Monitoring the Future

The University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, is funded annually by the National Institute of Drug Abuse and since 1991 has surveyed 40,000 to 50,000 students in three grades (8, 10 and 12). The results of this longitudinal study which began in 1991, is an accurate report about the trends and concerns of alcohol and drug use among teens.

This year there is continued good news about alcohol in that its use has declined in the past few years. However, one can argue that it is still very high in terms of overall use by our young people. Parents, educators, and others must continue to help our teens understand the health risks of alcohol and other drugs. During spring break and college visits, Westchester teens are more likely to interact with teens from other areas and be exposed to substances they have never used. Therefore it’s important to discuss the risks of drugs with teens to make sure they have accurate information.

Alcohol use by teens has dropped dramatically over the past two decades especially among the youngest teens and these usage rates continued to drop in 2013. The 30-day prevalence of alcohol use declined in all three grades in 2013, dropping 0.8, 1.9 and 2.3 percentage points in grades 8, 10 and 12. The 12th-grade decline is statistically significant as is the decline for the three grades combined. All three grades are now at the lowest point that they have been at least since the mid-1990s, and likely longer. Among 8th graders, most of whom are 13 or 14 years old, the proportion who have ever taken "more than just a few sips" of alcohol by 8th grade has fallen by half since the 1990s. Prevalence of recent binge drinking, having five or more drinks in a row at least once in the past two weeks, has dropped in 2013 by 1.9 percentage points in 10th grade and by 1.6 percentage points in 12th grade, while 8th grader use remains unchanged. As with 30-day prevalence, all grades are at their lowest points since at least the mid-1990s. The two-week prevalence rates for binge drinking are now at 5.1%, 13.7 % and 22.1 % in the three grades, down from peak levels. Despite the declines in prevalence of binge drinking, perceived risk of that behavior has actually fallen a little in all three grades in 2013. Disapproval of binge drinking continues a gradual increase in the upper grades; and perceived availability for alcohol continues to decline.

Although strides have been made it is so important to talk to your teen. Use media coverage of celebrity addiction to engage your children in conversation. Express your concerns to your teen and “trust your gut.” You know your child best. If you think something is wrong, it might not be drug use, but there may be something troubling your child. Seek out consultation if your concern persists. Not all adolescent angst is part of normative mood swings.

For more information go to www.powertotheparent.org