CDC Updated Its Alcohol and Drug Use Webpages

The webpages include a brief overview of alcohol and drug use among youth, related publications with data and statistics, as well as registries of programs effective in reducing youth risk behaviors including federal websites such as “SAMHSA Model Programs,” and non-federal websites.

The webpages also include an array of publications such as CDC fact sheets, CDC’s Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Reports, other federal agency publications, non-federal publications, as well as journal articles written by CDC staff.  In addition, a list of CDC and both federal websites and non-federal websites that relate to alcohol and drug use is also provided. 

Alcohol and Drug Use among Youth – a Barrier to Academic Achievement

According to the CDC, in 2005, 26% of high school students reported episodic heavy or binge drinking.  And, although the use of certain drugs among youth has decreased over the years, the numbers are still high.  For instance, marijuana use was 27% in 1999, but was still 20% in 2005. 

The CDC states that alcohol and drug use among youth has been associated with academic and occupational problems, unintentional injuries, physical fights, illegal behavior, and fatal car crashes.  Long-term alcohol abuse can cause liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological damage as well as psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder.  Drug use can also increase sexual risk behaviors and contribute directly and indirectly to the HIV epidemic as well as to infant morbidity and mortality.

Schools can help increase student achievement by curbing students’ alcohol and drug use.  A Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) can be an effective way to decrease such behaviors.  Many of the CSHP components can be used to address alcohol and drug use. For example, health education can be used to teach students about the dangers of alcohol and/or drug consumption.  Counseling and psychological services can help students deal with any personal issues that may arise.  In addition, schools that have CSHPs offer health and nutrition services as well as physical activity which help youth stay both mentally and physically healthy and perform better at school.  Finally, CSHPs give parents and the community a chance to get involved in the school, and research has shown this type of involvement to be beneficial in getting youth to feel “at home” while in school as well as help them steer away from risky behaviors. 

To learn more about Coordinated School Health Programs, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/CSHP/.  To view the updated Alcohol and Drug Use webpages, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/alcoholdrug/index.htm.