This article looks at drugs and alcohol, by the numbers.
Although the thought of a 12-year-old child drinking or using drugs on a weekly basis may seem hard to imagine, the latest statistics tell a different story. Consider the following five facts:
Five Shocking Stats on Drinking and Drugs*
- Every day, on average, 11,318 American youth (12 to 20 years of age) try alcohol for the first time, compared with 6,488 for marijuana, 2,786 for cocaine, and 386 for heroin.
- Alcohol is by far the most used and abused drug among America’s teenagers. According to a national survey, nearly one third (31.5%) of all high school students reported hazardous drinking (5+ drinks in one setting) during the 30 days preceding the survey.
- Children who are drinking alcohol by 7th grade are more likely to report academic problems, substance use, and delinquent behavior in both middle school and high school. By young adulthood, early alcohol use s associated with employment problems, other substance abuse, and criminal and other violent behavior.
- Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin drinking at 21.
- Alcohol is a leading cause of death among youth, particularly teenagers. It contributes substantially to adolescent motor vehicle crashes, other traumatic injuries, suicide, date rape, and family and school problems.
*Statistics provided by the Marin Institute.
Despite the seriousness of these statistics, don’t panic – just by reading this article, you’re already taking the right steps toward ensuring that your child avoids drinking and drugs. Implementing the three steps below will further ensure that your child remains drug- and alcohol-free:
Three Ways to Keep Kids Substance-Free
- Supervise after-school activities. Parents can minimize the potential for alcohol and drug abuse through close supervision of after school and weekend activities. Often, a quick phone call to a friend’s parents can confirm the supervision of another adult and prevent an unwanted encounter with drugs or alcohol.
- Show you care. Regularly letting your child know, “I’m here if you need me” without bombarding him with constant questioning both shows him you care and encourages him to open up on his own.
- Establish routines. Before the school year begins, share your expectations for after school and weekend activity participation. Having a routine in place will alleviate the need for continued debates throughout the year.
Given the host of challenges facing today's middle school school students, drug and alcohol abuse ranks near the top of the list along with academic achievement and both the physical and emotional changes associated with adolescence. Staying connected through regular conversation with your child, as well as with the adults (teachers, mentors, coaches, etc.) who work your child, provides a network of support that your child can draw on during life's most challenging moments.
Joe Bruzzese - Joe Bruzzese, M.A. Joe Bruzzese, author of A Parents’ Guide to the Middle School Years and parent education expert, speaks to ...
