Alcohol and Drug Use Alcohol Use: Other Drug Use: Alcohol is used by more young people in the United States than tobacco or illicit drugs. Every day in the U.S. more than 13,000 children and teens take their first drink. Statistics 2009: Drank Alcohol for First Time Before Age of 13? T= US 21.1%: NM 29.4%: UT 11.5% , F= US 18.1%:NM & HI 27%: UT 9.1%, M= US 23.7%:NM 29.4%: UT 13.6%. Average Age of First Use of Alcohol can Start Before the Age of 12. Boys usually try alcohol for the first time at just 11 years old, while the average age for American girls' first drink is 13. Approximately 11 million American Youth under the Age of 21 Drink Alcohol.(excess, consuming five or more drinks in a row, one or more times in a two week period.) Alcohol may also serve as a “Gateway Drug”. Other Drug Use: Most Commonly used Drugs by youths in US, Marijuana 14.6 Million then Cocaine 2.4 Million. Average Age of First Use of Marijuana is by the Age of 14. Statistics 2009: Ever used Marijuana one or more times? T= US 36.8%: AK 44.5%: UT 20.6%, F= US 34.3%: HI 42.6%: UT 16.3%, M= US 39%: AK 49.1%: UT 24.6% Abused Drugs= Prescribed Medications(Adderall), Inhalants (Aerosols), Over-the-counter cough(Purple drank), Stimulants(Cocaine), LSD, PCP, Opiates, Heroin, and Designer Drugs (Ecstasy) Prescription medications most commonly abused by youth include pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, & depressants. Statistics 2009: Ever Used Other Drugs? Cocaine 6.4%, Heroin 2.5%, Ecstasy 6.7%, Steroids 3.3% Offered, Sold, or Given an illegal Drug on School Property? T= US 22.7%: HI 36.1%: KS 15.1%, F= US 19.3: HI 34.1%: KS 12.7%, M= US 25.9%: HI 38.2%: KS 17.4%. Use of Marijuana and Alcohol is common in High Schools. Heroin also being abused in HS Positive Note: Young people who feel connected to their school are less likely to engage in many risk behaviors, including early sexual initiation, alcohol, tobacco, & other drug use, & violence & gang involvement.

Alcohol and Drug Use Teenagers at Risk: Family History of Substance Abuse, Depressed, Low Self- Esteem, Don’t Fit in, Get Attention From Their Parents, Escape or Solve Problems, and Etc. Reasons Teenagers Use: Sex: Teens may drink or use drugs to gain confidence or lose inhibitions. Teens may engage in risky sexual behaviors while on drugs. Socializing: Drugs provide an instant "in" with what may seem like a desirable social group. Emotional and Psychological Pain: Teens drink or use drugs to check out from family problems or issues with school/grades. Loneliness, low self–esteem, depression, anxiety disorder and other mental health issues lead many teens to drugs. Teens turn to drugs to deal with the pressures of everyday teen drama. Life Transitions: Teens with less-involved parents are more likely to use drugs. (High school teens whose parents pay the least attention to significant transition periods such as puberty or school changes are 42% more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, including drinking, drug use, early sexual intercourse, and dangerous driving.) Fitting In: Teens may use alcohol or drugs to fit in when moving to a new school or town. Kids may use drugs or drink to change their image. Warning Signs: Physical: Red and Glazed Eyes, Repeated Health Problems, and Fatigue. Emotional: Personality Changes, Mood Changes, Irritability, Reckless Behavior, Low Self-Esteem, Poor Judgment, Depression, and Lack of Interest. Family: Breaking Rules, Arguments, and withdrawing from the family. School: Lack of Interest, Negative Attitude, Absences, Drop in Grades, and Discipline Problems. Social Problems: New Friends, Problems with the Law, and Changes of Styles in Dress and Music.

Alcohol and Drug Use Effects and Results: In 2005 2.5 Million Americans went to AA for treatment, 2010 13 Million Americans have Drinking Problem. Short Term: Memory Problems, Distorted Perception, Trouble Solving Problems, Loss of Motor Skills, Ability to Learn School Problems: Higher Absences and Poor Grades. Truant teens remain unsupervised, more likely to use drugs and show more problematic behavior. Violence: Teens already with anger issues on drugs or alcohol feel free to be aggressive and demonstrate their anger. Legal problems: Illegal Behavior, Higher Risk of Suicide/Homicide, Arrest for Driving/Fighting. Sex: Physical/Sexual Assaults, Unwanted Sexual Activity, Risky Sexual Behaviors, STD’s (Less likely to protect themselves during sex, Likely have multiple partners, If addicted will prostitute for money or drugs). Health/Long Term: Alcohol/Binge drinking is a major public health problem, Slower development of brain and body, LACK OF MOTIVATION, Suicidal Tendencies, Eating Disorders, Personality/Psychiatric Disorders, Damage Blood Vessels in brain(Leads to Strokes, Seizures, or Coma), Memory Problems, Disruption in sexual development and normal growth, Diseases(Liver, Central Nervous System, Heart, Cardiovascular), Various Cancer, Neurological Damage, Infant morbidity and mortality, Less Satisfaction in Life, Less Education, Literal Shrinkage of the brain. Death: 75,00 Deaths per year due to excessive alcohol consumption. Approximately 41% of all deaths from motor vehicle crashes alcohol is involved. Alcohol kills 6.5 times more teens than other drugs combined. 3,000 U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths a Month.

References CDC. “Alcohol-Attributable Deaths and Years of Potential Life Lost-United States, 2001”. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 2004; 53(37): 866-870. Rockville, MD.” The Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Adolescents”. Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration. 1999. Web. Nov 2011. Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs, “Facts for Families,” May 2008, AACAP. Web. Nov 2011.