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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs


Alcohol Use in Past Month, by Gender and Grade Level: 2008-2010 See Source and Notes
(Grade Level: All; Gender: All; Number of Days: All)

California Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 85.8% 9.4% 2.3% 1.0% 1.5% 87.0% 8.4% 2.0% 0.8% 1.8%
9th Grade 72.6% 15.9% 6.6% 2.6% 2.4% 77.4% 12.2% 5.1% 2.1% 3.2%
11th Grade 65.9% 18.8% 10.0% 3.1% 2.1% 66.1% 16.2% 10.5% 3.7% 3.5%
Non-Traditional 46.9% 21.5% 18.2% 7.9% 5.4% 44.9% 21.3% 17.7% 8.1% 8.0%
Alameda County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 88.7% 7.5% 1.6% 0.9% 1.3% 90.3% 6.5% 1.3% 0.7% 1.2%
9th Grade 78.1% 13.6% 4.8% 1.7% 1.9% 81.4% 10.3% 4.0% 1.7% 2.6%
11th Grade 69.7% 16.9% 8.9% 2.7% 1.7% 72.2% 14.6% 8.3% 2.2% 2.7%
Non-Traditional 53.8% 16.9% 19.7% 5.7% 3.9% 50.9% 23.0% 15.9% 5.1% 5.1%
Alpine County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
9th Grade N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
11th Grade N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Non-Traditional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Amador County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 80.4% 15.2% 2.9% 0.7% 0.7% 84.8% 10.7% 1.8% 0.0% 2.7%
9th Grade 69.1% 12.7% 11.8% 5.5% 0.9% 71.0% 20.6% 1.9% 2.8% 3.7%
11th Grade 63.5% 18.8% 10.4% 4.2% 3.1% 58.3% 16.7% 14.8% 4.6% 5.6%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Butte County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.4% 7.4% 3.1% 0.8% 1.4% 88.4% 7.3% 1.7% 0.6% 2.1%
9th Grade 73.1% 14.5% 7.4% 2.4% 2.7% 79.4% 10.6% 4.4% 2.3% 3.2%
11th Grade 61.4% 20.1% 11.3% 4.6% 2.6% 61.0% 19.2% 12.7% 4.2% 2.8%
Non-Traditional 42.3% 15.3% 28.7% 10.9% 2.7% 38.6% 20.7% 12.8% 11.6% 16.2%
Calaveras County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.2% 11.1% 1.3% 0.0% 0.4% 88.0% 9.5% 1.9% 0.6% 0.0%
9th Grade 69.3% 17.9% 4.2% 1.9% 6.7% 71.5% 17.0% 7.5% 2.0% 2.0%
11th Grade 48.5% 24.9% 17.5% 4.3% 4.7% 53.6% 33.3% 8.9% 2.1% 2.1%
Non-Traditional 39.4% 14.8% 21.2% 5.9% 18.7% 40.5% 21.6% 18.5% 10.8% 8.6%
Colusa County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.5% 9.7% 4.4% 0.8% 0.7% 80.5% 9.4% 8.0% 1.4% 0.7%
9th Grade 62.9% 26.4% 6.9% 2.3% 1.5% 69.4% 13.2% 7.2% 5.9% 4.4%
11th Grade 57.5% 24.8% 12.9% 4.2% 0.7% 47.6% 19.2% 16.0% 8.9% 8.3%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Contra Costa County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 86.8% 8.0% 2.8% 0.9% 1.5% 87.6% 8.0% 1.9% 0.7% 1.8%
9th Grade 71.4% 16.6% 6.7% 3.2% 2.2% 78.8% 11.7% 4.6% 1.6% 3.3%
11th Grade 64.3% 19.4% 11.3% 3.4% 1.7% 63.8% 18.2% 11.1% 3.6% 3.3%
Non-Traditional 47.2% 22.3% 18.4% 5.7% 6.3% 46.2% 21.3% 17.3% 8.0% 7.1%
Del Norte County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 72.0% 18.7% 6.5% 1.9% 0.9% 72.7% 18.2% 4.0% 1.0% 4.0%
9th Grade 60.2% 18.1% 18.1% 3.6% 0.0% 64.0% 25.2% 5.4% 5.4% 0.0%
11th Grade 67.9% 15.4% 12.8% 2.6% 1.3% 75.7% 6.8% 9.5% 4.1% 4.1%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
El Dorado County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 90.1% 5.5% 2.5% 0.2% 1.6% 88.9% 6.6% 1.7% 0.8% 1.9%
9th Grade 77.0% 13.8% 3.7% 3.2% 2.2% 81.4% 8.3% 5.6% 2.5% 2.2%
