Drug Abuse Statistics - Trends in the New Generation
February 15th, 2010 | 
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The study is longitudinal and follows the patterns and changes in attitudes of the students over time. In 1991, the studies included 8th and 10th graders too.
The latest drug abuse statistics conducted by MTF were taken in 2008. The key findings showed a decrease in the abuse pattern for a majority of the drugs compared to the previous year.
There were a few positive results that were highlighted. In 2008, the number of 10th graders that have used any illicit drugs in their lifetime had significantly declined in comparison to 2007.
The percentage of youngsters in this age group that smoke cigarettes have continued to decline over the years, and has fallen to the lowest rate in the history of the survey. This is a promising finding, as the use of tobacco is one of the major concerns in health problems.
The use of any stimulant such as amphetamines and crystal methamphetamine is in continuing decline. The use of crack cocaine amongst 12th graders declined from 2008 to 2007.
Overall, the use of alcohol has also decreased amongst all the mentioned age groups in the last year. The 10the graders display a significant decline in the usage of alcohol.
However, there are also areas of concern that have been highlighted by the drug abuse statistics. Even though the use of marijuana has declined over the years, it appears to have reached a plateau with as much as 32.4 per cent of 12th graders using it regularly. The statistics for the use of prescriptive drugs without a medical prescription is also cause for concern with 15.4 per cent of 12th graders having done so in the past year. The perception of risk of harm associated with the use of LSD is also in continual decline. Next: Follow the links below to read more on the topics of drug addiction and abuse.
By: Jason R. W.
About the Author:
Jason Regrets is a pen name coined to expand the discussion on and awareness of drug addiction and abuse as well as the negative consequences that come with addiction and abuse behavior.
Posted in Drug Abuse
February 15th, 2010 8:24 pm
Thanks a lot for sharing
Was a good read
February 16th, 2010 10:30 am
It is scary to think that over 30% of 12th graders are using illicit drugs, although smoking tobacco has declined don’t these 12th graders use tobacco with their marijuana. It will be interesting to see the long term affects a generation where there has been a huge effort to curb the use of tobacco, both in life expectancy, health insurance costs and general quality of life.
February 20th, 2010 11:25 pm
Great, article. It’s good that the younger generations aren’t using drugs. We need to continue to keep our kids occupied with activities so that drugs will never be needed. Growing up that was the most important thing, to have good friends and to always be doing something active. There was no need to do drugs.
February 25th, 2010 6:36 am
I am worried about the situation of drug abuse
March 16th, 2010 4:59 pm
@HD Dreambox ! I am also worried about the situation of drug abouse. So, how we can solve it?
February 17th, 2011 11:31 am
great read, thanks for sharing, a very delicate issue for sure..
May 17th, 2011 11:08 am
Drug abuse stats shocked me out…thanks for the article and a link shared with your readers.