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Substance Use in Benton County (Corvallis, Oregon)

Data collected in the 1998 Oregon Public School Drug Use Survey showed these findings for this region of the State.

• Marijuana use in 11th grades has increased
• Marijuana use is more prevalent in males than females
• Alcohol use is more prevalent in 6th grade males than females
• Cigarette use has increased
• Cigarette use is more prevalent amongst females
• Inhalant use is more prevalent amongst 8th grade females than 8th grade males.

The overall findings indicate that throughout the State there is the following:

• An increase in cigarette use
• Cocaine, steroids, Quaaludes and heroin is on the rise in 11th graders
• Inhalant use is on the rise in 6th graders
• Amphetamine use is higher among 8th and 11th grade

In December 1998 the Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs prepared "Pathways to a Healthy Future" based on surveys done in the Benton County schools. The results of the survey identified Benton County's community risk factors as follows:

• Alcohol, Tobacco and other drugs are easily available
• Community laws and norms are favorable towards drug use, firearms and crime
• Low neighborhood attachment and community disorganization

The most striking findings in the Benton profile are the lack of rewards for conventional behavior and the lack of family involvement and rewards. According to the profile, Benton County's youth are at above average risk for rebellious behavior, favorable attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, early initiation into alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and having friends who use. The profile also indicates poor family management and a lack of appropriate consequences by parents, schools and law enforcement for alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. The Benton County profile data further indicates that there is an increase in substance use as the age of the youth increases.

Alcohol and drug use amongst youth continues to rise in Benton County. The availability of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is prevalent and youth are being exposed to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at earlier ages. Benton County youth do not believe there are consequences for their alcohol and drug use by law enforcement and their parents. Parents do not seem to be aware of alcohol and drug use issues in youth. There is a lack of rewards and incentives for youth to engage in positive/conventional behaviors as well as a lack of opportunities for families to participate in family-centers school and community activities. There is a need to build family management skills and positive family support of children and youth.
-from School District 509J

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