The “Hang-Loose” Ethic and Drug use Revisited

Abstract

All the students in four elective classes in one high school re-ponded to a questionnaire concerning drug use, selected attitudes, and selected behaviors. There were few differences between drug users and nonusers in terms of the attitudes and behaviors measured. However, there were striking differences between the high school sample and youth who frequented a free clinic. The “hang-loose” ethic was much more apparent at the clinic. Implications are briefly discussed.