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Drug Abuse

 

            In the year 2002, a survey taken in 394 schools with more than 43,000 students shows that 41% of 12th graders annually use any form of illicit drug and 25.4% of those have used them within 30 days of that survey. These numbers have grown since the year 1994, when annual use was at 35.8%. These statistics include all drugs used by high school seniors, and only 12th grade(www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/hsyouthtrends.html). Back in 1992, it was estimated that the total economic cost of drug and alcohol abuse was at an amazing $245.7 billion, and for drugs alone it was at $97.7 billion. These cost all include treatment, prevention, healthcare, lost income for businesses and crime(www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/costs.html). I"m going to be talking about the 3 most commonly abused drugs by age groups in between 8th and 12th grade. The 3 most commonly used drugs include marijuana, Any form of inhalant, and alcohol. .
             The first drug of abuse I"m going to be talking about is marijuana. Marijuana also goes under many other names which include cannabis, hemp, pot, weed, tree, grass, bud, refer, and so many more that i can possibly fill this page. During 7 years of study, starting in 1988, Americans spent a total of 7 million dollars on marijuana(www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/costs.html). Marijuana is under the category of a cannabinoid along with the drug hashish which is an oil extracted from marijuana where one drop of the oil is about as potent as 3 marijuana joints. Marijuana can either be used by smoking or consumed. the eaten method can take as long as 1/2 to a full hour before taking effect, when smoked it can take effect almost immediately. the effects of marijuana usage include euphoria (distorted sense of surroundings and time), slowed thinking, confusion, frequent respiratory infections, increased heart rate, and anxiety(www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/drugsofabuse.html). Marijuana is the second most abused drug in the list.


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