11th Grade 64.3% 20.0% 11.4% 2.5% 1.8% 63.0% 17.1% 13.2% 3.3% 3.5%
Non-Traditional 34.7% 31.7% 13.3% 14.0% 6.3% 30.0% 17.3% 26.3% 17.7% 8.8%
Fresno County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 85.2% 9.9% 2.3% 1.1% 1.6% 85.1% 10.0% 1.5% 0.8% 2.6%
9th Grade 71.2% 16.7% 6.6% 2.8% 2.7% 77.0% 13.0% 4.6% 1.9% 3.5%
11th Grade 69.9% 16.8% 8.3% 2.8% 2.2% 70.6% 13.3% 9.3% 3.5% 3.3%
Non-Traditional 54.0% 21.7% 15.1% 4.1% 5.1% 48.3% 25.3% 15.7% 3.6% 7.1%
Glenn County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 83.0% 13.6% 2.7% 0.0% 0.7% 82.1% 12.4% 2.5% 0.0% 3.0%
9th Grade 75.0% 13.1% 5.1% 3.7% 3.2% 74.2% 12.8% 8.5% 2.7% 1.8%
11th Grade 67.3% 17.7% 8.2% 0.9% 5.9% 77.2% 9.8% 6.5% 3.3% 3.3%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Humboldt County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 90.7% 6.4% 1.3% 0.6% 1.0% 87.7% 7.0% 2.3% 1.4% 1.6%
9th Grade 68.6% 16.4% 8.8% 3.6% 2.7% 73.6% 14.6% 6.1% 2.7% 3.0%
11th Grade 60.5% 21.9% 15.6% 1.5% 0.6% 55.2% 21.1% 17.8% 3.4% 2.5%
Non-Traditional 60.1% 18.4% 8.2% 8.2% 5.1% 30.6% 27.9% 27.4% 3.8% 10.2%
Imperial County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 80.7% 13.8% 3.0% 1.4% 1.1% 87.4% 8.4% 2.0% 1.1% 1.1%
9th Grade 66.0% 18.3% 9.6% 3.9% 2.2% 70.5% 13.8% 8.6% 4.0% 3.0%
11th Grade 59.4% 18.7% 14.7% 5.3% 1.8% 57.1% 18.9% 13.6% 5.6% 4.8%
Non-Traditional 49.3% 20.5% 16.2% 8.6% 5.4% 36.2% 26.2% 22.2% 8.4% 7.1%
Inyo County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.0% 8.6% 2.7% 1.7% 0.0% 80.9% 9.8% 4.9% 1.6% 2.8%
9th Grade 72.4% 14.2% 8.4% 2.9% 2.1% 72.8% 11.7% 8.0% 4.5% 2.9%
11th Grade 62.9% 17.0% 10.0% 6.2% 3.9% 57.5% 25.5% 10.5% 4.5% 2.0%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE 33.1% 28.5% 20.7% 17.6% 0.0%
Kern County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.7% 10.7% 2.2% 0.8% 1.7% 85.1% 9.5% 2.3% 1.0% 2.1%
9th Grade 70.9% 17.2% 6.6% 2.5% 2.7% 78.3% 11.0% 4.7% 2.3% 3.6%
11th Grade 65.0% 19.0% 9.3% 4.0% 2.7% 65.7% 17.2% 9.4% 4.5% 3.3%
Non-Traditional 41.4% 16.8% 25.1% 7.6% 9.1% 34.5% 22.6% 15.8% 13.6% 13.5%
Kings County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 79.5% 15.5% 1.9% 1.3% 1.9% 81.9% 11.4% 3.1% 1.2% 2.4%
9th Grade 66.6% 18.7% 9.8% 2.3% 2.6% 80.0% 10.0% 4.9% 1.6% 3.4%
11th Grade 61.6% 19.3% 12.7% 4.2% 2.3% 64.0% 14.6% 12.0% 4.6% 4.8%
Non-Traditional 34.0% 24.5% 39.1% 2.5% 0.0% 42.3% 19.3% 15.4% 15.4% 7.6%
Lake County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 75.9% 13.1% 5.4% 3.5% 2.2% 83.0% 11.6% 2.7% 1.7% 1.1%
9th Grade 51.8% 28.9% 9.3% 9.1% 0.9% 66.1% 19.3% 6.0% 4.3% 4.3%
11th Grade 52.0% 25.1% 13.6% 6.2% 3.1% 59.5% 21.0% 9.8% 6.5% 3.1%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Lassen County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 89.0% 6.6% 3.4% 0.0% 1.0% 84.3% 8.8% 2.4% 1.1% 3.5%
9th Grade LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
11th Grade LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Non-Traditional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Los Angeles County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 86.5% 9.4% 1.9% 0.9% 1.2% 88.0% 7.9% 1.8% 0.8% 1.5%
9th Grade 73.2% 15.3% 7.0% 2.4% 2.1% 77.5% 13.0% 4.9% 1.9% 2.6%
11th Grade 67.0% 19.0% 9.3% 2.6% 2.0% 67.0% 15.6% 10.2% 3.7% 3.5%
