Drug Use in Schools
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Parenting.
Drug Use in Schools
Overview
While the use of illicit drugs has declined, their availability in schools has increased over the past decade, and many teenagers continue to abuse them.
Key Points
Despite a decrease in overall drug use, a significant number of teenagers are still involved in drug abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse's 2005 Monitoring the Future survey revealed that 50% of high school seniors have tried an illicit drug at some point.
Availability of Drugs
Teens have easy access to drugs, with 85% reporting they know where to obtain marijuana, and 55% aware of how to get amphetamines. This access is consistent across different racial and geographical backgrounds, with 35% of students knowing how to get drugs regardless of living in rural, suburban, or urban areas. Alarmingly, 29% of students have been offered or sold illegal drugs on school property.
Unrepresented Populations
It's important to note that the survey might not fully capture the extent of drug abuse, as it excludes teenagers who have dropped out or frequently miss school, groups often more involved with drugs.
Common Substances
Alcohol is the most frequently used substance, with 75% of seniors having tried it and 23% using it in the last month. The media often glamorizes alcohol use, influencing teens to mimic such behaviors.
Cigarettes are also commonly abused, with many teens mistakenly believing they can quit smoking easily, yet most find themselves addicted. Few people start smoking after their teenage years.
Marijuana use is reported by 44% of seniors, and 60% of teen drug users consume it. Alarmingly, fewer eighth graders today perceive marijuana use as risky.
Inhalants are prevalent in middle schools, with 17.1% of eighth graders trying them. These are easily accessible household items, such as paint thinners, glues, and spray paints.
Prescription drug abuse has been increasing by 25% annually since 2001, often due to personal or familial stress.
Combatting Drug Abuse
While many teens receive messages about the dangers of drugs from schools, parents, and media, some choose to ignore them. Effective prevention involves consistent education and open conversations about drugs both in formal and informal settings.
_written by Teresa McEntire_
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Drug Use in Schools.
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