The widespread use of drugs among college students, especially freshmen, has been an area of particular concern. This study examined the attitudes and behavior toward drugs of incoming college freshmen (N=364) in 1978 and incoming college freshmen (N=499) in 1988 using a questionnaire format. The results indicated that there was a decline in drug use between 1978 and 1988, paralleling a nationwide trend. There was a significant decline in incidence rates of nine substances over 10 years, as well as an increase in the percentage of students who never used certain substances. Gender differences lessened with only beer and cigarettes in 1978 and beer in 1988 being found significantly different by gender in incidence rate. There were significant differences by gender in 1988 on reasons for not using 12 drugs, but no significant differences in reasons for using drugs. Freshmen in 1988 also appeared more cautious and conservative regarding both use and legalization of certain substances. (ABL)