NCJ Number
165661
Date Published
1995
Length
95 pages
Annotation
This report offers compelling evidence of why immediate efforts are needed to reverse the rise of juvenile drug abuse and violence in the United States.
Abstract
By the year 2005, the number of 8th graders who have abused drugs is expected to reach 1.25 million, up from 1 million in 1995, and the number of 10th graders who have abused drugs is expected to increase from 1.2 million to 1.4 million. The number of high school seniors who have abused drugs on a monthly basis is projected to increase from 800,000 in 1995 to 1 million by the year 2010. More high school seniors will be smoking marijuana daily, more children between 12 and 17 years of age will be treated in hospital emergency rooms for drug overdoses, and the number of children who have tried cocaine will increase from 215,000 to 270,000 by the year 2010. In the area of violence, the number of juvenile murderers is expected to increase from 4,000 to at least 5,000 by the year 2005. The statistics underscore the need to focus on risks faced by young people and to identify practical steps communities can take to reduce these risks. Federal drug law enforcement efforts are described, and links among teenage drug abuse, violence, date rape, and suicide are examined. New drugs such as Rohypnol and Ketamine (Special K) are discussed. Statistical data are provided on the use of marijuana, hallucinogens, and tranquilizers and on drug overdoses. Additional data on teenage drug abuse and information on Rohypnol are appended. 55 footnotes and 31 figures