Teen Drug Use

The Nation’s War on Teen Drug Use

Overall, the nation’s teen drug use rates are declining. Changes in education and legislation have had a significant impact on reducing the Nations teen drug use. Legislation has provided educators the necessary funding, to develop new and improved drug prevention programs. However, surveys show that many parents are dangerously disconnected from their children. Experts suggest that improved parenting techniques could further reduce teen drug use. Parents that are actively involved in their teen’s life are more likely to recognize a problem before it becomes a crisis. These parents stand a better chance of raising a drug free child. In the past seven years, legislation and education tactics have guided the nation to a 25 percent decline in teen drug use. To continue this momentum parents must take off their blinders and step away from denial. Surveys revealed that parental perception of teen drug use is severely distorted. Parents must take a more active role in their child's life and reconnect, to further the success of the nation’s war on teen drug use.

A study conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration represents information from over 135,000 people. The study was based off of a survey called “Monitoring the Future” and was hosted by the University of Michigan. The study indicated a significant drug use drop in Nevada, Washington State, Florida, and Washington D.C. Over a five year period, Washington State has increased spending by $120 million for drug prevention and drug treatment. However, “Alaska had the highest rate of illegal drug use in the nation for the second year in a row.” (Donna Leinwand, 2006) This report indicates an estimated 12% of Alaska’s population used drugs during this study. This exceeds the reported national average for this particular study by 4%. “Drug treatment in Alaska is in short supply. Alaska had the highest percentage of people 12 and older who needed drug...