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Survey shows youth drug use declining
Article published on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006 |
TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Jeb Bush announced on Nov. 28 the results of the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey conducted among sixth through 12th graders throughout the state for the seventh consecutive year.
Since 2000, Florida has seen declines in the use of heroin, ecstasy and LSD, as well as in the use of cigarettes and alcohol. This year, 12 of the 21 categories measured current use below two percent.
"In the last eight years, we have worked to strengthen substance abuse prevention, and we have seen significant progress in the cause," said Bush. "Today's results confirm that progress is being made, but the work is not done."
Conducted annually, the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey is the most extensive survey of its kind in the nation. The survey assesses lifetime drug usage and current usage. Findings from this year's survey include:
• Heroin use declined 50 percent since 2000. Current use rate is just 0.4 percent.
• Ecstasy use declined 57 percent since it was first measured in 2001. Current use rate is 1.2 percent.
• LSD and PCP use declined 73 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 0.8 percent.
• Crack cocaine use declined 25 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 0.6 percent.
• Cigarette smoking declined 42 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 10.6 percent.
• Marijuana use declined 21 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 11.4 percent.
• Alcohol use declined 7 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 32 percent. Alcohol is the most common and most resistant substance of abuse among youth.
The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, conducted annually since 2000, measures youth substance abuse across the state. This year, the survey included more than 57,000 valid returns from 6th through 12th graders.
To view the complete results of the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, visit www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/publications/fysas. For more information on the Florida Office of Drug Control, visit www.flgov.com/drug_control.
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Article published on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006
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