Non-Traditional 45.8% 22.5% 19.5% 7.2% 5.0% 43.0% 22.6% 18.7% 8.2% 7.5%
Madera County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 81.8% 12.9% 2.8% 1.4% 1.0% 84.3% 9.7% 2.1% 1.1% 2.7%
9th Grade 68.5% 17.9% 7.3% 2.9% 3.3% 72.8% 13.3% 7.2% 3.0% 3.7%
11th Grade 67.6% 16.2% 9.5% 3.1% 3.5% 64.6% 19.3% 8.7% 5.2% 2.3%
Non-Traditional 43.4% 26.6% 15.5% 5.7% 8.8% 50.8% 17.1% 11.9% 8.1% 12.0%
Marin County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.1% 7.1% 2.5% 0.8% 2.4% 86.6% 7.6% 3.2% 0.2% 2.5%
9th Grade 73.0% 17.6% 6.1% 1.9% 1.5% 77.0% 13.4% 4.9% 1.8% 2.9%
11th Grade 49.9% 24.4% 19.3% 5.2% 1.2% 55.0% 23.2% 15.4% 4.3% 2.3%
Non-Traditional 51.1% 16.5% 20.1% 10.5% 1.8% 33.1% 26.1% 28.5% 6.3% 6.0%
Mariposa County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 75.0% 7.5% 10.0% 3.8% 3.8% 68.4% 12.3% 7.0% 5.3% 7.0%
9th Grade 71.6% 21.7% 4.1% 0.0% 2.7% 62.0% 26.0% 0.0% 2.0% 10.0%
11th Grade 55.2% 26.8% 7.5% 6.0% 4.5% 46.0% 30.0% 12.0% 6.0% 6.0%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Mendocino County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 76.8% 17.4% 2.8% 0.3% 2.7% 79.3% 12.1% 4.2% 1.2% 3.3%
9th Grade 61.3% 21.3% 10.5% 3.8% 3.2% 67.5% 17.5% 6.9% 2.3% 5.8%
11th Grade 54.0% 23.6% 17.6% 3.6% 1.2% 49.6% 19.5% 18.2% 7.8% 4.8%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE 29.5% 39.3% 12.7% 5.2% 13.4%
Merced County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 81.4% 12.6% 2.8% 1.2% 1.9% 83.2% 10.3% 2.5% 1.8% 2.2%
9th Grade 70.9% 15.4% 7.9% 3.1% 2.8% 72.9% 14.5% 6.4% 3.2% 3.0%
11th Grade 64.3% 21.6% 8.2% 3.0% 3.0% 62.7% 16.9% 11.7% 4.3% 4.4%
Non-Traditional 55.6% 20.4% 15.2% 4.9% 3.9% 52.4% 16.8% 13.3% 9.1% 8.3%
Modoc County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 85.7% 14.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
9th Grade 62.9% 22.8% 5.7% 2.9% 5.7% 83.8% 8.1% 5.4% 0.0% 2.7%
11th Grade 61.5% 23.1% 7.7% 3.8% 3.8% LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Non-Traditional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Mono County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 90.5% 6.3% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 92.1% 8.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
9th Grade 73.2% 22.0% 2.4% 0.0% 2.4% 85.7% 7.1% 0.0% 4.8% 2.4%
11th Grade 59.2% 24.4% 9.6% 6.8% 0.0% 60.0% 13.6% 16.1% 3.9% 6.4%
Non-Traditional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Monterey County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 81.3% 12.9% 3.0% 1.3% 1.6% 82.8% 11.7% 2.3% 0.9% 2.3%
9th Grade 66.1% 20.6% 8.2% 2.9% 2.2% 73.6% 13.1% 7.4% 2.6% 3.3%
11th Grade 64.8% 20.6% 8.9% 4.1% 1.6% 65.5% 17.8% 9.7% 2.7% 4.2%
Non-Traditional 59.5% 17.9% 11.4% 3.4% 7.7% 48.2% 17.6% 14.0% 8.0% 12.2%
Napa County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.1% 9.5% 2.2% 0.6% 0.8% 86.9% 9.4% 2.1% 0.6% 1.0%
9th Grade 68.2% 19.7% 7.3% 3.6% 1.3% 77.2% 12.8% 4.3% 2.2% 3.4%
11th Grade 59.5% 24.3% 11.1% 3.0% 2.1% 58.3% 21.1% 13.3% 4.9% 2.4%
Non-Traditional 30.9% 29.4% 20.6% 14.7% 4.4% 34.2% 27.4% 19.2% 12.3% 6.8%
Nevada County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 91.5% 5.9% 0.4% 0.7% 1.5% 88.7% 5.8% 3.1% 0.4% 2.1%
