In December, the First Lady of Florida, Casey DeSantis presented a new initiative in Florida called “The Facts. Your Future.” It is a part of Hope for Healing Florida to spread awareness about the effects of drug abuse.
In a press release by the Governor, The First Lady states:
“Too many children are losing sight of their dreams and goals – and even losing their lives – because of drug abuse and addiction,” said First Lady DeSantis. “It is imperative that students get the facts about drug abuse and how it can infiltrate and compromise every aspect of their lives. My hope is that students will hear the message and understand they have the power to educate and help one another and their community to fully grasp the hazards of substance abuse.”
“The Facts. Your Future” also has the support of Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, and DCF Secretary Chad Poppell.
Why target the youth? Read on the find out more about the statistics and facts about drug use amongst teens that spark these efforts for teen drug abuse in Florida. Also, how to get help for substance abuse in Florida.
Facts About Drug Use Amongst Teens
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana is the most used drug amongst teens. Also, vaping is rapidly on the rise, which can be present in vaping products.
“Past year vaping (2018) of marijuana, which has more than doubled in the past two years, was reported at 20.8% among 12th graders, with 10th graders not far behind at 19.4% and eighth-graders at 7.0%. Past month marijuana vaping among 12th graders nearly doubled in a single year to 14% from 7.5%–the second-largest one-year jump ever tracked for any substance in the history of the survey. (The largest was from 2017-2018 with past month nicotine vaping among 12th graders).”
Source: Stats & Trends in Teen Drug Abuse for the U.S.
Source: Stats & Trends in Teen Drug Abuse for the U.S.
The 2019 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF) by NIDA reveals the following data:
- “Teens are vaping both marijuana and nicotine in record numbers. Past-month marijuana vaping among 12th graders nearly doubled in a single year—the second-largest one-year jump for any substance in the history of the survey.
- One in 4 students in 12th grade, 1 in 5 in 10th grade, and 1 in 11 in 8th grade reported vaping nicotine in the past month.
- On the other hand, rates of binge drinking (drinking five or more drinks in a row) continue to drop for students in 10th and 12th grades.”
The report also shows teens are reducing their usage of other drugs, such as opioids and other illicit drugs. However, marijuana and vaping continue to be propelled amongst teens across the nation.
In Florida, a similar pattern is occurring, as teens are reportedly using marijuana at a record pace. Florida Adolescent Substance Abuse Facts from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) shows the following table (from 2017):
Source: HHS Florida
Need Help for Drug Abuse in Florida?
Teen drug abuse in Florida is a cause for concern, as it may lead to addiction as they get older.
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, seek professional help now. Contact On Call Treatment FL today—we are available 24 Hours, 7 days a week, call us NOW 1-(855)-492-1515.