| Abstract: | Obtained evaluations with the same questionnaire item in 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1972 at Carnegie-Mellon University. The evaluations of marihuana and LSD experiences reported in 1968 were very similar to those at California Institute of Technology in 1967. Evaluations varied by drug but were predominantly "beneficial and helpful" (marihuana, hallucinogens, tranquilizers and barbiturates) or had "no particular effect" (amphetamines, beer, liquor, tobacco, and narcotics). In the class of 1972, evaluations were positively related to number of usage experiences and remained steady over time for all drugs except hallucinogens; these were seen less positively in later surveys. More negative experiences resulted from hallucinogen use than from any other drug. Statements about drug effects are evaluated against personal and peer experience and expectations; thus counselors and educators need to know that most experiences are seen as beneficial or neutral. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
