Thursday, February 26, 2009

Sue Scheff: 20th Annual Teen Study from Drug Free America


Data Reveal First Major Increase in Number of Teens Reporting “Learning a Lot” About Risks of Drug Use


From Parents Teen Abuse of Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines Remains a Serious Concern


NEW YORK, NY – February 24, 2009 – The Partnership for a Drug-Free America today announced the findings from the 2008 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, (PATS) which revealed the first major increase in the number of teens who reported “learning a lot” about the risks of drugs from their parents. The study shows that 37 percent of teens reported learning a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents, a significant 16 percent increase from the previous year and the first major increase since the inception of the study. Research consistently shows that teens who learn a lot about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use, yet many parents have difficulty talking with their kids about drugs and alcohol.