Some parts of the country are seeing a drop in drug and alcohol use in teens

Experts agree that parental interaction can stop many children from ever beginning to use illegal substances. Many individuals during their adolescent years begin using and ultimately become addicted to cigarettes. Furthermore, teens with a predisposition to alcoholism have a greater risk of developing the disease if they are allowed to consume alcohol. Even drugs not intended to allow kids to become intoxicated like prescription drugs are becoming a larger national issue.

However, pockets of resistance to these trends are sprouting up across the U.S., as parents and other authoritative figures are taking charge to help positively shape children. For instance, a recent Somerville Student Health Survey in Massachusetts showed a decrease over the past 10 years in substance abuse, consumption of alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use, reports The Tufts Daily.

Alcohol use among teens between the ages of 15 and 18 dropped from 37 percent to 33 percent. Health officials told the news source that other drug abuse has also slightly decreased.

When compared to the rest of Massachusetts, Somerville rated better or about the same. Furthermore, city high school students reported considerably fewer instances of substance abuse.

Tobacco use in Minnesota teens decreases

Massachusetts is not the only state whose teens are making better life choices. Minnesota adolescents are passing on smoking cigarettes, chewing dip and other forms oftobacco use. Health officials in Washington and Ramsey County noted that kids are beginning to see the negative effects of prolonged tobacco use, reports the Star Tribune.

Officials told the news source that vigorous anti-smoking campaigns along with parental interaction have shown teens that tobacco use can lead to harmful health effects such as various cancers, heart disease, stroke and emphysema.

A recent Minnesota student survey shows a shrinking number of teen tobacco user, however it also shows who easy it is for them to obtain cigarettes. Health officials added that this speaks volumes to how well programs and parental involvement keeps children away from a harmful product.

Nearly 79 percent of boys and 83 percent of girls in the survey reported that they had not smoked a cigarette in the past month. Furthermore, tobacco use among high school seniors has declined 9 percent in the past three years. However, 18 percent of 12th graders admitted to using cigarettes.

Recent laws passed in the state have made buying tobacco more difficult for children while levying heavier fines for establishments that sell to minors. Most high school seniors reported buying cigarettes at gas stations and convenience stores, while others say they obtain them from friends.

Delaware health officials call on authoritative figures to help in the fight against drugs

Other areas of the U.S. are in need of government assistance to help curb teen drug abuse. Health officials from Delaware warned parents that softening the perception of the harms of illegal drug use continues to impact the nation’s minority teens, reports Delaware Online.

Drug use among non-Hispanic black females between the ages of 12 to 17 increased from 7.3 percent in 2008 to 10.4 percent in 2009. Furthermore, drug us among Hispanic males of the same age group increased from 9.2 in 2008 to almost 13 percent in 2009. Officials told the news source that there is a growth of methamphetamine, ecstasy and date rape sedative use throughout the state.

Government prevention programs are calling community, school and religious leaders to help them reverse this growing trend.

Teen boarding schools can help children who suffer from drug abuse by offering individualized education and therapy designed for behavioral success. Meanwhile, these learning institutions can help continue the positive lessons about drug and alcohol use parents bestow on their teens.