However, said Smith, a promising trend is emerging. There is some information here that shows we are having some moderation among the younger students. Compared to 1997, nearly all substance use, though higher than state rates, are down for 7th and 8th graders. The survey states that in West Clark, lifetime prevalence rates where higher than state rates for smokeless tobacco among 9th and 11th graders. Seventh, 11th and 12th graders show lifetime prevalence rates higher than state rates for alcohol use.
Twelfth graders show a higher lifetime rate for cigarette smoking.
Annual prevalence rates were higher then state rates for cigarettes and alcohol among 11th and 12th graders. Ninth graders had higher annual prevalence rates for smokeless tobacco. And like lifetime rates, annual rates were higher than or equal to state rates in other drug use. Monthly and daily rates were also higher than the state. The survey lists 17 substances including cigarettes, cigars, pipe and smokeless tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, inhalants, amphetamines, heroin and other drugs.