NCJ Number
204642
Date Published
2003
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report presents statistical data on drug use and juvenile offender perceptions and professional perceptions of drug use in 2002 for Charles County, MD, under the Drug Early Warning System (DEWS).
Abstract
In the State of Maryland, the Drug Early Warning System (DEWS) under the Center for Substance Abuse Research presents comprehensive information on drug use. The information is compiled to assist in the development and implementation of intervention and prevention programs. This 2002 report provides a snapshot of adult and juvenile drug use in Charles County, MD. Information is provided in the areas of alcohol abuse and marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other opiates, hallucinogens, ecstasy and amphetamines, and PCP. Specific data on drug use are presented within each substance area stated above, as well as perception-based information on interviews conducted by Offender Population Urinalysis Screening (OPUS) staff with juvenile offenders at county intake centers and interviews conducted by Drug Scan staff with professionals in education, criminal justice, prevention, and public health. Select findings include: (1) adult treatment admission rates in Charles County have been below State rates for the past 5 fiscal years with 1,111 adult treatment admissions for every 100,000 residents in the county for 2002 compared to 1,280 admissions per 100,000 for the State in 2002; (2) juvenile treatment admission rates for the county have been below State rates since 1999 with 473 juvenile treatment admissions per 100,000 residents in the county for 2002 compared to 488 admissions per 100,000 for the State in 2002; (3) alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana were the top 3 substances reportedly used by 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in the county in 2001; (4) alcohol, inhalants, and designer drugs were the top 3 substances reportedly used by 6th graders; and (5) in 2001, Charles County 12th graders (11 percent) reported more current use of amphetamines than 12th graders statewide (6 percent).