Hispanic Teens Have Bigger Drug Problems

Filed in archive Latin Issues on September 24, 2007

Hispanic teenagers are using more drugs than White and African-American teenagers, according to a special report issued by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Take a look at some creepy numbers and facts from the report:

- Nearly one in 10 Hispanic 8th graders reported current use of marijuana.
- Hispanic youth in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade outpace their African American and White counterparts in terms of current, annual, and lifetime use of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
- Methamphetamine use among Hispanic 8th graders is five percent, compared to three percent for White students, and one percent for African American students.
- More than one in five Hispanic teens reported abusing prescription drugs to get high.
- Acculturated Hispanics were almost 13 times as likely to report using illegal drugs as non-acculturated Hispanics.

Marijuana is the most common drug used by teenagers, but the reports says prescription drugs (the ones you can find on the medicine cabinet, remember?) are also becoming a problem.

Prescription drugs shouldn't be a problem; parents should take responsibility, take care of the legal drugs they keep at home and make sure teenagers (and toddlers) don't have access to them. Isn't it enough having to deal with illegal drugs they can find on the streets?

"We know that teens are less likely to use drugs if they learn about the risks from their parents, but research shows that parents are having fewer and fewer conversations about drug use," said ONDCP Deputy Director Scott Burns. "Hispanic teens say fear of upsetting their parents is the main reason why they don't use drugs and parents can use this influence to help prevent drug use. Parents, educators, and the entire Hispanic community need to come together to keep our youth healthy and drug-free."

So, talk to your kids! It's your responsibility. If you need help:

National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's Web site for parents:

English - http://www.TheAntiDrug.com
Spanish - http://www.LaAntiDroga.com

ONDCP National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy