Minority Teens Using Drugs at Higher Rates

This week, R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, highlighted recent data showing troubling increases in drug use among certain groups of minority teens, and urged parents and community leaders to act immediately to prevent drug use.

According to recently released data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency's 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there were significant increases in drug use among young African American teen girls and Hispanic teen boys between 2008 and 2009.

Specifically, drug use among Black/Non-Hispanic females ages 12 to 17 years old increased from 7.3 percent in 2008 to 10.4 percent in 2009, and drug use by Hispanic males of the same age group rose from 9.2 percent in 2008 to 12.8 percent in 2009, increases of 43 percent and 39 percent, respectively. According to NSDUH data released in September, overall teen drug use increased between 2008 and 2009, with 1 in 10 youth ages 12-17 and 1 in 5 young adults between 18-25 reporting drug use in the last month.

"These data confirm that in addition to overall increases in youth drug use nationwide, certain minority populations are suffering from illegal drug use at even higher rates," Kerlikowske said in the agency’s news release. "As we continue to aggressively reach out to underserved populations with vital drug prevention and treatment resources, we ask parents, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and community leaders do their part by taking action today to protect these at-risk youth groups from a lifetime of drug-related consequences."

Coalitions take action every day to help prevent and reduce youth drug use with environmental policy changes, media advocacy, and education. To view the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign ads geared towards youth, visit AboveTheIinfluence.com.