9th Grade 74.1% 17.2% 4.8% 1.7% 2.3% 76.0% 11.8% 7.4% 1.2% 3.6%
11th Grade 60.7% 20.8% 13.9% 3.0% 1.7% 60.9% 20.9% 10.6% 1.2% 6.4%
Non-Traditional 48.0% 22.0% 16.0% 10.0% 4.0% 44.0% 17.6% 18.6% 8.1% 11.6%
Orange County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.6% 8.1% 2.2% 0.7% 1.4% 88.9% 7.3% 1.6% 0.6% 1.6%
9th Grade 76.0% 14.1% 5.5% 2.1% 2.1% 79.2% 11.0% 5.0% 1.8% 3.0%
11th Grade 67.7% 17.7% 9.8% 2.8% 2.0% 67.8% 15.4% 10.0% 3.3% 3.5%
Non-Traditional 46.9% 20.7% 19.1% 6.9% 6.4% 43.9% 20.7% 18.9% 9.0% 7.5%
Placer County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 90.2% 6.8% 1.4% 0.5% 1.0% 89.4% 6.2% 1.4% 0.9% 2.0%
9th Grade 79.2% 11.2% 5.7% 1.9% 2.0% 83.1% 8.0% 4.7% 1.7% 2.5%
11th Grade 65.4% 18.5% 11.5% 3.5% 1.0% 70.0% 14.6% 9.1% 2.6% 3.7%
Non-Traditional 43.4% 14.5% 28.4% 3.5% 10.2% 44.0% 17.4% 23.4% 4.0% 11.1%
Plumas County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 71.8% 20.6% 2.6% 0.0% 5.1% 90.5% 9.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
9th Grade 57.9% 19.8% 17.1% 1.3% 3.9% 68.4% 13.2% 7.9% 6.6% 3.9%
11th Grade 51.5% 33.3% 9.1% 4.5% 1.5% 46.0% 28.0% 16.0% 2.0% 8.0%
Non-Traditional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Riverside County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.6% 10.4% 2.4% 0.9% 1.7% 86.2% 8.9% 2.2% 0.7% 2.0%
9th Grade 69.8% 17.7% 6.9% 2.9% 2.7% 76.3% 12.7% 5.3% 2.1% 3.7%
11th Grade 64.3% 19.4% 10.1% 3.7% 2.6% 65.3% 15.9% 10.8% 4.0% 4.2%
Non-Traditional 41.2% 23.7% 17.7% 9.6% 7.8% 47.0% 22.6% 14.6% 7.4% 8.5%
Sacramento County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 88.7% 7.7% 1.7% 0.6% 1.3% 88.8% 7.8% 1.4% 0.5% 1.4%
9th Grade 73.4% 15.8% 6.4% 2.2% 2.1% 79.1% 11.4% 4.1% 1.9% 3.5%
11th Grade 70.3% 17.1% 8.3% 2.1% 2.3% 70.1% 15.6% 7.9% 3.4% 3.0%
Non-Traditional 48.8% 23.2% 18.1% 5.1% 4.9% 52.4% 20.1% 14.1% 7.5% 5.9%
San Benito County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 78.4% 16.3% 2.6% 1.1% 1.6% 86.3% 9.3% 2.2% 0.5% 1.6%
9th Grade 69.3% 19.7% 5.6% 3.1% 2.2% 74.4% 14.3% 5.3% 1.2% 4.9%
11th Grade 59.7% 23.9% 13.0% 2.2% 1.3% 63.9% 18.5% 9.3% 4.2% 4.2%
Non-Traditional 36.2% 23.4% 21.3% 6.4% 12.8% 42.3% 15.4% 16.7% 14.1% 11.5%
San Bernardino County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 82.9% 11.1% 3.1% 1.2% 1.6% 84.7% 9.2% 2.7% 1.2% 2.2%
9th Grade 70.0% 17.3% 7.2% 2.7% 2.9% 74.8% 13.6% 5.6% 2.4% 3.7%
11th Grade 64.7% 19.6% 10.3% 2.9% 2.5% 65.0% 16.4% 10.8% 3.7% 4.1%
Non-Traditional 56.3% 18.8% 13.5% 6.5% 4.9% 50.1% 18.8% 16.4% 6.7% 8.0%
San Diego County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 86.0% 9.1% 2.3% 1.0% 1.6% 86.5% 8.2% 2.1% 1.1% 2.0%
9th Grade 73.7% 14.4% 6.7% 2.6% 2.5% 77.9% 11.4% 5.4% 2.2% 3.1%
11th Grade 63.8% 19.3% 11.2% 3.6% 2.2% 64.9% 16.3% 11.7% 3.8% 3.4%
Non-Traditional 41.7% 22.6% 19.9% 9.8% 6.1% 46.4% 17.6% 18.5% 11.2% 6.2%
San Francisco County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 89.8% 7.6% 1.4% 0.7% 0.6% 88.5% 8.2% 1.2% 0.6% 1.5%
9th Grade 82.1% 12.1% 3.8% 1.0% 1.1% 85.7% 8.0% 3.1% 1.4% 1.8%
11th Grade 80.2% 12.6% 5.4% 1.1% 0.8% 78.1% 11.2% 6.8% 1.5% 2.3%
Non-Traditional 46.2% 30.8% 10.3% 10.3% 2.6% 44.4% 25.9% 22.2% 0.0% 7.4%
San Joaquin County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 85.9% 9.4% 2.3% 0.9% 1.5% 86.6% 8.9% 1.9% 0.9% 1.7%
