On this page: About the National Data | Methodology
About the National Data
Data
Baseline: 23.1 percent of sexual minority students in grades 9 through 12 reported that they had ever used illicit drugs in their lifetime in 2017
Target: 16.1 percent
Methodology
Questions used to obtain the national baseline data
From the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Numerator:
This measure combines the following variables into one: During your life, how many times have you used any form of cocaine, including powder, crack, or freebase? During your life, how many times have you sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or inhaled any paints or sprays to get high? During your life, how many times have you used heroin (also called smack, junk, or China White)? During your life, how many times have you used methamphetamines (also called speed, crystal, crank, or ice)? During your life, how many times have you used ecstasy (also called MDMA)? During your life, how many times have you used hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD, acid, PCP, angel dust, mescaline, or mushrooms?Methodology notes
YRBS uses the term sexual minority to include those who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual; and those whose sexual behavior includes same-sex contacts. However, for statistical reporting, sexual identity and sexual behavior are reported separately. This objective only tracks lesbian, gay, and bisexual identity.