The States Take Action : Survey Provides Look at the Battle Against Drugs in American Schools

Here is a 50-state look at the situation regarding drug use in American schools, including some of the efforts each state is making, based on interviews by The Associated Press with school officials, parents, teachers and students.

ALABAMA

Few districts report a major drug problem; there is little evidence of cocaine, crack or heroin. Alcohol is the top problem. A year-old policy requires Mobile principals to suspend students for drug offenses.

ALASKA

Alcohol-related problems outnumber drug problems, 10-1, in schools. Some 800 minors a year are referred to substance-abuse programs, most for alcohol or marijuana. A third of Alaska schools include substance-abuse prevention in their regular curriculum, usually in health classes.

ARIZONA

Drug abuse among some Tucson pupils begins as early as fourth grade, usually alcohol or marijuana. In 1985, a major cocaine bust involved high school students from affluent Scottsdale. Greenway High School in Phoenix used peer support programs to reduce drug use sharply in seven years.

ARKANSAS

Alcohol is by far the drug of choice, with marijuana a distant second; cocaine, crack and other hard drugs were hardly mentioned by school officials. Survey of Little Rock youngsters found that 15% began drinking alcohol at age 5 or younger. Pocahontas schools used a drug-sniffing dog and probably will again this year.

CALIFORNIA

Alcohol remains the No. 1 drug. Los Angeles students start with drugs young. An increasing number use crack; some use electronic beepers to deal while in class. Los Angeles has the acclaimed Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, nicknamed DARE, bringing police into schools to warn students of drug risks. LSD and mushrooms still popular in white suburbs along with crack and pot. In rural San Joaquin Valley, police say student drug use is increasing, mostly with cocaine, PCP and marijuana. Voluntary drug testing of athletes in Los Angeles, Huntington Beach and several San Diego-area districts, with plans to expand to general student population.

COLORADO

Cocaine is an increasing problem, but with local economic downturn, alcohol still No. 1 and the most affordable drug. About 1,300 teachers trained to impart “refusal skills”--or how to say no to drugs.

CONNECTICUT

State considering $1-million program to help schools combat drugs, including developing model health education program, drug and alcohol workshops for teachers, students and others. Alcohol is the top drug, with cocaine second. Old Saybrook and Plainville districts have voluntary drug testing; Stratford schools want the right to search students’ cars for drugs.

DELAWARE

State officials don’t think drugs are a major school problem. They think marijuana use is down and alcohol remains No. 1 drug. Peer counseling is popular. Brandywine school district has a drug advisory committee consisting of parents, teachers, counselors and nurses which monitors student problems.

FLORIDA

Faced with a $5.6-million lawsuit, Polk County schools ended five-year practice of giving lie detector tests to students accused of various infractions, including drug abuse. Cocaine use up in Miami schools, which banned electronic beepers in October. In Tampa, alcohol is leading drug, marijuana is top illegal substance, and cocaine is on the increase. Drug use reported down in Broward County, around Fort Lauderdale.

GEORGIA

Atlanta school officials say drug use is down from several years ago. But teachers complain of “spaced-out kids” in class, especially at extracurricular activities like football games, said Jim Williams, executive director of the Georgia Assn. of Educators. Alcohol is most prevalent; crack not yet a big problem. No drug testing yet in Georgia, but a state senator is proposing legislation to clear the way for mandatory drug testing of suspect pupils in grades six through 12.

HAWAII

Marijuana use is up from 150 incidents of possession four years ago to 438 last school year. But state Board of Education recently voted, 12 to 1, against drug testing for athletes and coaches. Kindergarteners are tested to see if they have social or emotional problems that could lead to drug use.

