Investigated students' (N=1,184) self-reported interventions in the alcohol-, tobacco-, illicit-drug use, and drinking-driving of their friends. Results indicate that almost one-third of students intervened in friends' illegal drug use and drinking-driving, whereas about one-half intervened with smoking. Intervenors were usually older and worked…

A study was conducted with students in grade 9 in two Ontario schools, with one group receiving six periods of drug education and the control school none at all. The peer-oriented program led to more knowledge about drugs, but no differences in the use of drugs or in attitudes. (Author)

A survey of attitudes towards drugs, knowledge about them and the use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit and psychoactive drugs was conducted among 4,693 high school students. Knowledge level and permissive attitudes tended to increase with grade level. Knowledge scores also increased, but attitudes became less permissive with increasing academic…

Reports two studies of effects of high and low fear messages about drugs. In the first study three levels of threat appeal about marijuana were used. The second study concerned attitudes toward a non-existent drug-MOT. The effects of fear level for MOT were very large and indicate that high fear appeals are superior. (Author)

Estimated use and characteristics of users of smokeless tobacco among probability sample of 4,267 Ontario (Canada) teenagers. Results indicated that smokeless tobacco use was not common, varying from one to three percent depending on age and gender, but was more likely to occur among smokers (10% to 32%). Group most prone to use was young smoking…

Used data from Ontario Alcohol and Drug Use Among Students survey (N=4,267) to determine how reported alcohol and cannabis (marijuana) use changed with increased exposure to drug education. Concluded drug education had stronger influence on younger students and lighter drinkers but little impact on heavy drinkers. Found decrease in cannabis use…

The study concludes that selective exposure seems unrelated to drug use and to certainty about various aspects of the harmful effects of drugs. These data suggest that drug education efforts are probably not losing their effectiveness because users refuse to initially expose themselves to information about harmful effects. (Author)

Examined data from repeated cross-sectional probability surveys of alcohol/drug use conducted biennially since 1979 in Ontario schools to determine relationships between classroom alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis education and student use of these substances. Found strong inverse association between increases in exposure to alcohol and drug…

Examined use of age of majority cards (identification indicating legal drinking age status in Ontario) among 3,395 secondary school students. Found card status to be significantly related to frequency of alcohol use, problems, and place of drinking. Found little evidence that age of majority cards are an effective device for limiting access of…

Examined rates of steroid use among Ontario adolescent students. Findings from 3,892 students revealed that 1.1 percent reported using steroids over past year. Steroid users were significantly more likely to use stimulants, caffeine, and relaxants than were nonsteroid users. Demographically, steroid users were significantly more likely to be male…