Ledyard Youth Drug and Alcohol Survey Reveals Mixed Results

Strategic Insights -

A recent survey conducted by the Ledyard Safe Teen Coalition has provided valuable insights into the town's youth behavior regarding drug and alcohol use. The 2011 survey, which polled 488 students from the seventh to 12th grade, showed a decrease in tobacco use but an increase in alcohol and marijuana use. The survey results were presented to the Board of Education, highlighting the need for initiatives to prevent further growth in these areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recent alcohol use among seventh- and eighth-graders increased by 0.5% compared to 2009, with 5.6% of students reporting drinking alcohol.
  • Alcohol use among ninth- through 12th-graders dipped slightly over 2009 results.
  • Recent and lifetime cigarette use decreased by 5.1% and 5.7%, respectively, among high school students, but remained steady among middle school students.
  • Lifetime marijuana use increased by 3.5% among seventh- and eighth-graders compared to 2009 results, but decreased by 3% among high school students.
  • The age for initiation to alcohol increased to 13.1 years among ninth-graders, while the age for initiation to marijuana decreased to 13.4 years.
  • The Ledyard Safe Teen Coalition has been instrumental in preventing underage drinking, with initiatives such as a youth advisory council, a "Party Patrol" hotline, and outreach education.

Statistics:

  • 5.6% of seventh- and eighth-graders reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
  • 2.6% of middle school students reported recent cigarette use.
  • 7.7% of middle school students reported lifetime cigarette use.
  • 3.5% increase in lifetime marijuana use among seventh- and eighth-graders compared to 2009 results.
  • 3% decrease in lifetime marijuana use among high school students compared to 2009 results.
  • 13.1 years: the age for initiation to alcohol among ninth-graders.
  • 13.4 years: the age for initiation to marijuana among ninth-graders.

Sources:

  • "Youth Survey Shows Mixed Results" (The Day, 2011)
  • Ledyard Safe Teen Coalition (www.ledyardteencoalition.org)
  • Archie Swindell, researcher, Quantitative Services (Groton)