This year's survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed mixed results. The good news was that cigarette smoking was down among teens according to the survey as was the use of illicit drugs. However, the number of teens abusing prescription painkillers remains a concern.
The survey examines drug use among teens in grades 8, 10 and 12.
Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, told the Associated Press, 'prescription drugs are very powerful medicines that are effective when used properly and with a doctor's supervision. Using these drugs without a prescription is dangerous. It's imperative that teens get this message.'
The study found that 9.5 percent of 12th graders reported using the painkiller Vicodin and 5.5 percent reported using OxyContin in the past year. Long-term trends show a significant increase in the abuse of OxyContin from 2002 to 2005 among 12th graders. There was also an increase in the use of sedatives and barbiturates among 12th graders.
Another concern was that the decline in the number of teens who smoked ended among eighth graders who seem to be taking up cigarette smoking in higher numbers than their counterparts did in recent years.
The report also showed the steroid use was down in all grades as compared to 2001 and the use of marijuana also fell off for all grades over the past four years.
