What do Pemi-Baker and Newfound region youth think about the risks associated with drugs, alcohol, and the Internet? On September 23^rd more than 35 community members from the Pemi-Baker and Newfound regions gathered at a public information session to hear insights into that very question. At this public forum, Jonathan Stewart, Executive Director of the Community Health Institute presented the results of the 2009 TAP (Teen Assessment Project) surveys for Newfound and Pemi-Baker area youth.  In the audience were local healthcare, prevention, law enforcement, mental health and education professionals, as well as a number of parents and concerned community partners. The TAP Survey is administered on a bi-annual basis, and the 2009 TAP Survey was the fifth iteration in the Pemi-Baker region and the fourth for the Newfound Region.

Looking at such data, on both a national and local level

is important, as it can help inform and direct our response to youth substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment. National data is important as it identifies trends. The 2009 Partnership for a Drug-Free America/MetLife Foundation Attitude Tracking Survey (PATS) showed a reversal in the declines of teen abuse of drugs and alcohol that we've seen since 1998. This national study also highlights the critical need for parents to take immediate action as more teens are using alcohol, ecstasy and marijuana.

The local TAP survey spotlights the attitudes and behaviors of our local youth on a local level--essentially spotlighting information of what is happening in our own backyards. Unfortunately, the 2009 TAP shows that the national reversal is true on the local level as well. The increases in risk behaviors and increased substance use are a major concern; however, it is very important that we recognize that the Pemi-Baker and Newfound regions still remain at, or below, the statewide averages. According to 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, the percentage of students using alcohol, on a statewide level, is 39%. The 2009 TAP reports that 37% of Pemi-Baker youth are presently drinking alcohol, in the Pemi-Baker region, as compared to 26% in 2007. The Newfound TAP indicates 33% for 2009 as compared to 37% in 2007. Both Pemi-Baker and Newfound TAP surveys report a surge in Marijuana use with both regions at 26%, consistent with the statewide average. In 2007 the Pemi-Baker and Newfound regions were at 14% and 19% respectively for marijuana usage, indicating a significant increase.

The 2009 TAP survey indicates that misuse of prescription drugs is also on the rise.  In 2007, 2% of teens indicated monthly or more often abuse of narcotics as compared to 5% in 2009 reporting misuse of prescription painkillers.  This quickly growing trend is of serious concern in our region and is on the radar screen of many community partners. Recently, Plymouth Police Department participated in a statewide prescription drug "Take Back" initiative with significant results. Chief Steve Temperino reported that a significant amount of prescription drugs were turned in that day, highlighting the fact that easy access to these drugs remains the number one problem.  You can be part of the solution by keeping your prescriptions in a secure storage container and monitoring access to these drugs.  Also, talk to your kids--let them know that using prescription drugs prescribed for others is NOT what the doctor ordered.  As a concerned community we need to inform our children and youth that getting high on prescription drugs is dangerous and can have lethal consequences.

Why is this happening?  The TAP survey points to a surge of reported ease of access to both drugs and alcohol. In 2007, 55% of youth said alcohol was easy to obtain--in 2009 that number jumped to 70%. The case is similar for marijuana. 

Easy access is not the only indicator of why youth substance abuse trends are moving upwards. The survey points to the "softening" of parental attitudes. The PATS 2009 study found that many parents are not acting early enough with prevention information to protect their children from the risks of drugs and alcohol. The resurgence in teen drug and alcohol use comes at a time when pro-drug cues in popular culture--in film, television, and online-abound, and when funding on both the State and Federal levels for prevention programs is declining. This creates an urgent need for parents to take immediate action in discussing the harms of substances.  And if you suspect or know your child is using, reach out for help to prevent further harm.  

The local TAP also looks at "perception of risk" and "family influence" as factors affecting youth substance abuse. Youth were asked, "If your parents knew you were drinking at home, do you think you would get in trouble?" In 2007, 61% of youth responded YES to that question.  In 2009 the number who responded YES dropped to 40%.  This is strong indicator that parents really are the first line of defense in the war against youth substance abuse.   Clearly, communication and consequences are major part of the solution.   Parents can be a deterrent to drug use by implementing the following four keys to youth wellness:  1)  STOP--take an inventory of your child's well being, activities, and sense of self.  LOOK--at who your child spends time with and what influences he/she is exposed to.  LISTEN--to your child and talk often--Remember Silence Isn't Golden-It's Permission! Always feel free to call the CADY Office for advice, support and assistance. For more information about how to talk to your kids about substance abuse visit the CADY website at www.cadyinc.org, or call us at 536-9793.

Prevention is a community mindset:  addressing the issue of substance abuse requires a sustained and cooperative effort between parents, schools, law enforcement, health professionals, civic and community leaders, and our youth. Understanding the TAP results and educating our communities about the trends in local substance abuse and risk behaviors, as well as the need for protective factors, is a vital tool for all who work with and are concerned about the future of our youth. The TAP survey can be used as a "call to action" to create change by reducing risk factors and building protective factors in our families, schools, and communities. If you are interested in discussing the data from the TAP survey, please contact me at 536-9793.

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