Finally, some good news for parents and American families across the country—a prescription drug abuse drop among US young adults has many rejoicing. It appears that all the hard work of drug enforcement, community leaders and teachers is finally paying off. According to a federal report released just last week, abuse of prescription substances amongst 18 to 25-year-olds dropped a marked 14% between 2010 and 2011, amounting to thousands of lives saved.
Decreases In Pharmaceutical Addiction
Between the year 2010 and 2011, young adults admitting recreational (non-prescribed) use of prescription drugs dropped from 2 million to 1.7 million—a drop some might call incidental, yet still amounts to a staggering number of improved lives and happy, healthy families.
Further, the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has stated that binge drinking and excessive underage drinking has decreased markedly—a positive trend seen to be manifesting since 2002. It appears that young people between the ages of 12 and 20 are shelving prior heavy drinking habits. In 2002, 29% of youth and young adults admitted binge drinking in the past 30 days. That same survey conducted in 2011 indicated a drop to 25% of young adults drinking heavily in the past month.
The War On Substance Abuse Is Not Over
While we may have cause to celebrate the prescription drug abuse drop among US young adults, the demographic of Americans aged 26 and older remains unchanged in their prescription pill habits. Opiate painkillers like Vicodin, Oxycodone and Percocet remain popular for abuse and have even become gateway substances leading addicts in carousel ride back to the doorstep of heroin—the more potent and less expensive alternative to opiate pills.
Illicit drug use has remained somewhat stable as well over the years, with only a mere drop from 8.9% to 8.7% of Americans (over the age of 12) admitting the use of illegal drugs like marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamines. Sadly, marijuana remained America’s most popular and commonly used illegal drug. In 2007, marijuana was used by an approximate 6% of Americans, compared to 7% in 2011.
Additionally, the advent of synthetic drugs (Smiles, Bath Salts and synthetic marijuana specifically) means that no parent should cease his/her practices of vigilant and dedicated parenting. Now, more than ever, education and awareness is needed to protect American families and youth from the devastation of such dangerous and unpredictable toxic drugs.
Further US Study Findings
The study also found that heroin use has gradually continued to rise since 2007, while cocaine and methamphetamine are seen to be less and less popular. Similarly, tobacco use continues to decline, as is evidenced by the consistent percentage drops in the use of cigarettes by youth since 2002.
Narconon recommends that nationally, we have worked hard to raise awareness and make our communities, families and children safer by educating all of the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Through continued hard work, we should continue to see such efforts pay off. This can be done in several ways including:
• Parents teaching their kids to say away from drugs and about their dangers and risks.
• Schools implementing an effective drug prevention and education program like the one done through Narconon.
• Other community and social groups adopting a drug-free message; especially those that cater to kids and young adults.
• Enforcement taking an active role in explaining the dangers and risks of drug use and providing ‘safe’ drop off stations for unused prescriptions.
With all of these things being done together drug use can be decreased. For more information on Narconon news contact us today.
