalant use was reported by 6 percent (Fig. 2).

• Twenty-seven percent of Dimmitt ISD students reported using marijuana at least

once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1), and 8* percent said they had used marijuana
during the past month (Fig. 2).

• Dimmitt ISD students are most likely to turn to friends for help with a drug or
alcohol problem (73 percent) and least likely to consult a counselor or program in
school (32 percent) (Fig. 17).

Tobacco

Over the last two years, the general use of tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless products)
among students statewide has increased slightly.3 Overall, the general use of tobacco products
among Dimmitt ISD students, especially those in the upper grades, is somewhat higher than that
reported by their counterparts statewide.

Sixty-six* percent of Dimmitt students reported general tobacco use at least once during their
lifetimes, compared to 55 percent of students statewide (Fig. 1). Lifetime tobacco use was
reported by 52 percent of district 7th and 8th graders (47 percent statewide). Seventy-three*
percent of DISD 9th through 12th graders reported lifetime use of a tobacco product, a rate
higher than that reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (60 percent).

Thirty percent of Dimmitt ISD students said they had used a tobacco product during the past
month (26 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was reported by 19
percent of DISD 7th and 8th grade students (20 percent statewide) and 36 percent of district 9th
through 12th grade students (30 percent statewide).

Sixty-four* percent of Dimmitt students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their
lifetimes, a rate higher than that reported by their peers statewide (53 percent). Twenty-nine
percent of DISD students said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (25 percent
statewide), and 12 percent reported smoking cigarettes on a daily basis (8 percent statewide).
Daily use of cigarettes was reported by 6 percent of Dimmitt 7th and 8th grade students (4
percent statewide) and 16 percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (11 percent
statewide). Twenty-seven* percent of DISD students said most or all of their close friends
smoke cigarettes, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (21 percent).

3
Statewide data is collected every other year. The statewide data used for comparison purposes in the district
report and executive summary is taken from the results of the survey administered in the Spring of 1996.

2
Lifetime use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 22* percent of DISD students, a
rate higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide (16 percent). Eight percent of
Dimmitt ISD students reported using smokeless tobacco during the past month (5 percent
statewide), and 2 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis (1 percent
statewide). Seven percent of district students 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 Dimmitt ISD.
Alcohol use among secondary students statewide has decreased slightly from that reported two
years ago. Overall, Dimmitt ISD students, especially those in the 9th through 12th grade
grouping, are drinking alcohol at rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide.

Eighty* percent of Dimmitt students reported consuming alcohol at least once during their
lifetimes (74 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime alcohol use was reported by 66 percent of
DISD 7th and 8th graders (63 percent statewide). Eighty-seven* percent of district 9th through
12th graders reported lifetime alcohol use, a rate higher than that reported by 9th through 12th
graders statewide (80 percent) (Fig. 3).

Forty-seven* percent of Dimmitt ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past
month, in contrast to the 38 percent reported by students statewide (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol
use was reported by 29 percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (28 percent statewide).
Fifty-eight* percent of DISD 9th through 12th grade students reported drinking alcohol during
the past month, a rate higher than that reported by 9th through 12th grade students statewide (43
percent) (Fig. 4).

The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Dimmitt students are beer (70* percent/56
percent statewide) and wine coolers (64 percent/58 percent statewide). Fifty* percent of DISD
students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis (33 percent statewide), and 37*
percent said they drink wine coolers weekly or monthly (31 percent statewide), rates higher than
those reported by their peers statewide.

"Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine coolers, servings of wine, or
drinks with liquor at one time. DISD students are "binge drinking" beer and wine coolers at rates
higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Fifty-four* percent of Dimmitt ISD
students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (37 percent statewide),
while 35* percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink
(19 percent statewide). Lifetime "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 53* percent
of DISD students (40 percent statewide), while 30* percent said they usually drink five or more
wine coolers at a time on average when they drink (18 percent statewide).

Six percent of Dimmitt students reported attending at least one class during the past school year
while "drunk" (9 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 5 percent

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of DISD 7th and 8th graders (8 percent statewide) and 7 percent of district 9th through 12th
graders (10 percent statewide) (Fig. 9).

