Blog Report

Friday, March 5, 2010

Study: Reverse In Teen Drug Use Attitudes

From the Partnership for a Drug Free America:


A study released earlier this week shows significant increases in adolescent drug use. Data gathered between 1998 and 2008, showed upticks in usage and attitudes among 9-12 graders who responded to the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study.


Only two thirds of teens indicated that inhalant abuse can kill. The 4% retreat for the previous year hints at a potential increase in the now-steady 10% usage rate among teens.


Researches also noted a disturbing shift in attitudes toward drug use as teens have relaxed their inhibitions. Specifically, 51% of teens surveyed in 2009 answered the statement "being high feels good" in the affirmative which is a 6% jump from the previous year. This, the report suggests, coupled with decrease funding for substance abuse programs and parental inaction have resulted in a decade-long reverse in drug use attitudes. Nearly 33% of parents indicated their teen's drug use is beyond experimental but are paralyzed by shame and fear.

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