Teen drug abuse includes all types of ill-advised use of drugs and alcohol including, over the counter medications, inhalants, marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs. Abuse is not simply trying certain drugs or alcoholic beverages, but constantly using them without medical purposes or illegally.
Facts and Statistics
By 8th grade almost 30% of kids have tried drinking alcohol.
58% of sophomores have abused alcohol.
71% of high school seniors have used alcohol.
23% of 12th graders reported on binge drinking – with over 5 drinks in a row.
8% of high school students admit to driving after drinking.
Almost 50% of high school seniors have abused a drug of some kind.
By 8th grade 15% of kids have used marijuana.
43% of high school seniors have used marijuana.
8.6% of 12th graders have used hallucinogens – 4% report on using LSD specifically.
Reason Why Kids May Abuse Drugs
A family history of substance abuse
A mental or behavioral health condition, such as depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Impulsive behavior
A history of traumatic events, such as experiencing a car accident or being a victim of abuse