Teenage Substance Abuse on the Rise: New Study Reveals Alarming Trends

Strategic Insights -

A decade-long decline in teenage substance abuse has come to an end, with a new study revealing a significant increase in pot and alcohol use among high school students. According to a survey released by The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the number of teens who reported drinking alcohol in the last month rose 11 percent in 2009, with 39 percent of teens (or 6.5 million) saying they drink. Meanwhile, the percentage of teens smoking marijuana increased to 25 percent, up from 19 percent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of high school students who reported drinking alcohol in the last month rose 11 percent in 2009, reaching 39 percent of teens (or 6.5 million).
  • The percentage of teens smoking marijuana increased to 25 percent, up from 19 percent.
  • The survey found that more kids are using the party drug Ecstasy, with 6 percent of teens reporting that they had used it in the past month, versus 5 percent in 2008.
  • The new increase in usage is worrisome because historically, an increase in recreational drug use is often followed by an increase in harder drugs.
  • The decline in federal drug prevention efforts and the normalization of getting high in popular culture are contributing factors to the increase in teenage substance abuse.
  • The survey highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the risks associated with substance abuse.

Statistics:

  • 39 percent of teens (or 6.5 million) reported drinking alcohol in the last month, representing an 11 percent increase from the previous year.
  • 25 percent of teens reported smoking marijuana in the last month, up from 19 percent.
  • 6 percent of teens reported using the party drug Ecstasy in the past month, up from 5 percent in 2008.
  • Since 2008, the number of teens reporting substance abuse has increased significantly, from 19 percent to 25 percent for marijuana and from 5 percent to 6 percent for Ecstasy.

Sources:

  • "Survey Finds Rise in Teen Substance Abuse," Asian News International, March 3, 2009.
  • Partnership for a Drug-Free America, "The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study," 2009.
  • New York Daily News, "Teenage substance abuse rises," March 2, 2009