Thirty-four* percent of DISD 9th through 12th grade students said that they had driven a car
after having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year, more than double the rate
reported by 9th through 12th grade students statewide (15 percent). Driving while intoxicated
four or more times during the past year was reported by 10* percent of district 9th through 12th
graders, a rate higher than that reported by their peers statewide (4 percent) (Fig. 11).

Students were asked about the availability of alcohol, its use among friends, and its use at parties.
Seventy-three percent of Dimmitt ISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor were
somewhat easy or very easy to obtain (75 percent statewide). Fifty-two* percent of district
students reported most or all of their close friends drink alcohol (37 percent statewide), and 54*
percent responded "from friends" when asked where they obtained alcohol most of the time or
always (39 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide.
"Difficulties of any kind" with friends because of one's own drinking was reported by 14* percent
of DISD students (9 percent statewide).

Fifty-five* percent of Dimmitt students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they
attended in the past school year, a rate higher than that reported by their peers statewide (37
percent). Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported by 26 percent of district 7th and 8th
graders (17 percent statewide). Seventy* percent of DISD 9th through 12th graders said alcohol
was used at most or all of the parties they attended in the past school year, a rate considerably
higher than that reported by 9th through 12th graders statewide (49 percent) (Fig. 12). Fifty-
five* percent of district students responded "at parties" when asked where they obtain alcohol
most of the time or always, compared to 43 percent of students statewide. Thirteen percent of
DISD students said they get alcohol "from the store" most of the time or always (17 percent
statewide).

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 DISD students who had not been absent since the Fall
reported having used alcohol during the past month (36 percent/25 percent statewide) than did
district students who said they had missed four or more days of school (49 percent/44 percent
statewide). Sixty-five 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 (62 percent
statewide). By contrast, only 41 percent of district students who had not experienced difficulties
with school officials because of conduct problems had used alcohol within the past 30 days (25
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, 75 percent of Dimmitt students
said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove (76 percent statewide). Twelve percent of district
students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer (9

4
percent statewide), and 10 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (10 percent
statewide) (Fig. 15).

Inhalants4

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 has stayed about the same. Overall, Dimmitt ISD
students are using inhalants at rates somewhat similar to those reported by their counterparts
statewide.

Eighteen percent of Dimmitt students reported using inhalants at least once during their lifetimes
(20 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was reported by 22 percent of district 7th
and 8th graders (23 percent statewide) and 15 percent of DISD 9th through 12th graders (18
percent statewide) (Figs. 5a and 5b).

Six percent of Dimmitt ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (5
percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 10 percent of district 7th
and 8th grade students (8 percent statewide) and 4 percent of DISD 9th through 12th grade
students (3 percent statewide) (Figs. 6a and 6b).

Two percent of DISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants (3 percent
statewide), and 2 percent said they had attended at least one class during the past school year
while "high" on inhalants (4 percent statewide). Eleven percent of DISD 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 Dimmitt students was correction fluid/Liquid
Paper (10 percent/9 percent statewide). Seven percent of district students reported inhaling
substances in the "other inhalants" category (8 percent statewide), 6 percent said they had inhaled
liquid/spray paint (7 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled glue (5 percent
statewide), 5 percent reported inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), 5 percent said they had
inhaled paint thinner (5 percent statewide), and 3 percent reported inhaling substances in the
"other sprays" category (4 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

4
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.

5
two years, the use of illicit drugs among secondary students statewide has increased. The use of
marijuana, the most frequently used illicit substance, has also increased among secondary
students statewide over the last two years.

In the Dimmitt ISD, 29 percent of students reported use of illicit drugs at least once during their
lifetimes (34 percent statewide), while 19* percent of DISD students said they had used one or
more illicit substances three or more times (25 percent statewide), rates somewhat lower than
those reported by students statewide. Statewide, students who said they had used illicit drugs
reported using them an average of 2.2 times in the past 30 days and 6.4 times during their lives.
Dimmitt students reported average usage rates of 0.9 times in the past month and 4.5 times
during their lifetimes.

