Some correlates of drug use among high school youth in a Midwestern rural community.

A study of the correlates of drug use (marijuana, LSD, mescaline, speed) among high school youth in a rural, Midwestern community indicated that peer group factors were the most influential in such behavior. Also, youth from less intact families and whose parents were perceived to use various legal drugs were more prone to drug use. Drug education was seen as not having as significant an impact in differentiating between users and nonusers nor in deterring users from further involvement. In support of previous research, we conclude that drug use is a form of behavior learned through peer and family socialization.