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High Kids? Goodbye!

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Some interesting data was recently released regarding “sex, drugs and rock & roll” and our teenage and pre-teenage children.  A recent University of Michigan study shows that certain alcohol and drug related behaviors have significantly declined, particularly smoking cigarettes and alcohol consumption.  This national study has been tracking the use of and attitudes about drug, alcohol and tobacco use by 8th, 10th and 12th graders since 1975.  In all more than 46,000 kids were surveyed in 2011.  In addition to less alcohol and tobacco use, the study found decreased use of illicit drugs like cocaine, and prescription drugs like Vicodin and Adderall.  Not everything went down though as rates of marijuana and ecstasy use went up.

It is also interesting to look at teens’ “perceived risk” of using these various substances.  In general the teens’ perception of risk went up related to the use of amphetamines, cocaine, tobacco and of binge drinking alcohol.  However, teens appear to attribute less risk to the use of marijuana and ecstasy and, as noted, the use of these both went up according to the study.

So good job parents, and teens!  It seems that overall we’re headed in the right direction according to this data.

 

Here’s a link to an article that will be in the upcoming Feb 5th issue of the New York Times magazine about this subject.

Addiction, Children, Parenting, Teens