Teen Drug Use Climbs

In this case, bigger definitely isn’t better.

After a decade of consistent declines in teen drug abuse, a new national study released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and MetLife Foundation shows a definite rise in the use of drugs that teens encounter. According to the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study sponsored by MetLife Foundation the number of teens in grades 9-12 that used alcohol in the past month has grown by 11 percent while ecstasy use shows a 67 percent increase and marijuana use rose 19 percent.

Drug Acceptance

Kids are also likely to see drug and alcohol use more acceptable than they were during the past decade. There are more pro-drug cues in pop culture at the same time that funding for prevention programs is being slashed, making it more important than ever for parents to be involved and talk to their kids about drug and alcohol use on a regular basis. The study shows that it’s not the current trend, though. Among parents of teens who have used, nearly half (47 percent) either waited to take action or took no action at all, putting those children at greater risk of continued use and negative consequences.

"We're very troubled by this upswing that has implications not just for parents, who are the main focus of the Partnership's efforts, but for the country as a whole," said Partnership Chairman Patricia Russo. "The United States simply can't afford to let millions of kids struggle through their academic and professional lives hindered by substance abuse. Parents and caregivers need to play a more active role in protecting their families, trust their instincts and take immediate action as soon as they sense a problem."

Teen Drug Abuse

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