Scale of the Issue
How widespread is the issue?
Drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers is a nationwide issue. Based on 2023 studies and statistics, 21.3% of 8th graders have tried illicit drugs at least once. By the time they're in 12th grade, 46.6% of teens have tried illicit drugs. 4,777 Americans aged 15 to 24 years old died of an overdose of illicit drugs in the past year.
The Issue in New Jersey
In New Jersey, cities such as Newark, Camden, and Trenton have been particularly affected by teen substance abuse. For instance, a 2019 study found that 15% of high school students in Newark reported using marijuana. More recently, in 2023, 9.5% of teens aged 12-17 admitted to alcohol use These statistics highlight the urgent need for local prevention and support programs. Since teens seem more comfortable with their parents than doctors regarding such situations, early parental intervention is to recovery.