ILLINOIS

An estimated 300,000 of the state’s 10-to-17-year-olds are abusing alcohol or drugs, according to the state Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. The 1985 Safe School Zone Act required that anyone aged 15 or older caught selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school be charged as an adult. The act followed testimony from Chicago schoolchildren that they could buy any drug they wanted within an hour. New Trier High School in Winnetka requires athletes to sign contracts to stay away from drugs or alcohol. Alcohol is drug of choice, with cocaine use steady or increasing and marijuana use down. Crack not yet major problem.

IDAHO

State spent $84,000 last year to incorporate the “Here’s Looking At You, Two” drug prevention program into school curricula. Supt. Jerry Evans resists idea of drug testing, saying it amounts to “proving innocence.” The state reports few incidents of drug abuse, but alcohol is a growing problem. In Meridian, 94% of 2,500 high school students use alcohol, two-thirds on a regular basis. Requests to school counselors for help with alcohol or drug abuse up 45% over past three years.

INDIANA

Drug and alcohol use is reported level or down, with most occurring in non-school hours. Some school leaders note drug experimentation at earlier ages and fear dealers are driving up marijuana prices to bring crack in as a cheaper substitute. Fort Wayne students caught selling or possessing drugs on school property are expelled for at least a semester.

IOWA

Alcohol is the clear favorite among school children, though a 1984 survey found 25% tried marijuana by age 16, and 14% had tried other drugs. Officials fear crack may catch on as an antidote to depression over farming slump.

KANSAS

The number of youths receiving state treatment for substance abuse nearly doubled since the 1982-83 school year, but officials say that may signal an increased awareness rather than growth in the problem. Alcohol and marijuana the two most popular drugs; crack has not shown up yet. Drug education common as early as first grade.

KENTUCKY

Jefferson County school officials report a “tremendous decrease” in all substance abuse except alcohol. Rural Simpson County high school began voluntary drug testing for athletes.

LOUISIANA

Drug abuse programs have suffered as the state budget tightens. Officials say the problem is worsening, too, because drug trade run out of Florida is now reaching Louisiana. Alcohol is a prime problem. St. James and Ascension Parish schools have adopted mandatory drug testing of athletes, and East Baton Rouge is in the process.

MAINE

In a program hailed as a model by the federal government, the state provides training sessions in which school and community leaders spend 10 days at a secluded location learning about drug abuse, alcoholism and adolescent behavior. School support groups then encourage student drug users to come forward for help with no risk of punishment.

MARYLAND

In the state where Len Bias died, school officials in Washington County use drug-sniffing dogs to root out school drug use despite surveys showing drug use is down from six years ago. Maryland’s chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union says it is prepared to sue if students complain. Statewide, the number of students using drugs more than once a week, excluding alcohol and cigarettes, fell from 15.9% in 1980 to 10.8% in 1984. Cocaine use is up, however, and officials say experimentation is starting younger.

MASSACHUSETTS

State has started a $65 million drive to rid schools of drugs by 1990. Boston school authorities say there is no major drug epidemic and crack has not appeared. But parents and teachers feel the drug problem is mounting. Affluent Milton parents are asked to sign pledge not to allow unchaperoned parties in their homes.

MICHIGAN

Traverse City athletes must sign document swearing off drugs, drinking and cigarettes. Students who complete a drug abuse treatment program get high school credits from the Holly school district. The Holly district spent $2,500 on a drug-sniffing German shepherd that patrols those schools and is loaned out to other districts.

MINNESOTA

While better overall than previous years, the drug situation is worsening again as cocaine enters the picture. Minneapolis students have to sign no-drug agreements to participate in many extracurricular activities. In St. Paul, where drug use has declined in last two years, students needing treatment are not allowed back to school until course is successfully completed.

MISSISSIPPI

Alcohol and marijuana are most popular, but crack has begun to appear in some areas. State had drug education specialists in all school districts from 1973 to 1975, when funding ended. State is now field-testing a K-12 drug curriculum to be implemented in all districts in fall 1987.