9th Grade 73.6% 15.4% 6.3% 2.3% 2.5% 78.5% 11.3% 4.2% 2.2% 3.9%
11th Grade 66.7% 18.2% 9.2% 3.3% 2.7% 64.7% 17.5% 9.8% 3.8% 4.2%
Non-Traditional 51.7% 25.1% 10.3% 8.6% 4.4% 54.3% 21.0% 11.7% 6.4% 6.7%
San Luis Obispo County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.9% 10.4% 1.8% 1.4% 1.5% 88.9% 7.4% 1.6% 0.7% 1.5%
9th Grade 72.9% 14.4% 6.7% 3.4% 2.6% 76.4% 12.0% 6.2% 2.8% 2.7%
11th Grade 61.9% 20.1% 12.9% 3.5% 1.6% 63.1% 17.0% 11.7% 4.6% 3.6%
Non-Traditional 47.8% 19.6% 18.1% 13.0% 1.5% 42.9% 19.3% 21.1% 10.1% 6.7%
San Mateo County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 88.9% 7.2% 1.9% 0.8% 1.1% 88.2% 7.9% 1.6% 0.6% 1.6%
9th Grade 77.1% 15.0% 4.1% 2.2% 1.6% 80.6% 11.4% 4.1% 1.7% 2.2%
11th Grade 67.4% 19.2% 8.8% 3.4% 1.3% 65.2% 17.1% 11.5% 3.1% 3.1%
Non-Traditional 50.8% 19.6% 13.5% 13.5% 2.6% 42.2% 18.0% 30.6% 5.5% 3.8%
Santa Barbara County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.2% 10.8% 2.4% 0.9% 1.6% 85.1% 9.8% 2.8% 0.7% 1.6%
9th Grade 68.7% 17.9% 7.0% 2.7% 3.7% 73.3% 14.7% 6.4% 1.9% 3.8%
11th Grade 61.3% 21.0% 11.4% 3.7% 2.6% 63.5% 17.0% 11.8% 3.8% 3.9%
Non-Traditional 41.3% 30.0% 15.0% 10.7% 3.0% 42.0% 20.5% 19.9% 8.3% 9.3%
Santa Clara County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 90.3% 6.5% 1.7% 0.6% 0.9% 91.3% 5.6% 1.3% 0.5% 1.3%
9th Grade 79.5% 12.5% 4.4% 1.8% 1.7% 82.8% 9.8% 3.7% 1.4% 2.3%
11th Grade 69.5% 17.2% 9.0% 2.6% 1.6% 70.0% 15.3% 9.0% 2.9% 2.7%
Non-Traditional 39.4% 21.4% 26.4% 8.4% 4.4% 43.0% 18.8% 21.8% 9.5% 6.9%
Santa Cruz County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 80.7% 11.3% 4.2% 1.6% 2.1% 82.1% 11.9% 2.3% 1.4% 2.4%
9th Grade 60.4% 22.6% 9.3% 4.3% 3.3% 71.4% 13.0% 8.2% 3.6% 3.7%
11th Grade 59.4% 20.5% 14.7% 3.2% 2.1% 65.1% 15.5% 11.3% 3.8% 4.3%
Non-Traditional 53.2% 20.7% 11.7% 7.8% 6.6% 41.3% 23.4% 17.9% 8.7% 8.7%
Shasta County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.4% 10.0% 1.1% 1.6% 3.0% 86.9% 9.2% 1.6% 0.9% 1.4%
9th Grade 68.8% 17.1% 7.4% 3.5% 3.1% 73.6% 12.5% 6.3% 2.9% 4.7%
11th Grade 63.5% 18.6% 12.2% 3.3% 2.3% 67.0% 16.7% 10.2% 2.7% 3.4%
Non-Traditional 44.7% 26.8% 19.4% 8.0% 1.2% 42.8% 24.3% 18.7% 7.4% 6.8%
Sierra County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
9th Grade LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
11th Grade LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Non-Traditional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Siskiyou County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 93.0% 5.1% 0.0% 1.3% 0.7% 88.5% 8.5% 2.3% 0.0% 0.7%
9th Grade 73.1% 14.4% 7.9% 2.6% 2.0% 77.3% 14.3% 4.6% 0.6% 3.4%
11th Grade 62.3% 22.4% 10.4% 2.3% 2.6% 62.4% 21.8% 9.6% 3.2% 3.1%
Non-Traditional 35.8% 32.0% 12.3% 16.2% 3.7% 46.8% 15.1% 19.4% 11.3% 7.4%
Solano County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.4% 9.6% 3.1% 0.8% 2.1% 85.6% 9.2% 1.7% 0.9% 2.7%
9th Grade 70.6% 16.2% 7.8% 3.3% 2.2% 75.2% 14.2% 5.0% 2.6% 3.1%
11th Grade 68.6% 17.9% 9.3% 2.2% 2.0% 68.3% 15.2% 9.7% 2.9% 3.8%
Non-Traditional 51.0% 23.7% 14.4% 7.7% 3.2% 48.9% 20.4% 14.8% 6.7% 9.3%
Sonoma County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 87.3% 8.6% 1.6% 1.2% 1.3% 88.1% 7.3% 2.2% 1.2% 1.2%
