Drug And Alcohol Use Above National Average For Austin, Texas Teens

According to a national survey, students in the Texas capital area are using drugs and alcohol more frequently than schools across the nation. With major problems being linked to drug and alcohol use, this does not bode well for Texas teens.

Students at Westlake High School show a pattern of drug and alcohol use that is higher than other American teens, as reported by Austin news based upon study data released by the Eanes ISD. Students in grades six through 12 were asked a multitude of questions about drug and alcohol use and some of the "award winning" results proved less than something to be proud of:

More than half of seniors admitted to having a drink of alcohol once a month.

Almost as many said they have smoked marijuana in the past year, with close to 30 percent doing it at least once a month.

The district superintendent, Nola Wellman, said "I think it's a societal issue, and that as an institution of our society, public education we have a responsibility to talk to students about the choices they're making". She has taken measures to address the issue. As far as the survey (see 295 pg survey here), Pride Surveys measured nearly 100,000 students across the nation between 2006 and 2007 in the area of drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Some highlights of the national survey revealed:

*average age of initial use for marijuana use is 13.

*average age of initial use for alcohol and tobacco use is 12.

*perceived risk associated with use, meaning the user KNEW that using drug, alcohol or tobacco was harmful: 89% tobacco users; 83% alcohol users; 92% marijuana users

*most teens used all three on the weekends. However, usage varied for second place between afterschool and evenings between marijuana and alcohol. Tobacco stayed the same. Before school use took fourth place and in school use came in last.

*The majority of kids surveyed used at their "friends" house, while a close second used in their own home. The third highest group was "other" while the fourth group was in a car.

According to the national survey, there shows to be a significant understanding that alcohol, marijuana and tobacco products are harmful, which may disprove theories that this group of users do not understand the basic risks associated with their use. More information on Pride Surveys. Aside from the national survey, only certain individual states took part in the assessment.