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Drug Use Among Adolescents

Teens Under the Influence
 
Frequency of Users

Adolescents and their development have been thoroughly researched throughout the history of psychology, from all dimensions. One issue among teens is the use and dependence of illegal drugs. Here are some statistics of young users around the world:
 
  • 44% of Czech Republican boys and girls reported using an illicit drug at any point in their lifetime, 41% in the United States and Switzerland, 40% in Ireland, and 38% in France and the United Kingdom.
  • The lowest was Russia (Moscow), which was about 22%.

 

~The survey does not include high school dropouts, who have a higher rate of drug use than do students who are still in school.

~In most instances, the illicit drug used by adolescents in these countries was marijuana.

 

*These results are from a survey conducted by the University of Michigan in 2003, found in Adolescence by John W. Santrock. Online book available at http://www.mhhe.com/santrocka12e

 

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Despite these large numbers, evidence shows that the rate at which adolescents use drugs has declined over the past several years:

  • The rate of adolescents ages 12-17 acknowledging drug use dropped from 11.6% in 2002 to 9.8% in 2006.
  • Among the most notable findings was that the level of current marijuana use among youth ages 12-17 declined significantly from 8.2% in 2002 to 6.7% in 2006, particularly pronounced in adolescent males.

*These results are from a survey conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as reported on Medical News Today. The article can be found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/81876.php

Web site created by:
Megan McCarthy
EPS 406
Professor Dan McGuire