MARTIN STUDENTS REPORTED LESS ALCOHOL USE, INCREASE IN MARIJUANA
USE

STUART -- Martin County teenagers are less likely to have drank a
beer, smoked a cigarette or used illicit drugs in the past 30 days
than they were two years ago, according to a biennial state survey
released this week.

However, they are more likely to have smoked marijuana in the past
month, the results of the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey
show. In spring, 832 Martin County students took the survey. More
than 57,000 questionnaires were answered across the state.

"Certainly, there's more work that needs to be done," Martin County
Schools Superintendent Sara Wilcox said. "I'm pleased to see the improvement."

Students in grades six through 12 were picked randomly, and the
survey was anonymous and confidential.

In 2000, 2002, 2004 and spring of 2006, data from just about every
Florida school district was calculated in detail. On odd years, the
survey is given on a smaller scale to give the state a sample.

The survey asks students whether they've used alcohol, tobacco and
marijuana in their lifetime or within the past 30 days. Students also
were asked if they ever binge drink -- which is drinking five or more
alcoholic beverages in a sitting.

While many of the results are higher than the state average, Robyn
Vanover, coordinator of Martin County's Safe and Drug Schools
program, is glad to see the county's drug use is continuing on a
downward trend.

"At one point in time over the last six years we were one of the
highest ranking counties as far as 30-day alcohol use. There are now
21 counties in front of us," Vanover said.

The number of students who admitted to smoking cigarettes in the past
30 days has declined from 24.2 percent in 2000 to 10.6 this year. In
this category, Martin meets the state average.

PREVENTION

Curriculums such as Alcohol Edu, Project Northland, Reconnecting
Youth and Discovery Health Connection

Parent awareness campaigns, including, "Parents Who Host Lose The Most"

Mothers Against Drunk Driving local chapter

Anti-drug, anti-smoking clubs in schools