Twenty-seven percent of DISD students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetimes,
a rate somewhat similar to that reported by their peers statewide (31 percent) (Fig. 1). Lifetime
marijuana use was reported by 14 percent of Dimmitt 7th and 8th grade students (21 percent
statewide) and 34 percent of district 9th through 12th grade students (37 percent statewide)
(Figs. 5a and 5b).

Past-month marijuana use was reported by 8* percent of Dimmitt ISD students, half the rate
reported by students statewide (16 percent) (Fig. 2). Past-month marijuana use was reported by
4* percent of district 7th and 8th graders (11 percent statewide) and 10* percent of DISD 9th
through 12th graders (19 percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by their peers
statewide (Figs. 6a and 6b).

Four* percent of DISD students reported attending at least one class in the past year while
"stoned" on marijuana, a rate lower than that reported by students statewide (13 percent
statewide). Attending class while "stoned" was reported by 2* percent of Dimmitt 7th and 8th
graders (10 percent statewide) and 5* percent of district 9th through 12th graders (14 percent
statewide). Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported
by 10 percent of Dimmitt ISD 9th through 12th grade students (12 percent statewide).

Forty-one* percent of DISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to obtain (53
percent statewide), and 10* percent reported most or all of their close friends use marijuana (21
percent statewide), rates lower than those reported by students statewide. Three* percent of
district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with their friends because of
their own drug use (6 percent statewide).

Twelve* percent of the Dimmitt ISD students said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used
at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, nearly half the rate reported by
students statewide (23 percent). Marijuana and/or other drug use at most or all parties was
reported by 8 percent of district 7th and 8th grade students (12 percent statewide). Fifteen*
percent of DISD 9th through 12th grade 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 9th through 12th grade students statewide (29 percent).

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When asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Dimmitt students reported a
disapproval rate of 85 percent (85 percent statewide). Eleven percent of district students said
they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age using marijuana (8 percent
statewide), while 2 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (4 percent
statewide) (Fig. 15).

Other illicit substances are used by a small number of Dimmitt ISD students. Eight percent of
DISD students said they had used powdered cocaine (7 percent statewide), 6 percent reported
using uppers (8 percent statewide), 4 percent reported using downers (6 percent statewide), 3
percent reported using crack (3 percent statewide), 2 percent said they had used steroids (2
percent statewide), and 1* percent reported using ecstasy (5 percent statewide) at least once
during their lifetimes (Fig. 1).

CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE

Statewide, female students were somewhat less likely to have used drugs than were male
students. In the Dimmitt ISD, male students were somewhat more likely to have used marijuana,
powdered cocaine, steroids, or ecstasy than were district female students. On the other hand,
DISD female students were somewhat more likely to have used crack, uppers, or downers than
were district male students. There were no other significant differences by gender among DISD
students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol, inhalants, or hallucinogens.

When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage
of Dimmitt students said they would seek help from their friends (73 percent/74 percent
statewide). Sixty-two percent of DISD students said they would seek help from an adult friend or
relative (58 percent statewide), and 58 percent said they would turn to their parents (54 percent
statewide). District students are least likely to seek help for a drug or alcohol problem from a
counselor or program in school (32 percent/35 percent statewide) (Fig. 17). Since school began
in the Fall, 7 percent of Dimmitt students reported seeking help for any problems connected with
alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent statewide).

Seventy-eight percent of Dimmitt ISD students said they had gotten information about drugs and
alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (75 percent statewide). Fifty-eight*
percent of DISD students reported getting information about drugs and alcohol from a "health
class," a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (46 percent). "An assembly
program" was reported by 40 percent of district students as a source for information about drugs
and alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 35 percent said "an invited school guest" was a source
for this information (38 percent statewide).

The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use
of specific substances. Eighty-eight percent of Dimmitt students believe that crack use is "very
dangerous" (88 percent statewide), and 88 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very
dangerous" (87 percent statewide). Seventy-nine percent of DISD students believe that inhalant
use is "very dangerous" (70 percent statewide), and 74* percent believe that marijuana use is

7
"very dangerous" (60 percent statewide), rates higher than those reported by students statewide.
By contrast, the perceived danger of alcohol and tobacco use is lower. Only 44 percent of DISD
students feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (44 percent statewide), while 37 percent
believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous" (39 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).