9th Grade 71.5% 15.7% 7.2% 3.0% 2.5% 74.4% 13.9% 6.0% 2.1% 3.5%
11th Grade 58.1% 22.0% 14.1% 3.5% 2.3% 56.5% 21.7% 14.6% 3.9% 3.3%
Non-Traditional 41.0% 23.5% 23.4% 7.6% 4.5% 39.7% 23.3% 18.3% 8.2% 10.5%
Stanislaus County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 80.9% 12.0% 3.2% 1.8% 2.1% 82.9% 10.3% 2.7% 1.6% 2.6%
9th Grade 65.4% 19.1% 9.5% 3.6% 2.3% 71.8% 15.2% 6.3% 2.6% 4.1%
11th Grade 61.7% 20.6% 11.4% 3.8% 2.5% 62.9% 15.4% 12.6% 4.5% 4.6%
Non-Traditional 43.5% 23.6% 13.8% 13.3% 5.8% 36.4% 23.1% 24.0% 7.1% 9.4%
Sutter County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 86.8% 8.7% 1.7% 1.0% 1.8% 86.5% 8.6% 1.6% 1.0% 2.2%
9th Grade 70.8% 18.5% 4.1% 2.7% 3.9% 74.2% 11.6% 6.8% 3.2% 4.2%
11th Grade 69.9% 13.2% 12.1% 2.7% 2.2% 66.5% 15.2% 10.0% 4.6% 3.6%
Non-Traditional 76.9% 0.0% 15.4% 3.9% 3.9% 37.2% 19.6% 15.7% 9.8% 17.8%
Tehama County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 85.4% 9.6% 1.7% 1.2% 2.1% 85.3% 10.2% 2.3% 0.0% 2.1%
9th Grade 69.2% 17.6% 7.2% 3.3% 2.6% 70.0% 15.5% 5.9% 4.6% 4.1%
11th Grade 55.4% 26.8% 10.3% 3.9% 3.5% 64.7% 15.9% 12.3% 2.7% 4.4%
Non-Traditional 55.6% 15.3% 15.3% 10.7% 3.2% 42.1% 10.3% 27.9% 10.7% 9.0%
Trinity County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 70.8% 15.6% 9.6% 1.5% 2.5% 83.0% 11.3% 0.0% 1.9% 3.9%
9th Grade 66.6% 18.7% 10.6% 1.3% 2.8% 47.7% 26.0% 14.0% 4.7% 7.7%
11th Grade 58.5% 14.5% 13.4% 7.7% 5.8% 62.6% 8.6% 11.5% 8.3% 9.1%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE
Tulare County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 81.8% 11.8% 3.3% 1.1% 2.0% 82.5% 11.5% 2.5% 1.1% 2.5%
9th Grade 66.4% 20.1% 7.3% 2.9% 3.4% 70.1% 15.5% 7.2% 2.6% 4.6%
11th Grade 64.9% 19.4% 10.0% 3.9% 1.9% 62.6% 17.0% 11.7% 5.0% 3.6%
Non-Traditional 45.2% 22.3% 20.4% 5.2% 6.9% 37.9% 18.4% 22.0% 6.6% 15.2%
Tuolumne County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 80.2% 11.1% 2.9% 1.0% 4.8% 81.2% 12.7% 0.0% 0.8% 5.3%
9th Grade 65.8% 21.8% 5.0% 4.8% 2.7% 72.1% 15.6% 5.5% 4.1% 2.7%
11th Grade 53.0% 22.6% 16.5% 6.5% 1.4% 49.7% 21.4% 18.1% 9.4% 1.5%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE 21.9% 26.7% 18.2% 15.9% 17.4%
Ventura County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 84.6% 9.7% 2.8% 1.3% 1.6% 86.5% 8.7% 2.1% 0.8% 1.9%
9th Grade 74.9% 14.8% 5.8% 2.5% 2.1% 77.6% 11.3% 5.0% 2.2% 3.9%
11th Grade 66.6% 18.5% 10.1% 3.1% 1.8% 63.0% 18.0% 11.0% 3.7% 4.3%
Non-Traditional 36.6% 20.4% 23.6% 14.9% 4.5% 41.1% 21.3% 18.9% 9.7% 8.9%
Yolo County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 86.8% 8.4% 3.2% 1.0% 0.7% 86.0% 7.6% 2.3% 1.1% 2.9%
9th Grade 71.9% 14.7% 7.5% 3.3% 2.6% 70.1% 15.2% 7.3% 3.0% 4.4%
11th Grade 63.2% 20.0% 11.5% 3.3% 2.0% 59.4% 17.5% 15.7% 5.2% 2.2%
Non-Traditional 58.0% 11.8% 21.5% 4.9% 3.9% 42.4% 33.2% 12.2% 8.1% 4.1%
Yuba County Percent
Female Male
Grade Level 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more 0 days 1-2 days 3-9 days 10-19 days 20 days or more
7th Grade 81.9% 10.1% 4.7% 1.2% 2.1% 80.8% 10.9% 3.3% 1.3% 3.8%
9th Grade 68.9% 13.7% 8.6% 5.7% 3.2% 77.5% 11.4% 5.3% 1.6% 4.2%
11th Grade 65.6% 18.8% 9.7% 3.5% 2.5% 64.7% 18.5% 8.2% 4.8% 3.7%
Non-Traditional LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE LNE

