Many adolescents' health problems arise from preventable behaviors, such as unprotected sexual intercourse and the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The 1992 Washington State Survey of Adolescent Health Behaviors (WSSAHB) was created in order to collect information on a variety of health behaviors among students in the state of Washington, at the same time reducing a duplication of surveying effort. Items for the survey include questions on substance use, demographics, risk factors, predicting future use, perceived harmfulness of certain drugs, perceived parent attitudes toward use, estimates of friends' use, perceived effects of media advertising, medical care, safety, diet and weight, physical activity and exercise, HIV/AIDS education, sexual behavior, and suicide. The survey had a threefold objective: (1) obtain empirical needs assessment data necessary for program planning; (2) study trends of student substance use and abuse in participating schools and throughout the state; and (3) establish a baseline for future reference in the study of trends in other adolescent health behaviors. The survey was administered to over 15,463 public school students in 144 schools. The results of the survey confirm that a serious problem still exists with substance use and abuse among public school students. An initial decline of drug use from 1988 to 1990 leveled off in 1992. This problem is not confined to the urban centers nor to minority students, high school students, or any other specific group. Two appendices and 64 figures provide statistical summaries. Contains 41 references. (RJM)