State officials are happy that overall drug use in Florida is down. But while the celebration continues, there is concern that marijuana and alcohol use among middle and high school students in the state is still a problem.
The 2010 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey was released by the Florida Office of Drug Control and the White House Office of Drug Control Policy in a ceremony this week at the Hanley Center, a drug treatment center located in West Palm Beach.
The survey keeps track of trends in the perceptions, attitudes and actual use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes among teenagers throughout the state. Marijuana use did not experience a reduction in use, according to this year’s survey. The survey included 72,797 Florida students and measured their substance use over the past month. There were drops in the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription drugs.
"I see this as great news for Florida," said Bruce Grant, director of the Florida Office of Drug Control. "It shows that prevention does work and that if you focus communities, you focus neighborhoods and you focus the state on these issues, you can make a difference. But you can’t overcome everything."
The survey results were revealed with the help of Gil Kerlikowske, the director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy. Kerlikowske attended the ceremony at the drug treatment center. Kerlikowske was encouraged but cautious regarding the survey results.
"The numbers at the national level echo the marijuana issues that Bruce pointed out here," Kerlikowske said. "A 9 percent increase in drug use from 2008 to 2009, that’s very concerning….I think the president’s request for a 13 percent increase in prevention funding is important."
According to the survey, marijuana use among high school students in Florida has increased during the past three years. In 2007, marijuana use in that demographic was at 15 percent. In 2010, marijuana use among high school students was at 19 percent – a 4 percent increase over a three year period.
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