Among children in 8th grade, the most commonly used drugs include marijuana, stimulants, alcohol, and cigarettes. The drugs most commonly used among 10th graders are marijuana, inhalants, hallucinogens such as LSD, stimulants, alcohol, and cigarettes. Marijuana, cocaine, LSD, alcohol, and cigarettes are the most-used drugs among 12th grade students. Long-term studies of high school students drug use patterns show that a majority of teens first try marijuana before any other drug. For example, the risk of using cocaine is estimated to be more than 104 times greater for those who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it.
Most children are most vulnerable to drugs during times of transition and developmental change.
For example, the transition periods in which a young person graduates from junior high school to high school, or from high school to college, are times when the teen may face social, psychological, and educational challenges, that may make them more likely to use drugs. Yes, although some of the same behaviors could be the products of normal adolescent stress, depression, or a host of other problems. Whatever the cause, these behaviors warrant attention, especially if they persist or occur in clusters. The American Council for Drug Education was created to ensure public access to scientifically-based, compelling prevention programs and materials. This site offers information for parents about drugs, provides advice on talking to children about drug use, and links to related sites.