Report Shows More People in Treatment Started Using Drugs at an Earlier Age
Over 160,000 people admitted for drug addiction treatment in 2003 started using drugs before the age of 13
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released a report from ongoing monitoring of the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) showing an increase in the number of people in treatment for drug addiction who started at an earlier age.
The report tracked treatment admissions from 1993 to 2003 and the percentage of people in treatment who started using drugs before the age of 13 had increased from 12 percent to 14 percent during that time span. The total number of people jumped from about 114,000 to more than 162,000.
In a SAMHSA release, Administrator Charles Curie exclaimed, “Age at first use is an important predictor of the potential for serious substance abuse problems later in life. The increase in the proportion of the admissions for drug use before age 13 should be a wake-up call to parents to speak with their children early and often about the dangers of drug use.”
Education and prevention efforts
Narconon Arrowhead’s drug education and prevention program works with kids, parents, ministers, counselors, teachers and anyone else in an effort to create and maintain drug-free youth. While the program includes a very successful rehabilitation program based on the research and developments of American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, the professionals working in the treatment center would much rather not have to see those kids in the future going through treatment.
Take the time to speak to your kids about drug and alcohol abuse, and let’s make a better society for all.
For more information or help, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933 or visit www.stopaddiction.com. Free downloadable drug information is also available at www.drug-education.org. Act now before it’s too late.
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Original post by Narconon News
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