Teen drug use is rising at an alarmingly rate, driving serious concerns about health and safety, prompting parents and educational professionals to discuss proactive options for keeping kids safe. Methods such as drug prevention programs, addiction education, and random drug testing are helping to make a difference.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, nearly 20 percent of high school students currently use marijuana, with almost 35 percent of those who have ever used it reporting that they tried it before the age of 14. Other substances, such as synthetic marijuana, report similarly high rates of usage.
While marijuana has become a popular drug among teens, it’s not the only dangerous and illegal substance being abused. Here are just a few of the alarming statistics addressing the abuse of illegal substances by teens across the U.S.:
- About 4.8 percent of teens in the U.S. reported using cocaine at least once.
- More than 5 percent of teens have used ecstasy, a drug popularly used in the “party scene.”
- Heroin, an extremely dangerous substance, has been tried by 2.5 percent of teenagers.
- Inhalants such as glue or spray paint, have a usage rate of 7.7 percent among teens.
How to Prevent Teen Drug Use: One of the most important things you can do to prevent teen drug use is to have open conversations with your teen about the dangers of drug use. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of drug use is also important, and a professionally-administered drug test is an excellent tool for both prevention and dealing with suspected use.
Learn More about Confidential Drug Testing by contacting your local ARCpoint Lab. ARCpoint Labs offer a wide range of testing solutions and are prepared to work with school staff, parent-teacher organizations, advocacy groups, and more provide drug testing options to deter student drug use and aid in early detection.
By Annmarie Dallao, Co-Owner of ARCpoint Labs of Reading
