A study published by Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, (ICJIA) examines alcohol as the most commonly misused substance among youth in the United States. This article explores literature on underage drinking and interventions available to address the problem.
Youth Alcohol Use: National and Illinois Trends, Consequences, and Interventions
The following article published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, provides resources and support for those who may be struggling with various substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The National Institute on Drug Abuse has put together information on the potential implications of this pandemic on those who struggle with substance use disorder. The social distancing that is required during this COVID-19 outbreak has put a strain on families impacted by addiction. Self-imposed isolation can disconnect us from the very tools that keep us resilient and strong, making us vulnerable to fear.”
A study posted by the New York Times indicates that COVID-19 may lead to an increase in alcohol use.
“I expect we’re going to see pretty significant increases in what I call unhealthy alcohol use, which means drinking above recommended limits,” said Dr. Sarah Wakeman, an addiction medicine doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “It will be pretty unlikely for someone who has never tried alcohol before to start drinking for the first time and immediately develop an alcohol use disorder. I would see this as a risk more in people who are already drinking and then their alcohol use escalates.”
https://drugfree.org/learn/drug-and-alcohol-news/addiction-experts-say-pandemic-could-lead-to-spike-in-unhealthy-alcohol-use/
CPRD has just released “Youth Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana Use in Illinois” a White Paper report based on data from the 2018 Illinois Youth Survey based on information from over 11,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students. The report compares youth use, perceptions of these substances, sources, and consequences of use. Please see the report for more information.
Youth Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana Use in Illinois
For a FREE printed copy of this report or to request multiple printed copies, contact CPRD
A new study from the Drug Free Partnership addresses the death rate from alcohol, drugs and suicide.
“In 2018, more than 150,000 Americans died from alcohol, drugs and suicide combined, according to the study from the nonprofit health policy groups Trust for America’s Health and the Well Being Trust. The death rate—46.4 deaths per 100,000—was level with the 2017 rate, the study found. It is the first time since 1999 that there has not been an annual increase.”
https://drugfree.org/learn/drug-and-alcohol-news/deaths-from-drug-overdoses-alcohol-and-suicide-leveled-off-in-2018/