MISSOURI

A Kansas City high school girl, “obviously wiped out on drugs” according to her principal, attempted suicide this year in a school restroom. Alcohol and pot are the drugs of choice. St. Louis school officials fear situation is worsening and use is starting at an earlier age. Parents spurred Joplin schools to deal with drug problem after reports that restrooms were unsafe.

MONTANA

Drug counselors say average age of first use of a drug, usually alcohol, is age 11 for whites, 10 for Indians; they say 30% of students aged 12-17 have drinking problems. Cocaine use is increasing, but too expensive for most. Girls often start with over-the-counter diet pills. Hallucinogens are popular with American Indians, counselors say.

NEBRASKA

Alcohol is the biggest problem. But agricultural downturn is lessening drug and alcohol abuse in recent years, says Roger Hudson, Nebraska state director of curriculum, because “students don’t want to do things that would affect their shot at any opportunity.” Drug education is mandatory for all Omaha sixth-graders in a program called Parent Prevention Power Club. Lexington High School in Omaha asks athletes to sign pledge cards promising to abstain from alcohol and drugs.

NEVADA

“Love All People” program sent a group of reformed drug and alcohol abusers around the state to tell students their problems. School officials believe that awareness is up and drug use is starting to decline. Alcohol and marijuana use shows up as early as fifth grade. Use of marijuana is seen as on the wane, while cocaine is increasing.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Drug problem no worse than recent years, but awareness is up. Alcohol is the major problem. Two 15-year-olds were suspended from a Timberlane school for almost a year because of drugs. Timberlane also considering requiring drug testing for prospective school employees. Lebanon and Mascoma Valley Regional school districts spawned controversy by allowing use of police dogs to sniff for pot in student lockers.

NEW JERSEY

Newark has had an extensive drug education program, featuring full-time counselors, since 1972. The city schools have a drug task force including law enforcement officials, teachers, school personnel and area politicians. Children aged 7 to 10 meet in a “Just Say No” club. Marijuana is No. 1 drug. Crack is considered rare.

NEW MEXICO

Alcohol is biggest problem. Some say drug problems have decreased, but others believe that children have simply become more sophisticated in their drug use. Five years ago, use among elementary schoolchildren was unheard of. Now 10- and 12-year-olds are found with pot. For two years, school officials have used dogs to sniff out drugs in lockers and student cars. No one considering drug testing.

NEW YORK

New York City spending $17 million to combat drug use with nationally acclaimed curriculum called SPECDA, the School Program to Educate and Control Drug Abuse, featuring school lectures by police. LSD is reported coming back at some schools around the state. Alcohol and pot use way up from a decade ago in Buffalo schools. Drug education begins as general health instruction at pre-kindergarten and continues through high school.

NORTH CAROLINA

State officials worry about arrival of crack and the declining age of first drug use, down to age 12 from 16 a few years ago. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, students as young as 6 have been caught. Alcohol remains biggest problem. State is training student athletes to serve as mentors to younger students.

NORTH DAKOTA

Drug abuse considered low in this rural state, except alcohol. Drug education starts as early as fourth grade in some districts, but others have ignored the subject. In Fargo, drug use said to be declining from 1980. Drugs of choice are pot and speed.

OHIO

Columbus schools have had drug-alcohol policy since 1981 setting up procedures for teachers to follow for students suspected of drug use. Alcohol is the larger, growing problem. In Cleveland, Project CARE, financed by Burger King, helps districts in 15 counties set up substance abuse programs, but cocaine and crack have shown up. Cincinnati provides drug education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

OKLAHOMA

In October, concerned parents met with state legislators asking that school officials be allowed to search students for contraband. State Supt. John Folks believes drug use is below national average, but that alcohol is a continuing and growing problem. Drug education most extensive in big cities--Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Miami, Okla., schools have called in drug-sniffing dogs.

OREGON

Schools beginning to see drugs as “community wellness problem,” and have worked hard to get parents working with schools on the problem. Led by alcohol, Portland drug problem considered above national average, particularly use of marijuana and cocaine. Portland schools have widely regarded “Here’s Looking At You” drug curriculum to teach self-esteem and coping skills.

