Underage drug abuse is rapidly becoming a major problem in the United States. It has been on the upswing for many years, with no signs of rescinding. Underage drinking is another cause for concern, in 2012 it was reported that 9,3 million people between the ages of 12-20 had consumed alcohol. The NIDA (National institute of Drug Abuse) estimates that drug addiction costs $600 billion annually relating to crime, loss of productivity, and health care.
The university of Delaware’s Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies found that 35 percent of 11th graders in Delaware reported using alcohol at least once a month last year, report provided by the health department. Of those who participated in the survey, 62% admitted to using alcohol in this past year. A survey taken of current eighth graders found that 14% reportedly used alcohol monthly, while 31% used alcohol in the last year. The survey also uncovered that, 17% of 11th graders and 10% of eighth graders used prescription drugs in the past year that were not prescribed to them.
The Delaware Public Health Department has recently secured a government rant for $10 million over a period of 5 years for a program to stop underage drug abuse. The grant was awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The program will jump-start the “Partnership for Success Program”, which will invest $2 million a year into drinking and drug abuse programs targeting for Delawareans ages 12 to 25. The government grant will be given out to support small community groups, whose job it is to encourage the reduction and end of underage drinking and prescription drug use. These groups will submit applications to get a piece of this grant, as long as their goals coincide with Partnership of Success.
The goal of the program is to expand across the entire state, which they hope will reach out to 10,000 Delawareans.
The Above the Influence campaign is a national effort to stop underage drug and alcohol use. Using a mixture of national and local advertising they are targeting youth will the message of rejecting drugs and alcohol abuse. They also conduct teen targeted Above the Influence activities to help them resist drugs in local groups for their respective communities.
Education
The most important thing we can do to stop underage drug abuse in Delaware is to educate young adults. The best way to attack a problem is at its root, therefore education for children is imperative. The earlier and more detailed an education we can offer will have the greatest success in the long run. Informing your children of the hazards of drinking and misuse of prescription drugs is paramount in their understanding of the choices they will make later on. Equally important is to dispose of any and all left over medications. The best place for underage kids to obtain prescription drugs is from their own medicine cabinets, friends homes, or family members bathroom. Proper disposal is therefore the best way to fight the problem before it starts.
Activities
One of the main causes of underage drug abuse is boredom. When young adults do not have something to occupy their time with they will experiment with drugs. Henceforth, it is important to make sure our youth is involved productive activities to fill their time. It is not only important for them to do this to stay away from drugs, but also in an effort to help them grow as people.
Communication
Another important tool we have as adults is communication. Open, secure, and safe lines of communication are paramount in stopping underage drug abuse. If adolescents are unable, afraid, or unwilling to talk to a knowledgeable adult their curiosity and ignorance can lead them down the wrong paths. It is good to be open and understanding when talking to young adults. Anger, aggression, and confrontation may only push the underage towards drug abuse.
House parties are one of the largest arenas for underage drinking and prescription drug abuse. Therefore, it is important to keep a good relationship with your neighbors. Anytime that you, parents, are away and the kids stay home the neighbors should be aware of a possible situation.
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