EXPERTS - TEEN DRUG USE SHIFTING

Marijuana and methamphetamine use among teenagers has declined in the
past five years, but the rise in prescription drug use among teens is
a growing concern.

According to a University of Michigan study, teen drug use has
declined 23 percent since 2001, with reductions in the use of nearly
every drug except the prescription drug OxyContin, which saw a 30
percent increase in use during the last year.

Local officials are concerned with the rising use of prescription
drugs like Adderall and Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, said Dana
Branson, assistant clinical supervisor at the Family Counseling
Center in Cape Girardeau.

Adderall is used to treat children with attention-deficit or
hyperactivity disorders. The drug is a stimulant, and many users
claim it helps them focus.

"Kids who use Adderall want it for its speed effect," Branson said.
"A lot of kids who abuse Adderall will find someone at school who is
ADHD and buy the pills off of them."

The Family Counseling Center has seen a decline in cocaine use among
teenagers. Two years ago, treatment for cocaine abuse was prevalent
at the center, which treats adolescents ages 12 to 17.

"We don't hear about cocaine much anymore. About two years ago, it
seemed like every kid who came in had tried cocaine," Branson said.

Easily attainable

Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Barry Hovis was a school resource officer
at Central High School almost three years ago. In his final year as
resource officer, he handled more prescription drug cases than
illicit drugs like marijuana or methamphetamine.

"All of the drugs are still prevalent," he said. "I think we're
seeing more prescription drugs at the schools because kids actually
have prescriptions for them."

Hovis said prescription drugs can be easily attainable. "A lot of
parents keep painkillers at home, and if those aren't watched
closely, they're a little easier to get than the illegal drugs like
marijuana or amphetamines," he said.

Illegal drugs declining

Lifetime marijuana use among teens dropped 18 percent from five years
ago, according to the University of Michigan study. But Kelsey
Bohnert, a junior at Jackson High School, said the illegal plant
seems to be the drug of choice for her fellow high school students.

"I know a few people who are very dependent on drugs," she said.
"Marijuana is probably the most abused drug because it's really easy
to get, and students feel it's not that big of a deal."

Teen alcohol use also decreased since 2001, according the study.
Branson said it's still a problem among local teens.

"We see a lot of kids come in who drink alcohol and take prescription
medications," she said. "That's very dangerous because you can
overdose very easily."

Bohnert, who doesn't use illegal drugs, said she's seen other teens
grow dependent on drugs.

"They aren't the same person anymore. They are wasting every
opportunity to make something of themselves and are being put in
worse situations because of their dependency," she said.

Peer pressure to use drugs in high school isn't something Bohnert has
encountered. Her fellow classmates, who she says abuse drugs, know
how she feels about them.

"I don't really understand their motivation. But I still want them to
know I care about them but I don't support what they do," she said.