Good News on Teens and Drugs

From time to time I have given you updates on teenagers and drug use. The latest data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse show us that while the use of drugs and alcohol continues to be a problem among our kids, there is some good news. The majority of our teenagers report no use of substances during the previous thirty day period. Ninety one percent of eighth graders, eighty two percent of tenth graders, and sixty six percent of twelfth graders report using no marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine in the last thirty days. This trend reflects a steady decline that’s held since twenty twenty. However, the most frequently used substances by our kids are alcohol, nicotine via vaping devices, and marijuana. What this means is that our work is not done. The ready availability of these substances coupled with the adolescent bent towards experimentation and self-medication, requires our constant diligence, our educational efforts, and our willingness to intervene when necessary.