Definition: Percentage of public school students in grades 7, 9, and 11 reporting the number of days in which they drank alcohol in the past 30 days, by gender. The grade levels included in school district-level data depend on the grades offered in each school district; for example, high school districts do not include 7th grade data. "Non-Traditional" students are those enrolled in Community Day Schools or Continuation Education. According to EdSource, nearly 10% of public school students in California are enrolled in these programs.

Data Source: California Department of Education, California Healthy Kids Survey (WestEd). http://www.wested.org/chks

Footnote: Data are presented in periods of two school years combined (e.g., 2008-2010 reflects data from school years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010). N/A indicates that the survey was not administered in that period or that data are not available for that group. LNE (Low Number Event) indicates that for a specific answer there were fewer than 20 respondents.

Learn More About this Topic

Measures of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs on Kidsdata.org

On kidsdata.org, most indicators of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use come from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) through a partnership with WestEd, which developed and administers the CHKS, and the California Department of Education. These indicators include:

Most of these indicators are available by gender, grade (7th, 9th, and 11th), race/ethnicity, and level of connectedness to school. School connectedness is a summary measure that includes being treated fairly, feeling close to people, feeling happy, feeling part of school, and feeling safe at school. 

Additionally, an indicator of children living in households with smokers is available for California, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles County based on a 2010 survey of parents.

Why This Topic Is Important

Youth alcohol, tobacco or other drug use is associated with a wide range of health, social and academic challenges. For example, teen alcohol use has been linked to risky health behaviors (e.g., unprotected sex), poor academic performance, physical and/or dating violence, motor vehicle accidents, crime, and suicide attempts (1, 2). Excessive alcohol consumption that continues into adulthood can have long-term consequences as well, including liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (3, 4). Cigarette smoking during the teen years also is related to risky behaviors, such as drinking and other drug use; cigarette smoking that is sustained over time is related to a variety of physical health problems later in life (e.g., cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness) (5, 6). Marijuana use can adversely affect health in both the short- and long-term. Specifically, smoking marijuana can cause anxiety attacks, memory impairment, coordination loss, increased heart rate, breathing problems, and/or cognitive deficits (7). The use of marijuana by teens also is associated with poorer academic performance and delinquent and aggressive behavior (7).

According to 2011 data, 6.6% of U.S. 12th graders reported using marijuana daily, an increase from 5.8% in 2001. Youth reports of daily cigarette use are more common, with 10.3% of 12th graders reporting daily use in 2011 although this percentage has declined dramatically (by more than 45%) over the past decade. A small percentage (2.1%) of 12th graders reported daily alcohol use in 2011, but 40.0% reported any use within the past month. Both of these figures have declined since 2001; daily alcohol use dropped by 42% and any use within the past month decreased by 20% (8, 9).

