YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA

Youth substance abuse continues to be a pressing concern in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The findings from the 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) provide valuable insights into the patterns and factors that play a role in this issue within Cumberland County.

Prevalence and Types of Substance Use

The data from the 2021 PAYS highlights substantial substance use among young people in Cumberland County:

Alcohol: Approximately 23.9% of seniors reported consuming alcohol within the last month.
Marijuana: Around 15.2% of high school seniors acknowledged using marijuana in the past 30 days.
Vaping: About 22.4% of seniors disclosed using e cigarettes during the same period.

Early Initiation

The early experimentation with substances remains worrisome. In 2021, about 2.4% of sixth graders mentioned trying alcohol, indicating a concerning trend towards early initiation that raises risks for future substance misuse.

Risk Factors

Various factors contribute to the prevalence of youth substance abuse:

Peer Influence: Peer pressure plays a significant role, with many students citing peer involvement in substance use.
Family Challenges: Issues within families and inadequate parental supervision contribute to higher levels of substance use.
Mental Well-being: Elevated levels of anxiety, depression and stress are associated with increased substance use as a way to cope.

Community and School Environment

The survey sheds light on important factors in the school and local community that influence substance use:

Bullying and Violence: A quarter of students reported experiencing bullying at school in the past year, which is linked to higher rates of substance use.
School Engagement: Students who are less involved in school activities are more inclined to engage in substance use.

Economic and Social Impact

Youth substance abuse has economic and social repercussions for the Cumberland County community:

Healthcare: Increased healthcare expenses due to treating health issues related to substance abuse.
Crime: Higher incidents of juvenile crime associated with substance use.
Education: Substance use hampers academic performance and raises dropout rates.

Prevention and Intervention

Effective methods to address youth substance abuse include:

Educational Programs: Introducing comprehensive substance abuse education programs in schools.
Parental Guidance: Encouraging open conversations about substance use between parents and their children.
Community Involvement: Establishing community initiatives that provide support and alternatives to substance use.