Hamilton County youth substance use and abuse continue to decline

Since the Four Rivers Alliance coalition was formed in 2012, we have been measuring youth use (under 18) of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD).

With the cooperation of our four school districts, the Alliance has conducted a Youth Prevention Needs Assessment survey every two years. The survey asks questions regarding past-30 day and lifetime substance use,. It also measures the risk and protective factors that can contribute to substance abuse and other problem behaviors.

Here is a graph of Past-30 Day Use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana showing reductions in use from 2012 to 2020.

Past 30-Day use of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana as an average of total response by all students. The 2012-13 survey measured use by grades 7-9-11, the three subsequent surveys grades 7 through 12.

-Patrick Crouse