Differences in developmental assets and alcohol and drug use of Siren students in grades 7-12 after one year

Abstract

The differences in alcohol and drug use among urban and rural youth have dwindled in the past ten years. In the rural community of Siren, Wisconsin youth were found to be five percent above their peers nationally for alcohol abuse and eight percent higher for marijuana abuse. These figures place this population at a higher risk for developing chemical dependency, being involved in accidents, and being involved with problems socially, legally, and emotionally. The School Guidance Department in Siren has been using alcohol and drug abuse prevention programming to address the current student chemical abuse. This study will look at the difference in at risk alcohol and drug uses behavior and developmental asset levels by comparing results of Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors Surveys completed in 2001 and 2002 for students in grades 7 -12 at Siren School. Results of this retest will be used to effectively plan for future alcohol and drug abuse prevention for Siren community youth