A new national study shows just how vital it is that parents get involved in preventing underage drinking and drug use in their families. The study, released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University says thatTeen Substance Use is America’s #1 health problem. Skeptical? Check out these stats:
- 75% of all high school students have used addictive substances (3 out of 4 have used)
- 46% are current users (nearly half are using)
- 12% have a substance use disorder (1 in 10 are already addicted)
According to the study: adolescent smoking, drinking, misusing prescription drugs and using illegal drugs is, by any measure, a public health problem of epidemic proportion, presenting clear and present danger to millions of America’s teenagers and severe and expensive long-range consequences for our entire population.
How expensive? According to a national study released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, teen substance abuse is the largest preventable and most costly public health problem in America today. Immediate costs per year are estimated at $68 billion associated with underage drinking and $14 billion in substance related juvenile justice costs. Total costs to federal, state and local governments of substance use, which has its roots in adolescence are at least $468 billion per year – nearly $1,500 for every person in America.
The immediate consequences of teen substance use are devastating:
- accidents and injuries
- unintended pregnancies
- medical conditions such as asthma, depression, anxiety, psychosis and impaired brain function
- reduced academic performance and educational achievement
- criminal involvement
- death
But the real cost of teen substance use can’t be measured because there is no system in place to calculate the emotional carnage caused by substance abuse and addiction for either the addicted or their family and friends. My son died at 18 ½ of an accidental prescription drug overdose. Today he would be 26 years old. I can’t help but wonder “who” he would be today – if only. Maybe he would be married and I would have a daughter-in-law and a grandchild or two. Maybe he would be CEO of his own technology based company. I wonder.
A teen’s still-developing brain is at higher risk of addiction than an adult over 25 years old. Nine out of 10 Americans who meet the medical criteria for addiction started smoking, drinking, or using other drugs before age 18.
The Good News? You can make a difference! What can you do?
- Educate yourself about trends in substance use
- Talk to your kids about the risks
- Be aware of signs of substance use and changes in your teen’s behavior and habits
- Take action and intervene ASAP as you would in any other health issue
