Youth Substance Use Declines

Great News! Last month, during Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness month, the SAMSHA presented new data that shows a drop in illicit drug use among youth! But are we really making progress on teen drug use? According to the SAMHSA 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), findings showed usage declined for nearly every type of drug, including marijuana, LSD, ecstasy, pain relievers, stimulants, and methamphetamine. Prescription drug misuse remains a concern however. Interestingly, data also showed an increase in drug use among 50- to 59-year-olds.

The level of alcohol use also dropped among 12- to 17-year-olds, from 17.6 percent in 2002 to 15.9 percent in 2007. “These new, recently declining rates in alcohol use among the youngest participants in the survey may be a leading indicator of an emerging pattern consistent with the goals of the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking,” Dr. Broderick said. See the SAMSHA website at http://www.samsha.org/ for more information on this article.

So, are those efforts by parents and the community really making the difference? And what component is most effective? Prevention, early education, drug testing? Do we have those local community DARE programs to thank for a decrease in teen drug and alcohol use? What's working in your community?

In Kern County, California it's been a joint effort of community partners coming together to pool their resources and communicate information about programs, resources and youth. I'm interested in what's working in your community?