Alcohol use among youth has decreased significantly while other drug use remains consistent according to the Prince Edward Island Student Drug Use Report 2004-2011, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“This report is an excellent tool to provide the province with accurate data on the prevalence of alcohol and drug use among Island youth and will help shape the province’s long-term strategy on addictions and mental health,” said Minister Currie. “We are seeing promising trends in the decrease of alcohol use among Island youth as well as the continued decline in tobacco use. These are positive steps for our province, but we are aware that there is still more work to be done.”
The Prince Edward Island Student Drug Use Report 2004-2011, is built on data from the Youth Smoking Survey and describes the prevalence and trends of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other drug use among Prince Edward Island students in grades 6-12.
“The report provides valuable information for our educators and policy makers and parents,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac. “Student drug use continues to be a concern for the education system because it impacts student achievement, growth and development.”
Although alcohol remains the most prevalent drug used by youth, the number of youth reporting having consumed alcohol has declined. In 2010-2011, 41.8 per cent of youth reported having consumed alcohol (more than one sip), compared to 45.7 per cent of youth in 2008-2009.
Tobacco use was reported by 7.7 per cent of respondents, a decrease from 8.6 per cent in 2008-09.
Cannabis use was reported in 18.8 per cent of youth in grades 7-12, consistent from 2008-2009.
In 2010-11, 11.1 per cent of students reported using any drug other than alcohol, tobacco or cannabis in the last 12 months. This number is consistent with 2008-09. The most commonly used “other drug” in the last 12 months for youth was prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone (4.6 per cent). The additional top other drugs included “rave” drugs such as ecstasy, hallucinogens, cough/cold medicine, and prescription stimulants such as Ritalin.
The report notes that, generally, drinkers, smokers and cannabis users were more likely to report lower self-esteem and lower academic achievement compared to non-substance users.
“We are committed to working with our partners to tackle this issue and we are pleased that we are seeing declining numbers in some areas,” said McIsaac. “Through a variety of learning outcomes in curriculum, policy and programs, we continue to educate students in an effort to prevent and reduce drug use. With the survey results, we now have additional information to monitor our progress and determine our future needs and direction.”
“Our government is taking action to decrease the instances of addictions among our youth. However we need to continue to educate our youth about the serious consequences of engaging in substance abuse,” said Minister Currie. “It is critical that parents, teachers, administrators, health professionals, communities and government be aware of our current trends so that we can work together to continue to support and educate our Island students to make healthy decisions.”