Recent Study Reveals Teen Drug, Alcohol Abuse on the Rise

A new national study released by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and Met Life Foundation shows that after a ten year decline, teens are increasing their use of alcohol and drugs over the past three years. The 22nd annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) showed the negative trend affirming that since 2008, the number of American teenagers involved in underage drinking is becoming more of a normal occurrence. It was also shown that there has been a marked increase in the use of Ecstasy (67%) during the past year along with a 22% increase in marijuana use. Teen attitudes regarding alcohol reflected views that it was less risky than using other substances and they generally saw no particular harm in heavy drinking.

Further Study Results

• Of the teenagers who reported using alcohol, 62% stated that they had their first full alcoholic drink by age fifteen.
• One in four (25%) users of alcohol reported that they had drunk a full alcoholic drink by the time they had reach twelve years or younger.
• Of the teens who reported alcohol use, the average age of first use was fourteen.

If Your Teen Is in Trouble

If you are in the Fort Meyers or surrounding area and have a teen in trouble with the law, you need to contact a Fort Meyers criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Minors can be charged with many different crimes, just like adults, and a conviction can cause them hardship for the rest of their lives. They may never be able to get into certain colleges, be denied employment and career opportunities, financial aid, or even the ability to purchase a home later in life, this, all in addition to any penalties sentenced by the court if convicted of the charges.

At Calvo & Calvo, we can help. We have experienced trial lawyers and former public defenders on staff who know how to aggressively defend juvenile crimes whether the crime is for drug or alcohol abuse, theft, DUI, weapons charges, or some other crime. We do offer free consultations and can sit down with you and go over the details of your case. Taking action now can help avoid serious repercussions for your child in the future.

Contact a Fort Meyers juvenile crime defense attorney in our office to set up an appointment today.