Important facts from the 2006 Student Drug Use Survey regarding youth illicit drug use in our area:

Use

• The average age of first use of any illicit drug is 12.6 years old.  By the 7^th grade, 4% report having tried marijuana.  By 9^th grade, 17% of those who tried have become monthly users or harmfully involved
• 72% of all illicit drug usage is in a private residence (at home or friends house)
• 64% of all useage is on the weekends
• 41% of 7^th through 12^th graders report that alcohol is fairly easy or very easy to get

Impact
Students who use illicit drugs on a regular basis are:

• 3.7 times more likely to have been in trouble at school
• 18 times more likely to have threatened to harm another student
• 13 times more likely to have carried a gun to school
• 10.5 times more likely to have been in trouble with the police
• 14 times more likely to have participated in gang activity
• 3.7 times more likely to have thought about suicide

What Affects Use?
Students are __% less likely to drink on a regular basis:

Parents

• 25% less likely when their parents talk to them about drugs
• 49% less likely when their parents set clear rules
• 50% less likely when their parents enforce consequences
• 35% less likely when their parents disapprove of illicit drugs
  

Social Factors

• 61% less likely if they particpate in school clubs or sports
• 104% less likely if involved in a faith-based program
• 93% less likely if involved in community activities
• 34% less likely if not employed
• 86% less likely if peers disapprove of using illicit drugs