This report presents findings from the national research and reporting program, Monitoring the Future: A Continuing Study of the Lifestyle and Values of Youth, and is the sixth in an annual series reporting the drug use and related attitudes of high school seniors; the report covers the high school classes of 1975-1982. Two of the major topics covered are the current prevalence of drug use, and trends in use since 1975. Also reported are statistical data on grade of first use, trends in use at earlier grade levels, intensity of drug use, attitudes and beliefs among students concerning various types of drug use, and their perceptions of certain relevant aspects of the social environment. The eleven separate classes of drugs distinguished are marijuana (including hashish), inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, natural and synthetic opiates, stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol and cigarettes. Most of the information deals with illicit drug use. A special section discusses the use of non-prescription stimulants, including diet pills, stay-awake pills, and the look-alike pseudo-amphetamines. Results of the survey of seniors from approximately 125-140 public and private high schools throughout the United States showed that, although about two-thirds of all American students try an illicit drug before they finish high school, the use of many illegal drugs as well as cigarettes is declining. About 1 in 16 students drinks alcohol daily and 41% had had five or more drinks in a row at least once in the 2 weeks prior to the survey. These levels of substance use and abuse probably reflect the highest level of illicit drug use in the industrialized world. (JAC)