Schools & Substance Abuse

Substance abuse in the nation's schools is a real and growing problem.

Substance abuse among teens in the nation's public schools has been a grim reality, especially over the course of the last three decades. Whether dabbling with drugs and alcohol, or lighting up that first cigarette, substance abuse among teens is a very real problem. Fortunately, according to at least one study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Monitoring the Future Survey, there is reason for hope.

Tobacco Abuse

Tobacco use among teens can lead to devastating health consequences.

According to the survey's findings, cigarette and tobacco abuse among teens has dipped to its lowest level since the first survey conducted in 1975. This was true in each grade level surveyed--8, 10, and 12--and is a genuine cause for hope because of the devastating health consequences of long term tobacco abuse.

Methamphetamine/Cocaine

Once unimaginable, methamphetamine and cocaine are real problems in the nation's schools.

The survey also revealed steady declines in the abuse of methamphetamine and cocaine. Between 2004 and 2009, methamphetamine use among students in grade 8 dropped from 2.3 to 1.6 percent. Additionally, the abuse of methamphetamine and cocaine saw a 5-year decline--from 4.4 to 3.4 percent--among students in grades 10 and 12.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic drugs have found their way onto the nation's public school campuses.

2009 also saw a significant decline in the use of hallucinogenic drugs and LSD. Specifically, students in grade 12 reported a drop in the use of hallucinogenic drugs from 5.9 to 4.7 percent, and a drop in the use of LSD from 2.7 to 1.9 percent.

Marijuana

Often seen as the "gateway" to harder drugs, marijuna remains a problem in the nation's schools.

There are both reasons for hope and cause for concern when it comes to the use of marijuana in the nation's schools, the substance most often labeled as the "gateway" to harder drugs. Students in each grade surveyed reported a steady decline in the use of marijuana throughout the mid-90s. The bad news: that trend seems to have stalled with reported use of marijuana among those surveyed holding steady over the remainder of the last decade and a half.

What Parents Can Do

Maintaining open and honest dialogues with children is oneodf the best defenses against drug abuse.

Perhaps the most important thing any parent who suspects his child is dabbling in drugs can do is the most simple: get involved. Talk with the children. Explain to them in as calm and rational a manner as possible the dangers of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. Honesty and the ability to communicate ideas in a clear and reasonable manner will yield benefits far greater than hollow accusations and threats. It is important to be a good listener, to make sure the child knows how much they are really cared for.

What Teachers Can Do

Teachers often sound the first warning when it comes to drug abuse.

Teachers should remain vigilant, especially if they suspect a student is abusing illegal substances. Professional educators did not enter the field of education because of the high pay or to win a popularity contest. First in mind must always be the health, safety and welfare of the students.

References

• National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends