Middle and High School Drug Testing and Student Illicit Drug Use: A National Study 1998–2011

Abstract

Purpose This study uses 14 years of data from nationally representative samples of US middle and high school students in the Monitoring the Future study to examine associations between school student drug testing (SDT), substance use, and participation in extracurricular activities. Methods Analyses use questionnaire data collected from 1998–2011 from 89,575 students in 883 middle schools and 157,400 students in 1,463 high schools to examine: (1) the current prevalence of SDT; (2) SDT trends over time; (3) associations between substance use and SDT type, volume, or duration among the general student population or students participating in activities subject to testing; (4) associations between students’ beliefs/attitudes about marijuana use and SDT; and (5) associations between extracurricular participation rates and SDT. Results Moderately lower marijuana use was associated with any random testing of the general high school student population and for SDT of middle and high school sub-populations specifically subject to testing (athletes or participants in non-athletic extracurricular activities). However, SDT generally was associated with increased use of illicit drugs other than marijuana. Conclusions Because the study design is observational and the data are cross-sectional, no strong causal conclusions can be drawn. However, there is evidence of lower marijuana use in the presence of SDT, and evidence of higher use of illicit drugs other than marijuana. Until further research can clarify the apparent opposing associations, schools should approach SDT with caution.

A Survey of Synthetic Cannabinoid Consumption by Current Cannabis Users

“…From a policy perspective, cannabis prohibition indirectly could be moving some individuals toward SC product use, such as among those seeking a cannabis high but wanting to evade urine drug detection. Although not specifically related to SC consumption, Monitoring the Future Survey data during 1998 to 2011 indicate that some high school students may have transitioned from cannabis to other illicit drugs based on promulgation of random student drug testing (26). The authors posited that the transition to non-cannabis illicit drugs might have been driven by student awareness about greater detectably of cannabis due to persistent THC metabolites, as well as a desire to avoid substance use recognition during urine drug testing (26).…”

“…(26) The authors posited that the transition to noncannabis illicit drugs might have been driven by student awareness about greater detectably of cannabis due to persistent THC metabolites, as well as a desire to avoid substance use recognition during urine drug testing. (26) The findings illustrate the need to continually reevaluate the risk-benefit ratio of drug policy. In our attempt to monitor and detect illicit drug use, we need to be mindful of potential unintended consequences, such as encouraging use of lesser-known and possibly dangerous drugs, including the SC products.…”

Eating Disorders, Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

“…In adolescence, while athletic team participation is associated with higher alcohol use, the combination of team and other physical activities, or physical activities outside of team sports, is associated with lower levels of alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis use (Terry-McElrath, O'Malley, & Johnston, 2013). In adolescence, while athletic team participation is associated with higher alcohol use, the combination of team and other physical activities, or physical activities outside of team sports, is associated with lower levels of alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis use (Terry-McElrath, O'Malley, & Johnston, 2013).…”

Risks & Challenges: Effectiveness Assessment of a Preventive Program on Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies amongst Students in Higher Education

“…The prevalence of psychoactive substance use increases with age and reaches its peak in early adulthood, particularly in the transition from secondary school to higher education (Becoña, 2010;Botvin & Griffin, 2007;Catalano et al, 2012, Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, 2008;Kirst et al, 2014). In several countries, studies carried out at university show high prevalence of consumption, especially alcohol, followed by cannabis and psychostimulants (Ferreira et al, 2013;Helmer et al, 2014;Terry-McElrath et al, 2013;Van Well et al, 2016). University students are vulnerable to intensive drinking, being easily exposed to immediate health risks such as alcohol and substance use.…”