DRUG USE BY TEENS IS HIGH, SURVEY SHOWS

A survey conducted by Pacific Community Resources suggests that drug use
among teens is high in the Lower Mainland.

Two teen volunteer researchers from PCR were in front of Langley City
council on Monday to explain the results of the youth survey, which was
conducted within skate parks, city parks and bus stations in the GVRD.

PCR, a non-profit society for children, youth and families, surveyed nearly
2,000 youth in the Langley/Aldergrove, Vancouver, Delta, Surrey, Burnaby
and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows areas.

The results of the survey suggested there is a relationship between a
teen's school attendance and substance use.

While Delta students had the best record of attendance, Maple Ridge had the
largest number of kids skipping school and doing drugs. "Youth who are less
connected to school show the highest usage rates for most drugs," said the
report. "All drug types are readily available to youth within 24 hours.
Harder drugs were reported as more difficult to access in Delta."

In the survey, Langley teens fell in the middle of the pack.

The survey revealed that alcohol is still the most commonly used drug among
youth, with 58 per cent reporting they had drank in the past 30 days.

Marijuana was the second most common used drug, at 42 per cent. Speed,
crystal meth, cocaine and ecstasy use within the past 30 days is at seven
per cent while heroin is at three per cent.

Males are more likely to be current users, and the second highest alcohol
use rates is among the 18-year-olds.

The survey suggests that age of first-time users is clustered in "age
bands" and lends support to the idea that if you delay the age of use
beyond the peak use year, you increase the likelihood that the person will
not start using a substance.

Most teens said they get their information about drug and alcohol from TV
and movies.

The purpose of the survey, which was conducted by volunteer teen
researchers, is to provide information to those planning and delivering
addiction services to youth in the Lower Mainland. It's also intended to
assist with more effective planning for alcohol and drug education and
prevention.

Council members said they were very impressed with the survey and the work
Pacific Community Resources has done.

"This survey response is much more accurate because the people handing out
the survey were teens," said Mayor Marlene Grinnell. "I would suggest you
send a copy of the survey results to each school trustee or send copies to
the high schools."

Councillor Terry Smith offered to take the survey back to the Lower
Mainland Municipal Association, of which he is a member.

"The problem is each community tries to solve its own problems. Sure we can
fix Whalley, but where are those people going to go? We need to work
together," said Smith.