THE PROBLEM
Substance Abuse in our Youth
In the Phoenix-Avondale-Glendale area, 326,000 persons aged 12 or older were classified as having a substance use disorder in 2010 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).
​
In the Phoenix-Avondale-Glendale area, 558,000 persons aged 12 or older used an illicit drug in the past year (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).
​
23% of persons aged 12 years or older have smoked cigarettes in the last month (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).
​
23% of persons aged 12 years or older have participated in binge alcohol use in the past month (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).
​
In Arizona from 2007 to 2012 Cocaine and Amphetamine related inpatient admissions decreased (Cunningham, 2012). However, Heroin/opioid related hospitalizations have risen. (Cunningham, 2012).
​
Fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, alcohol, and vaping are the most prevalent substances used among youth in the Pendergast School District. Key informant interviews indicate that parents and adults may have a level of awareness of substance use but are either not aware of community resources or are unwilling to seek help from outside the family. More prevention education is needed for both youth and adults in the Pendergast Community.