The results of the 2022 Arizona Youth Survey have been released, showing a statewide decline in tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use among Arizona residents ages 13 to 18. Community Empowerment says this shows that marijuana and alcohol targets work.
“We are on the right track,” she said.
The Arizona Youth Survey is administered every two years by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Measure the drug and substance use of 8 students.th,Tenthand 12th Grades.
At the beginning of its report on its findings, the ACJC said: Local, county, and state level planners can use this data to better understand community needs and allocate resources accordingly.
At all stakeholder levels, AYS data is used in a variety of ways.
• Consider important community issues.
• Modify or redesign existing projects or policies.
• Design and implement new projects or policies.
• Secure funding for new projects and policies. ”
Kom said PAACE uses these statistics to develop master plans to address drug and substance use and prevention in La Paz county. She said the plan is constantly evolving and obtaining grants and other funding is essential.
La Paz county’s participation in the survey was higher than the state average. Four out of 10 schools in the county participated, with 283 out of 511 eligible students (55%) participating. Statewide, 51,488 out of 269,175 eligible students, or 19%, participated.
When asked about substances they have used at least once in the last 30 days, 1.5% of students in 2022 say they smoke, compared to 4.7% in 2018. 2022 students say they have used them in the last 30 days. In 2018, that figure was 19.9% for him.
Regarding alcohol, 13.5 students in 2022 say they have used alcohol in the last 30 days. In 2018, 20.2% said they used it.
Data showed that few participants abused prescription or hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Com noted many of these hard-his drug-focused statewide drug-fighting efforts.
“Kids are getting the message,” she said.
Marijuana use has also declined since 2018. In 2022, his 10% of participants said they had used marijuana in the last 30 days. In 2018 he was 15.7%. For marijuana concentrate, it was 8.1% in 2022 and 12.3% in 2018.
Kom said she was particularly concerned about the “edibles” of marijuana. She said this is a chemical that has been shown to be harmful to the development of young minds.
“If you think marijuana is harmless, think again,” she said.
The study also looked at harmful childhood experiences that may lead young people to substance abuse. They found that 61.2% of survey respondents reported having at least one of these experiences, including living with a drug user, alcoholic, or incarcerated person. Other such adverse experiences include living with adults who fight or belittle young people.
Kom said PAACE will continue to educate communities and young people about how substances affect the brain and body. We also do what we can to strengthen families and improve communication and relationships between parents and young people. They will continue to work to encourage young people to stay off drugs.
According to Kom, parental disapproval is one of the major deterrents to youth drug abuse. Surveys show that 90% of her youngsters believe their parents will disapprove of their drug use. Kom added that only 50% of respondents said they had talked about drugs with their parents.
“Kids are listening,” she said.
