MIDLAND, TX (KWES) - More than 2,000 Midland ISD students in grades 6th through 12th were surveyed to get a closer look at underage drinking, youth violence and drug usage. The results revealed a downward trend of the use of drugs and alcohol.
"It was good to see that our numbers are better than ever. I believe that we are making an effect with these young people," said Michele Savage, Executive Director of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program.
The Palmer Drug Abuse Program works closely with Research and Educational Services based in Houston to conduct the Texas Prevention Impact Index survey.
The goal is to better understand trends among teens in the community and to help combat the substance abuse problems affecting teens.
The test is administered to schools across the state of Texas.
"The survey takes into account the things that are around them, the environment and it also takes a look at the use of prevalence of alcohol and other drugs," said Savage.
Ten percent of middle school students who were surveyed said they had drank alcohol one or more times in the past month compared to about 30 percent of high school students.
When we take a look at drug usage, about 18 percent of middle and high students said they had used marijuana and about 12 percent said they used prescription drugs
"What we see around the state and what we see here is fairly consistent. There are not any here that are alarming or epidemic states that indicate Midland is in trouble," said Savage.
The survey indicated families should discuss alcohol and drug issues with their children and parents should model the behavior they expect.
The Palmer Drug Abuse Program will use the results of the survey to bring awareness in the community.
In order to keep prescriptions out of the wrong hands, they will hold a medication take back Saturday, October 22 at Polo Park Estates in Midland from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
