A Since the early 1960's there has been an alarming increase in drug use in the U.S.
- In 1962 four million americans had tried an illegal drug, by 1999 the number had risen to a staggering 87.7 million (according to the 1999 national household survey on drug abuse)
- The study aslo found that the number of illicit drug users who were above the age of 12 had used drugs in the past month reached a high of 25.4 million in 1979 decreased through the late 1980's to a low of 12 million in 1992, and has since increased to 14.8 million in 1999
B Some drugs currently being used are considerably more potent than they were in the past
- The amount of THC ( which is a content of marijana) in the year 1970 was 1.5% and now it
the drug averages 7.6%
- The purity of heroin has increased from 1% – 10 % in 1970 to 35% - 80%
C Drug use among teens, and even younger children, has been steadily increasing for the past several years.
- (According to the 1998 national center on addiction and substance abuse survey) teen marijuana use is up 300% since 1992.
- In 1999 55% of high school seniors reported that they have used drugs before while just seven years ago 41% said they had (according to the monitoring the future study)
- The study also showed that between 1991 and 1999 illicit drug use among younger children 13-14 year old increased by 51%
D Many people are not aware of the profound impact that this drug epidemic has on the country as a whole.
- Widespread drug use results in a less efficient, less productive workforce.
- (according to the sustance abuse and mental health services asministration survey ) employees who test positive for drug use make more than twice as many workers compensation claims, use almost twice the medical benefits, and take one-third more leave time as non-users.
- They are also 60% more likely to be responsible for
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