Drug use increasing in teenagers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - More teenagers are getting their hands on drugs and alcohol at parties and other social settings, that's according to a study released today by the Partnership for a Drug Free America and MetLife Foundation.

The 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study sites from 2008 to 2009 more teens used alcohol, ecstasy, and marijuana. As part of the study, teens in grades 9 to 12 were interviewed one on one. The results show an 11 percent increase in alcohol use. Ecstasy use jumped 67 percent and marijuana use rose by 19 percent.

The reasons range from teens saying, "it feels good" to the lack of consequences.

"We know that when there is societal disapproval, drug use goes down. Kids think, 'oh god, I'm gonna get in trouble, my friends won't like me,' but that's changed for the first time in ten years," says Becky Vance, regional director of field operations for the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

The Phoenix House in Austin offers teen drug and alcohol substance abuse treatment. They operate prevention programs in middle schools and will soon offer programs in elementary schools. While they are committed to drug-free children, they say much of the responsibility falls on parents.

"We like to tell parents that prevention doesn't start when your kid enters school," said Laurie DeLong, director of the Phoenix House in Austin. "It doesn't start when they enter middle school but it begins when they are toddlers, when you're teaching them to pick up their toys and learn how to share and not hit when they are angry. You begin those life skills."

"Parents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, nephews, they are their kids' hero," said Becky Vance, the regional director for Parnership for a Drug Free America. "Their kids may act like they don't want to be lectured, but they really are begging you on the inside to set that boundary. They look up to you and parents need to be very clear in setting that no use expectation."

If you want to talk to your children about no drugs and alcohol but don't know what to say, visit the Drug Free Web site for helpful tips. You can also visit the Phoenix House Web site.