After Long Decline, Drug Use Climbs

A report showed that teens in high school taking illegal drugs marijuana, and ecstasy are at increasing rates in 2009. It is the first high increase in teen drug use since 1998.

After a decade of decreasing drug use in US teens, marijuana, and ecstasy use is reported to be increasing.

For drug-prevention advocates, this reversal in trend is surprising. These advocates of drug prevention feel that high-profile media campaigns and parental involvement encouraged to restrict all types of teen drug use between 1998 and 2008. In 2008, use of alcohol and marijuana reduced by 30 percent among ninth and 12th graders from the previous year and methamphetamine abuse was reduced to 60 percent.

This data were published by the Partnership for a Drug Free America and the MetLife Foundation and revealed that teen usage turned back last year for the first time from 1998.

Among the findings reported about teens between the ninth and 12th grades:

  • Yearly and monthly marijuana use raised to 38 and 25 percent, respectively.
  • Thirteen percent of teens accept they tried ecstasy previous year, a 30 percent raise from 2008.
  • Seventy-five percent of teenagers express they have friends who get high at parties, a 9 percent raise from 2008.

Reasons cited for the dramatic reversal are reduction in federal funding for drug-prevention programs in schools and the media, the public questioning about the legalization of marijuana.

Inhalants like glues, nail polish remover, spray paints, and cleaning fluids, present an increasing risk among teens, the use of which increases more in eighth grade. A report made by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recorded from 2006 to 2008, 7 percent of 12-year-olds huffed inhalants. In current years, reports say that teen abuse drugs particularly prescription medicines, as they are easily available.

More susceptible attitudes in teens toward drug use can be repelled using education campaigns in schools and through the media.

Suggested reading:
Affects of drug abuse on children
Role Of Physician In Prevention Of Drug Abuse
Impact of Marijuana Abuse on Health
Measures To Raise Drugs Free Teens
Rave Parties-Teenagers Way to Hell
Know About Different Types of Drug Testing