The number of Americans using illegal drugs increased by 9% between 2008 and 2009, according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- The number of those using methamphetamines increased by 60%.
- The number of people over 12 years old using prescription drugs for nonmedical uses increased by 20%.
- Among teenagers, prescription painkiller abuse among teenagers rose by 17%.
SAMHSA officials said the main reason for increases in drug use was a spike in the number of teen marijuana users.
"Discussions of legalization and so-called medical marijuana and a proliferation of pro-drug messages have left America's youth misinformed about the drug's potency and have tripled in the past 20 years," according to the report.
“Today’s findings are disappointing, but not surprising, because eroding attitudes and perceptions of harm about drug use over the past two years have served as warning signs for exactly what we see today.” said Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy.
Posted By: Adolescent Substance Abuse