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia’s drug problem is “far-reaching,” say school officials, with cocaine a serious problem and students starting their habits younger. Students have formed vast drug-selling networks, where some earn $30,000 to $40,000 a year as early as ninth grade. Alcohol, nonetheless, is still the biggest problem.

RHODE ISLAND

Alcohol and pot are prevalent in Providence schools, where officials believe that one in five adolescents is in serious trouble with substance abuse or comes from a family with such a problem. The Providence Journal publishes names of parents who sign “Safe Homes” pledge that they won’t allow unchaperoned parties.

SOUTH CAROLINA

The state’s omnibus 1984 education reform bill contains provisions for drug education, but some districts have been slow to admit they have a problem. Teacher groups say drug problem has worsened in last two years, reversing previous progress.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Illicit drug use below national average, but alcohol is most prevalent. With exception of alcohol, situation seems to be improving, say school officials. In the largest schools, marijuana is used by older students. Cocaine not really available, but students reportedly sniff glue.

TENNESSEE

State officials believe fewer teens are abusing drugs or alcohol than in 1979, but use is starting at earlier age. Alcohol is the most abused drug, followed by pot, cocaine and amphetamines. “Just Say No” program is sending $230,000 in state funds to 20 communities to prevent elementary youngsters from trying drugs. In Memphis last year, 411 students were suspended for using drugs on campus, 97% for marijuana. Ninety-three were suspended for drinking.

TEXAS

Officials and teachers say problem is worsening and drug takers are getting younger. Teachers say drug abuse has spread to smaller towns. Two-year-old school reform bill requires schools to include courses on effects of drugs and alcohol. Dallas’ DARE program has cops making visits to sixth-grade classes to talk about decision-making and goal-setting. No drug testing yet, but several districts using drug-sniffing dogs.

UTAH

While this predominantly Mormon state has fewer problems than most, in the past three years more than half of Granite’s teachers have gotten special training on how to teach students self-esteem and help them decline offers of drugs. Alcohol by far the most abused drug, followed by marijuana, pain medications and amphetamines. Two-year-old Utah Federation for Drug-Free Youth is an offshoot of the PTA that trains parent support groups.

VERMONT

A group of school bus drivers offered to take drug tests to set an example last September. But most school officials think drug use overall is down, and there is little support for drug testing. State requires lessons on drugs and alcohol blended into curricula.

VIRGINIA

Drug use among youngsters is reported stable or declining. Fairfax County schools, praised by Nancy Reagan, have seen drug-related suspensions drop from 1,100 a year in 1981 to 559 last year. Fairfax County parents are signing pledges to chaperon parties. Salem student athletes are being required to sign pledges not to use alcohol or drugs and to agree to testing if suspected.

WASHINGTON

Recent burst of interest has helped pump needed money into drug programs and sparked parent-community interest. Seattle has a considerable drug problem, according to school officials, with students starting younger. Smaller districts that four years ago were denying they had problem are now recognizing it. Alcohol the biggest problem, followed distantly by marijuana. Yakima Valley with migrant population has growing drug problem.

WEST VIRGINIA

Law enforcement officials think alcohol and drug use is rising among school-age children. At-risk youngsters in Cabell County spend time at Camp PRIDE learning how to say no to drugs.

WISCONSIN

Reagan’s call for anti-drug action sparked a clamor for more drug program money. A new Eau Claire high school athletic code calls for suspensions of athletes who abuse drugs or alcohol. Brown Deer school board called for urine testing and a police dog. The tests are voluntary, but if student refuses, district recommends expulsion. Crack is gaining popularity in Green Bay.

WYOMING

Alcohol is used, but overall the drug problem is regarded as relatively small. Schools use the “Here’s Looking At You, 2000” program devised in Seattle and widely used in Western states. Alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine are drugs of choice.