REPORT: SANTA CRUZ CO. TEENS' DRUG, ALCOHOL USE UP

SANTA CRUZ - A report released Tuesday reveals that alcohol and drug
use is increasing among Santa Clara County's youth in seventh, ninth
and 11th grades.

Furthermore, the data indicate that Santa Cruz County ranks in the
top 10 overall for teen alcohol use throughout California.

'This survey should send a warning to every young person, educator
and parent in Santa Cruz County," Ashley Anderson, a Harbor High
School student, said in a statement.

'While alcohol and drug use is still confined to a minority of my
peers, the trend is increasing. Unfortunately, most parents don't
realize the extent of the problem, and young people aren't aware of
the long-term consequences of their behavior," she said.

The survey, which is conducted every two years by WestEd Inc. and the
California Department of Education, relies on data from
questionnaires that students completed in classrooms throughout the county.

The report also highlighted other diversions from the state norm.

Around 30 percent of 11th-graders said they participated in binge
drinking in the last 30 days, compared to a state average of 23 percent.

The percentage of 11th-graders who smoke marijuana is 9 percent above
the 20 percent state average.

Methamphetamine use, however, stayed at a consistent 3 percent of
those polled -- 2 percent lower than the state average of 5 percent.

'The overall prevalence of substance use among the general population
has decreased dramatically over the last 10 years. Unfortunately,
this most recent survey shows a leveling off and, in some cases, and
increase in use locally. In addition, it is clear that some high-risk
behaviors continue, including binge drinking; drinking and driving;
and the use of heroin, methamphetamine and other highly addictive
drugs," Andrew Davis, an evaluation consultant, said in the statement.