The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) 2008 “Monitoring The Future” study on illicit drug and alcohol use by teens and youth found:
- 10.9% of 8th graders, 23.9% of 10th graders and 32.4% of 12th graders use marijuana
- 15.4% of 12th graders have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes
- Vicodin continues to be abused at high levels
- 2.7% of 8th graders, 7.2% of 10th graders and 9.6% of 12th graders had abused Vicodin
- 1.8% of 8th graders, 3.9% of 10th graders and 5.2% of 12th graders had abused
From peer pressure to looking for a way to deal with family and life challenges, Drug and alcohol use by teens is a growing problem.
The short list of the signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol use includes:
- Behavioral Issues
- Changes in relationships with family members or friends
- Mood changes or emotional instability
- Withdrawal or depression; uncommunicative mood
- Periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of sleeping
- Abseenteeism or loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
- Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or home
- Disappearance of prescription and over the counter drugs, as well as alcohol or money
- Personal appearance, habits or action changes
- Poor hygiene and personal care
- Track marks on arms or legs
- Frequently breaking curfew
- Using over the counter eye drops (to remove reddening) and/or breath mints and gum more frequently
