NATIONAL DRUG PREVENTION AND EDUCATION WEEK
Monday, February 11, 2008

February 11th thru February 16th will now be known as National Drug Prevention and Education Week. The week is designed to encourage communities to carry out programs and activities to educate all parents and youth about the dangers of drug use. General Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America speaks about the high use of drugs, “ With more youth now turning to prescription and over-the-counter medicines and the overall rate of illicit drug use is still unacceptably high.”

The American Journal of Psychiatry states that surveys revealed youth having their first drink of alcohol at ages 11 to 12 had a 13.5% chance of adult and adolescent alcohol abuse and 15.9% of the youth had a chance of alcohol dependence. 13 and 14 year olds had a 13.7% chance of alcohol abuse and 9.0% chance of alcohol dependence. In contrast, for those whom had their first drink of alcohol at ages 19 or older had a 2.0% chance of alcohol abuse and 1.0% chance of alcohol dependence.

Numbers shown in Casper’s 6th graders are frightening. Casper has 861 current 6th graders in class. Using the results from above, of the 861 Casper students; 241 would report having their first drink of alcohol before age 13. That shows 2 youth in every 6th grade class in our community could result in alcohol abuse or dependence. We could cut that number by two thirds if youth would take that first drink at 19 or preferably at 21.

We must educate our community; parents, youth, and schools, about the dangers of both drug and alcohol use. We must work together to provide a clear and consistent anti-drug message.

If you would like more information on this topic or other drug and alcohol information you may contact Mercer House at 265-7366 or email at