Trends and patterns in illicit drug use among students aged 12 to 18 in the Netherlands

Author(s): deZwart, W. M.

Journal/Book: J Drug Issues. 1999; 29: Florida State Univ School Criminology Criminal Justice, PO Box 66696, Tallahassee, FL 32313-6696, USA. J Drug Issues Inc. 549-563.

Abstract: The tradition of conducting surveys to measure substance use among youngsters in the Netherlands dates back to 1969. Since that time, a number of prevalence surveys have been conducted regarding illicit drug use, particularly the use of cannabis. Comparing these survey results has been problematic, however, due to differences in sampling approaches and data collection methods. This article provides a description and analysis of the early student drug use studies, concentrating on their contributions to our knowledge about changing patterns of use among these groups. It also details the more problematic aspects of this data, difficulties associated with the manner in which the studies were conducted. Recent efforts have been attempted to correct these difficulties by standardizing methodological approaches. The Peilstations-Survey, a national evaluation of school students 12-18 years of age, has been conducted four times since 1984. Results indicate an increase in both the lifetime and last-month prevalence of cannabis use over the 1984-1996 period, although only a minority of the students reported using cannabis on a regular basis. The general characteristics of very regular cannabis users have changed somewhat over time, overall becoming more like those of current non-users. Peer influence, in particular, has remained an important predictor of cannabis-using behavior.

Note: Article Kuipers SBM, Trimbos Inst, POB 725, NL-3500 AS Utrecht, NETHERLANDS

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