Hollywood Popular Artists

Jan 28th 2013, 17:19

Did you know that illicit drug use in America is increasing? In 2011, 8.7% of Americans aged 12 or older reported using an illicit drug or abusing prescription drugs in the past month!

Today marks the start of National Drug Facts Week. To kick the week off, here are a few interesting facts about drug use in the U.S., provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Read up, Lindsay Lohan!

+ Drug use is highest among people in their late teens and twenties.

In 2011, 23.8% of 18-20 year olds reported using drugs in the past month!

+ Fewer teens smoke cigarettes than smoke marijuana.

Cigarette use has declined over the years, but nearly one in four 12th graders are current marijuana smokers.

+ After alcohol, marijuana has the highest rate of dependence or abuse among all drugs.

And get this: Heavy marijuana users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, relationship problems, and less academic and career success compared to their peers who came from similar backgrounds.

+ Alcohol is a drug, too!

Yep, even the fruitiest cocktails are considered to be drugs! In 2012, 23.7% of high school seniors reported binge drinking, which is defined as 5 or more drinks in a row in the past 2 weeks.

+ More than 11 million persons aged 12 or older report using ecstasy at least once in their lifetimes.

The majority those persons did so in neon boots and furry hats. (Just a guess.)

All week, the National Institute on Drug Abuse is hoping to help shatter some myths about drug use for teens and young adults. Take action below to take the National Drug IQ Challenge, and test your drug knowledge.

Media files:
DrugIQ-Post.jpg (image/jpeg)
DrugIQ-Feature-70x53.jpg (image/jpeg)