For more information on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs please see kidsdata.org’s Research & Links section.

Sources for this narrative:

  1. Child Trends. (2012). Binge drinking. Retrieved from: http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/?q=node/284
  2. Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics. (2011). America’s children: Key national indicators of well-being, 2011. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved from: http://www.childstats.gov/pubs/
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2004). Alcohol-attributable deaths and years of potential life lost. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 53(37), 866-870. Retrieved from: 
    http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a2.htm
  4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. (1999). The relationship between mental health and substance abuse among adolescents. OAS Analytic Series, 9(SMA), 99-3286. Retrieved from: http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/NHSDA/A-9/comorb3c.htm#TopOfPage
  5. Child Trends (2011). Daily cigarette use. Retrieved from: http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/?q=node/265
  6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). How tobacco smoke causes disease: The biology and behavioral basis for smoking-attributable disease: A report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/2010/index.htm
  7. Child Trends. (2010). Marijuana use. Retrieved from: http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/?q=node/278
  8. Johnston, L. D., O'Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2011). Marijuana use continues to rise among U.S. teens, while alcohol use hits historic lows. University of Michigan News Service: Ann Arbor, MI. Retrieved from: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org
  9. Johnston, L. D., O'Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2011). Decline in teen smoking resumes in 2011. University of Michigan News Service: Ann Arbor, MI. Retrieved from: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org

Policy Implications

Public policy can promote early identification of known risk factors for youth substance use, such as aggressive behavior, poverty, lack of parental supervision, school failure, drug availability, and substance abuse by peers (1, 2). It also can promote protective factors, such as school connectedness, family economic stability, and academic success (1, 2). Early intervention can be effective, especially when specifically tailored to the population and risk factors (2). Controlling youth smoking requires particular attention to mass media and marketing (4).

According to research and subject experts, policy options for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by youth include:

  • Ensuring adequate funding for age-appropriate treatment of heavy substance use, and ensuring that substance abuse and mental health insurance benefits are sufficient in amount and scope to be effective (1, 5)
  • Prioritizing early identification of risk factors correlated with substance use, especially among middle school-age youth, many of which can be documented by schools (1, 2, 5)
  • Developing school and community-wide policies to promote school and community “connectedness” among youth (2, 3)
  • Promoting youth-focused, mass media counter-marketing strategies to combat tobacco advertising and appealing depiction in the media; and limiting tobacco marketing and sales to keep cigarettes out of the hands of youth (4)

For more policy ideas on this topic, see the Research & Links section on kidsdata.org or visit the American Medical Association’s Policy and Resource Guide on Alcohol Use and Adolescents, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and TobaccoFreeCA.com. Also see Policy Implications on kidsdata.org under School Connectedness, Suicide/Self-Inflicted Injuries, Gang Involvement, and Juvenile Arrests.

Sources for this narrative:

  1. Austin, et al. (2007). Heavy alcohol and drug use among California high school students 2003-04. California Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved from: http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/hhdp/css_10th_heavyusereport.pdf
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2003). Preventing drug use among children and adolescents: A research-based guide for parents, educators and community leaders. Retrieved from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/preventing-drug-abuse-among-children-adolescents
  3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). School connectedness: Strategies for increasing protective factors among youth. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/adolescenthealth/pdf/connectedness.pdf
  4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Ending the tobacco epidemic: A tobacco control strategic action plan for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from: http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/tobacco/tobaccostrategicplan2010.pdf
  5. Towey, K., & Fleming, M. (Eds.) (2006). Policy and resource guide: Alcohol use and adolescents. American College of Preventive Medicine and American Medical Association National Coalition for Adolescent Health: Chicago, IL. Retrieved from: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/39/policyguidealcohol.pdf

How Children Are Faring

Most 7th, 9th, and 11th graders in California say that they have not used alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana in the past month. In 2008-10, about 25% of 9th graders and 34% of 11th graders reported using alcohol in the past 30 days. When asked if they had ever consumed alcohol, nearly half (46%) of 9th graders and almost two-thirds (62%) of 11th graders reported having at least one full drink in their lifetime, according to 2008-10 data. Percentages typically are lower for reported cigarette use, marijuana use, and recreational use of prescription drugs. Non-traditional students, those enrolled in Community Day Schools or continuation education, are at highest risk for using these substances. Students who report feeling less connected to their schools also report higher levels of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.

Although a small percentage of students report the very highest level of use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana (20 days or more of use in the past 30 days), that proportion increased statewide between 2004-06 and 2008-10; this was true for nearly all grades and types of drugs, as well as for both boys and girls.

According to a 2010 survey of California parents, most children in the state (85%) live in smoke-free households. Low-income children are less likely to live in smoke-free homes than higher-income children.

Research and Links

Websites with Related Information

Key Reports

County/Regional Reports