There is good news coming from the 2010-2011 Pride Survey of young teen drug and alcohol use in Rockland County. But there is also disturbing information about the gradual increase in the abuse of prescription drugs by 10^th graders and even 8^th grade students. The Nanuet School District participated which made it the first time the survey included all districts in Rockland County.

Dr. Walter Schneider has been analyzing the survey’s trends since its inception in 1995. He has tracked significant changes over time. The survey is issued every three years to fifth, eighth and 10^th grade students who respond anonymously.  

The stated purpose of the survey, The Risk and Protective Factor Questionnaire for Grades 6 to 12,

 “is designed to identify the levels of risk and protective factors that predict problem behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, poor school achievement, and delinquency.”

“The scariest trend today is the use and abuse of prescription medication,” Schneider said. “That is a problem starting with young people.”

The drugs of choice, he said, are ones with familiar names – Vicodin, Oxycodone, Oxycontin, Valium,  Concerta -  and other medications sued to treat AHDH disorders. When asked why they are growing in popularity over illegal drugs, he said they are more reliable in the effects they produce.

“Why, because they’re readily available,” he explained. “They are consistent. It’s quality control. It’s predictable.”

Prescription drugs are produced under strict guidelines while drugs sold on the street are not.

“You don’t have to go to the street corner to buy it anymore,” he said.  “You go to a friend’s’ parents’ medicine cabinet.”

The same dangers of addiction exist with prescription drugs. Another concern Schneider raised is prescription drug are not only taken for recreational use but for a competitive advantage so students can stay up all night to study for a test. This presents a risk of them being seen as more “acceptable” because different types of students are using the prescription drugs.

The number of 10^th grade students using prescription drugs illegally on a monthly basis is small about four percent. But that figure is up from three percent in the prior survey and two percent in the survey before that.

“What’s clear is it is increasing – the monthly use,” Schneider said.

Overall the number of students using drugs and alcohol in the county has dropped from 1995 to 2011. In the most recent survey, alcohol was the most commonly used drug with 25 percent of the students using it in the preceding 30 days.  Marijuana and cigarettes were used to a lesser extent. According to the survey, 25 percent of eighth graders and 55.5 percent of 10^th graders use alcohol at least once annually.

“There has been a decrease in drug use,” said Schneider. Young people in Rockland County drink less and take fewer drugs than in 1995.”

The number of young people who smoke cigarettes dropped dramatically over that period of time. It was the result of a cooperative effort by schools, health agencies, police departments and storeowners.

School districts receive their individual results and decide how to use the data and what information to release. The survey can help districts identify schools where illegal substance activity is taking place. Schneider said the Clarkstown District has used the survey to its advantage.

Going forward Schneider said the survey has to focus questions on the evolving trend of prescription drug abuse. He also said they need to find a way to include the kids who are not in school because they may be the ones with the most drug problems. There is also a need to find out what is happening in the in-between grades.

Schneider noted that many students overestimated and think more of their friends use drugs and alcohol than actually do. Schneider said because the majority of students in Rockland do not abuse drugs or alcohol, that is an important message to share with students.

“If you want to be like most students, don’t use it,” he said.

The survey results were developed from the responses of 5,165 Rockland secondary school students and 2,797 elementary school students. PRIDE stands for Parents Resource Institute on Drug Education.