Survey Reveals Reduced Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, but Increased Inhalant Abuse

Last week, a survey from Erie, PA revealed that Erie County's adolescents are using less drugs and alcohol, but unfortunately inhalant abuse is an exception. Inhalants have been used by 7.2 percent of students in the past 30 days, which is more than double the 3.5 percent reported in 2007.

Amy Eisert, director of the Mercyhurst College Civic Institute, commented that this is because "inhalants are easily found and abused," especially when "availability is everything when it comes to juvenile drug use." However, Eisert remains hopeful, noting that they have implemented prevention programs in various middle schools, which she hopes is working to help the youths make better decisions about substance abuse.

Read more about the survey here.