Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in Cocaine Use Among American High School Seniors, College Students, and Young Adults

Abstract

Objectives: To assess prevalence, predictors, and longitudinal patterns of cocaine use.

Methods: Nationally representative samples of high school seniors were studied each year from 1975 through 1987. Follow-up surveys of representative subsamples of each class were obtained. This design produces estimates for three populations: high school seniors, college students 1–4 years post high school, and high school graduates age 19–28.

Results: Substantial numbers of young Americans are using cocaine, and users are likely to continue using over long intervals.

Key Words:

• Cocaine
• Trends
• Longitudinal
• High school
• College