Narconon States Adolescent Use of Alcohol, Marijuana and Ecstasy Continues to Rise

Drug Prevention Specialists at Narconon believe that in order to help our youth steer clear of drugs and alcohol, we must first educate them, and arm them with the tools needed to make positive decisions.

Safe Drugs: What are they?

There is a common misconception surrounding the use of “safe drugs”, among today’s teens.  These “safe drugs”, which include alcohol, marijuana, and even ecstasy, are thought to be non-addictive and more recreational.  This lackadaisical view has taken many parents and educators by surprise.  This was discovered in a study by The Partnership at Drugfree.org.  The study involved over 2,000 high school students across America.

Drug Education is Key

When people are uninformed, it is easier to make the wrong choices.  This is why it is imperative to our youth that educators and parents provide as much information as possible.  Drug prevention must be pushed emphatically and on a regular basis.  Teens must be alert of the dangers before the opportunity arises for them to fall victim to drugs and alcohol.

Though in the past few years, the incidence of teen drug abuse has dropped overall, the percentage of teens “experimenting” with marijuana and ecstasy has risen.  This is also true for alcohol consumption, which some teens claim to use as a means to relieve stress.

Bobby Wiggins, a veteran Drug Prevention Specialist at Narconon International, says that kids today are more apt to persuade their peers to use drugs because of this idea that these illicit drugs are “safe”.

The Facts about Drugs

The use of marijuana amongst teens has increased by 7%.  Now for every four teens, one has smoked marijuana.  The use of ecstasy among teens is also up, by 4%.  The most frightening statistic is that of teens and alcohol use.  Over half of high school aged kids, didn’t see heavy drinking as harmful or risky, and most had their first alcoholic beverage before the age of 15.

Fortunately, attitudes towards the use of methamphetamines, cocaine, and heroin, have remained strong, as most teens see these drugs as highly addictive and tend to stay away from them.  As great as this is, it is still a fallacy that one poison is less harmful than another.  This is why we must educate.

What We Can Do to Help Keep Kids Off Drugs

The future of our youth, and their ability to make informed decision in regards to drugs and alcohol lies in the hands of all of us.  It is the job of the adults in the lives of these kids, to teach them what is safe and what isn’t. We teach our children so many things to keep them out of harm’s way; don’t talk to strangers, don’t play with fire, look both ways before you cross the street.  Drug prevention needs to be just as important, and just as basic.

How to Seek Help for Drug Addiction

Narconon Vista Bay has an incredible success rate, with more than 76% of its graduates remaining drug free.  The Narconon Program teaches its students that they have the control over their own life, and helps them to discover that inner power.   Through a drug free withdrawal, a detoxifying sauna program, and a series of 8 books that teach students how to live as productive and healthy individuals, Narconon is able to get people once severely addicted to drugs and alcohol, off the road of self-destruction and back on the road of self-discovery.  The skilled staff at Narconon Vista Bay is ready to help you find the help you need.  To find out more about Narconon, call us toll free at 1-800-556-8885 and speak with a Registered Addiction Specialist.  We will help you help yourself.