Sober Resources

A drug and alcohol survey given to 12th and eighth grade students in selected counties across the country indicates that usage takes place outside of school. The survey has been used by a number of school corporations nationwide in attempt to find out what kinds of drugs students are taking and when they are most likely to use drugs and alcohol.

As with most surveys that touch on sensitive subjects, the students questioned gave their answers anonymously. The results, compiled from the 297 students who were surveyed, revealed that less than one percent of the students would not take drugs during school hours. The bad news is that 31 percent of the eighth graders and 45 percent of the 12th graders surveyed would consume alcohol at home. Taking drugs was at 8 and 17 percent, respectively.

When it came to using drugs at weekend parties, 17 percent of the eighth graders and 63 percent of the 12 graders would do so. Taking drugs, on the other hand, was lower, with 10 and 26 percent respectively.

Survey administrators said the most startling result is that 10 percent of the 12th graders would take drugs on the way to school, while 16 percent would take drugs right after school. This is of real concern, they said. It’s very safe to say that drug and alcohol usage is almost non-existent while students are in school, but look at what the results say about usage while away from school.

The results also indicated that 4.87 percent of the eighth graders surveyed were in the high risk category, while 14.17 percent of the 12 graders were in the high risk category. According to the report, those students are using drugs or alcohol heavily, to the point that their lives center around substance abuse. Administrators also said the findings are very typical, which might be disturbing to many people in their communities. Anytime you take a sampling such as this one — students living in any rural part of the country, and find that we have the same problems as found in the big city schools, the news is startling.

But there is a positive side, according to experts. Our goal is to get the community involved. If students are involved with in their community, the community simply must be made more aware of the problem.

Nothing is more upsetting than hearing people say schools are the root of the drug problem, they commented. If these results are any indication at all, the problem is nationwide.” Specialty area corporations may also participate in drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, but these experts believe the situation demands community input.

They also urge parents to come in and review the findings. “We can’t solve the drug and alcohol problem unless all members of our community help to address the problem.”

If your teen has a problem with drugs please vist. www.soberteensonline.com