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

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H & S Business Services, LLC, will begin offering home drug tests for parents who are concerned that their teenagers may be using drugs.

"In-home drug testing offers a discreet solution to a sensitive issue. In many ways drugs are easier to procure than ever before. With the relative ease to which teens can get drugs in schools, many are suggesting that even schools should introduce random drug testing..."

H & S also offers drug testing kits and other solutions on its website, and is available to address educational, civic, and other groups on drug-related topics. Source: PR Web

Labels: access, drug_testing, availability

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Teenagers say that it's easier for them to get prescription drugs than it is for them to buy beer. The information was taken from a recent study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA).

"Their main source of drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin and Ritalin: 'the medicine cabinet,' says Elizabeth Planet, director of special projects for CASA. 'Another big source of these drugs are their friends.'"

Teenagers still say that cigarettes and marijuana are the easiest substances to get, but for the first time, prescription drugs are easier than beer. Source: USA Today

Learn more about adolescent prescription drug abuse at www.teenoverthecounterdrugabuse.com.

Labels: awareness, access, prescription_drugs

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