We all want to know what our kids are being exposed to at school and within the community. And no doubt, there are some things we should be paying attention to, especially when it comes to substance use.
Drug and Alcohol Trends
Drug and alcohol use is one of the biggest concerns parents have. A look at trends for Youth Eastside Services (YES) clients over the past three years shows a slight decrease in alcohol use, although it’s still the No. 1 drug of choice. According to the 2010 Healthy Youth Survey given in local schools, 25 percent of high school seniors have binge drank in the past two weeks — that’s five or more drinks in a row. Forty-one percent of teens have had a glass or bottle of alcohol in the past month; of those, 28 percent are heavy or problem drinkers.
With laws and social mores changing around marijuana, it’s not surprising to see a 15 percent increase in marijuana use among teens seen at YES. Eighty-nine percent report it as the first or second drug of choice, and it’s the No. 1 drug that brings kids in for treatment. It’s important for parents to understand that marijuana today is much stronger — eight times stronger than the “weed” of the ‘60s. Despite this, kids are less worried about it. In fact, more kids see dangers in alcohol use or second-hand smoke than marijuana.
Perhaps most concerning has been the increase in reported heroin use. As education on prescription opiate use has resulted in a decline in availability, the increase in street price (some as much as $80 or more per pill) has led youth to heroin as a less expensive alternative — about $10 a hit for a two- to four-hour high. Three years ago, YES had no kids admitting to heroin use. Last year, 6 percent said they used the drug. Because heroin is among the most addictive drugs out there, this relatively modest increase means this trend deserves close scrutiny and action.
Homemade drugs continue to be a challenge, in part because their highs can be so dangerous and unpredictable. Though Washington state has outlawed spice and bath salts, two drugs that were readily available in smoke shops, teens are still finding access to them. Many feel they are a safe high because they can be purchased at a local store, but nothing could be further from the truth. Last year a teen high on bath salts stabbed and killed the girl he was getting high with, during a moment of extreme paranoia.
What Parents Can Do
It’s important to remember that drugs and alcohol are around and available to our kids, and that kids from every socioeconomic background are at risk for alcohol and drug use. In some ways, teens from higher income families are at greater risk for having resources to purchase and a greater likelihood to drive under the influence. Stay alert to what’s happening in your neighborhood, or maybe even in your home. Kids are in crisis everywhere.
Don’t be afraid to talk openly with your kids about drugs. Studies show that when parents disapprove about something and make it known, their kids are less likely to engage in the risky behavior. If you do need help, remember that YES serves clients from all income levels; no one is turned away for inability to pay. Our counselors are available to answer questions if you have concerns, and our speakers may be scheduled to speak to a group at your school or place of worship.
As alarming as drug and alcohol use may be, there are other issues plaguing our kids, as well. Next month I will touch on these and other ways parents can help.
Patti Skelton-McGougan is the executive director of Youth Eastside Services.
