A report published recently by a Florida Youth Coalition found that teenagers dont have to go far to gain access to alcohol and other substances. In fact, they dont have to go anywhere at all -- they can get what they want at home.

An Oct. 2 article by Kenya Woodard of the website News-JournalOnline provided the following details about the findings:

The coalition's 14-page report consolidates information gleaned from about 180 students in Flagler's traditional middle and high schools through focus groups held earlier this year. About 75 percent of the participants were middle-school students.

In two separate sessions, different groups of students from sixth through eighth grades and ninth through 12th grades were asked to discuss topics such as substance use, and family and community issues. Coalition staff members and professionals who work with youths served as group facilitators.

A common theme in nearly all sessions was the students' exposure to alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Some students said they knew people who smoked and sold marijuana, admitted to knowing a family member or other person who uses or sells prescription drugs, and knew of peers who regularly smoked tobacco, according to the report.

Labels: drugs, exposure, access

Posted By: Aspen/CRC