Teen drug use is evolving, according to the results of a recent survey taken by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) students.
For the first time, marijuana use eclipsed alcohol consumption. But the survey found while both alcohol and cigarette use are down, the use of e-cigarettes is up.
This was the first year the Center for Prevention Services was able to offer the Youth Drug Survey online. Participation jumped from about 3,500 to more than 11,000.
The survey is administered every two years to students in 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade -- asking them if they’ve done things like smoke cigarettes, dip tobacco, drink alcohol, or use pot.
"Really see what kids are doing, what substances they're doing, what they think about those substances, whether or not they think they're harmful."
This year, the survey found cigarette use is at an all-time low while the rate of e-cigarette use is alarming (12.8 percent), particularly among white youth (34 percent).
The survey also found for the first time in the survey’s 46-year history, marijuana use (13.3%) eclipsed alcohol use (12.9%).
"Now that we’ve identified some of these issues, I would like to see people in our community connecting with the coalitions and organizations that are addressing this so we can be more effective."
North Carolina State Schools Superintendent Mark Johnson, who was in Charlotte Friday, said his office just launched a new commission which plans to take a closer look at drug use prevention, including additional training for teachers.
"That they can take at the beginning of the school year that will address everything from mental health and suicide prevention all the way through these drug intervention’s so that teachers have those tools throughout the school year."
