Governor Bush Announces Results of the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey
GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF THE 2006 FLORIDA YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE SURVEY
~~ ~~ Current use remains below two percent in 12 of the 21 categories measured ~~ ~~
Governor Jeb Bush today announced the results of the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. The survey was conducted among 6th through 12th graders throughout the state for the seventh consecutive year. Since 2000, Florida has seen declines in the use of heroin, ecstasy and LSD, as well as in the use of cigarettes and alcohol. This year, 12 of the 21 categories measured current use below two percent.
"In the last eight years, we have worked to strengthen substance abuse prevention, and we have seen significant progress in the cause," said Governor Bush. "Today's results confirm that progress is being made, but the work is not done."
Conducted annually, the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey is the most extensive survey of its kind in the nation. The survey assesses lifetime drug usage and current usage. Findings from this year's survey include:
Heroin use declined 50 percent since 2000. Current use rate is just 0.4 percent.
Ecstasy use declined 57 percent since it was first measured in 2001. Current use rate is 1.2 percent.
LSD/PCP use declined 73 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 0.8 percent.
Crack cocaine use declined 25 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 0.6 percent.
Cigarette smoking declined 42 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 10.6 percent.
Marijuana use declined 21 percent since 2000. Current use rate is11.4 percent.
Alcohol use declined 7 percent since 2000. Current use rate is 32 percent. Alcohol is the most common and most resistant substance of abuse among youth.
"The 2000-2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Surveys reflect the intense emphasis on youth substance abuse prevention during this administration," said Director Janes. "During the past few years, there has been a significant reduction in drug abuse among our middle and high school students."
The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, conducted annually since 2000, measures youth substance abuse across the state. This year, the survey included more than 57,000 valid returns from 6th through 12th graders.
Governor Bush was joined for today's announcement by First Lady Columba Bush, Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, Director of the Florida Office of Drug Control Bill Janes, state agency heads, law enforcement officials and substance abuse prevention specialists - key partners in reducing substance abuse throughout the state.
Governor Bush established the Florida Office of Drug Control in 1999 to reduce substance abuse through increased prevention, treatment and law enforcement. During the last seven years, Florida has expanded community-based substance abuse prevention coalitions to every county, supporting neighborhood organizations in the fight against drugs.
For view the complete results of the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, please visit http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/publications/fysas/. For more information on the Florida Office of Drug Control, please visit http://www.flgov.com/drug_control/.
http://www.flgov.com/release/8411