The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System monitors six types of health-risk behaviors that contribute to causes of death and disability among youth and young adults.
The “Alcohol and Other Drug Use” measure prompts students to report their use of alcohol and other drugs over the past month, the past year, and across their lifetime.
The “Drugs and Alcohol Measure” prompt students to report their first use, past 30-day use, and past-year use of drugs. Students are also asked to report the reasons for using some drugs (e.g. steroids).
This measure is from the Monitoring the Future survey, which assesses the behaviors, attitudes, and values of adolescents and young adults. Results are used to monitor trends in substance use and abuse among adolescents and young adults.
The “Self Reported Delinquency” measure asks students to report their engagement in delinquent behavior over the past year, and with what frequency they engage in such behaviors.
Sample item: “Thinking of the next to last time you stole or tried to steal a motor vehicle such as a car or motorcycle, had you been drinking or taking drugs before the incident.”
The “Substance Use” measure asks students about their past and present use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Sample item: “How many times in the last year have you used angel dust or PCP?”
The “Attitudes Toward Deviance” measure asks students to report their feelings about delinquent acts.
Sample item: “How wrong is it for someone your age to use marijuana or hashish?”
The “Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use” measure prompts participants to report lifetime drug use, and drug use in the past 30 days.
This measure is from the Communities That Care® Youth Survey, which assesses the incidence and prevalence of substance use, delinquency, and related problem behaviors. It also measures the risk and protective factors that predict substance use, delinquency, and problem behaviors in communities.
