Drug Use Among Anderson Youth

Data collected from nearly 4,200 seventh through twelfth grade students in the Greater Anderson Community reveals that adolescent drug use is declining. For the sixth straight year fewer students are choosing to use.

While drug use continues to decline far too many students are engaging in dangerous drug use behavior. As the chart indicates below, the Anderson Community boasts some of the lowest use rates among seventh and eighth grade students in Greater Cincinnati. However, use rates surpass similar communities by the time students reach their high school years.

Table 1: Percent of students who report having used cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana during the past 30 days.

As parents , it is important to understand that you are the first line of defense against adolescent drug use. Data from the survey indicates that parents are the single biggest protective factor in keeping their kids from using. As a guideline, the SAGA Coalition offers these three steps to keeping your kids drug free:

1. Monitor Closely – Talk to your kids about the issue. Start early, the average age a young person begins to experiment with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use is around 13 years old. Keep close tabs on your children when they are away from home. Sleepovers, particularly in the middle school years, can be a dangerous opportunity for youth. Unsupervised over night hours often provide youth the opportunity to experiment in dangerous behaviors.
2. Catch it Early – If you suspect your child is using, intervene early. Don’t dismiss your suspicions. Just as you would intervene early and call a doctor if your child had a broken bone, it is important to intervene early and call for help if you suspect your child is using.
3. Make a Big Deal If It Happens – young people must understand that there are swift and severe consequences associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Establish family rules and consequences together with your children. If the rules are broken be sure to enforce the consequences.

It is important for parents and all adults who interact with youth to understand the factors that place youth at greater risk for substance abuse as well as what factors protect or insulate our youth from using. Data collected through the survey provides insight into both the risk and protective factors for Greater Anderson youth. Listed below is a summary of risk and protective factors in our community.