Pubdate: Thu, 04 May 2000
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: The Hamilton Spectator 2000
Contact:  http://www.southam.com/hamiltonspectator/
Author: Robert Faulkner

LINK BETWEEN AFFLUENCE, TEENS' DRUG USE UNCLEAR

Halton's medical officer of health says the link between youth drug use and 
family income is a complex matter but may be a key question in the wake of 
a recent survey in the affluent region. "You could pose six different 
research questions there (and) we acknowledge these are important," Bob 
Nosal said. "Socio-economic status has a role but to simplify it is a problem."

Nosal helped conduct the Halton region's first student drug use survey. The 
study was conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health -- the 
largest facility of its kind in Canada. Its scope was impressive: about 
3,000 students in Grade 7 to OAC at 22 schools completed the lengthy 
questionnaire.

The survey found that the area's students are 2 per cent above the Ontario 
average when it comes to alcohol use, 1 per cent below provincial tobacco 
figures and 3 per cent below the Ontario rate for marijuana use.

But we should also ask: What factors tend to influence a student's decision 
to use drugs?

Well, the Halton survey found that drug use increased as students grew 
older. The difference across the sexes, however, was only significant when 
it came to pot smoking: male students were much more likely to light up.

And how about wealth as a factor in youth drug use in Halton?

According to 1997 tax returns, an average Halton family brings in $72,300. 
This puts the region 51.3 per cent above the national average and 36.2 per 
cent above the provincial average.

In the 122-question survey, students were asked how large a weekly 
allowance they receive and how they would rate their family's financial 
situation relative to the 'average' family. The answers for these questions 
were not cross-referenced for drug use.

Most experts agree, however, that drug use cuts across all segments of society.

"Drug use is endemic," said Dennis Long, director of Toronto's Breakaway 
addiction centre. "People will usually sort themselves out (and) define 
themselves in their high school culture."

The possible link between family incomes and drug use is a bit harder to 
get a grip on, Long added.

"Lower income kids may use more things like solvents and crack while higher 
income kids may be able to afford other drugs and have access to them."
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