Changes in substance use patterns associated with the development of a community partnership project

Abstract

This study examined changes in substance use patterns across a county region in which a Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Community Partnership Project was carried out. The partnership project involved the creation of grass roots committees organized to influence local policy and to advocate for increased prevention and intervention programs for youths. The California Drug Use Survey was administered at the initiation (1991) and the conclusion (1995) of the project to seventh, ninth, and eleventh graders throughout the county area. Results showed that county youths reported lower alcohol use rates in 1995 than in 1991, a specific target of the partnership project. Use of marijuana and inhalants increased. These results are examined with respect to the youths' involvement in substance abuse prevention activities. It is suggested that substance use prevention programs need to be carefully matched to the needs of various groups of youths to have maximum effectiveness.