Get High On Life

Survey finds a rise in marijuana use

(RxWiki News) Marijuana, also commonly known as weed or pot has especially gained notice among young adults. Many are trying it and getting hooked.

Illicit drugs - cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine to name a few - are bad, which is specifically why they're illegal. Side effects of these types of drugs can cause a variety of health issues. Unfortunately, in a recent study researchers have found that use of illicit drugs have risen since 2008.

"Marijuana impacts your motiovation, so watch out."

Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., says the nation is at a crossroads because real lives are at stake from the harmful, sometimes devastating, effects of illicit drug use.

The researchers used the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which included nearly 67,500 people around the country. All participants were at least 12 years of age.

The results indicated that there are around 22.6 million people currently using drugs, about 8.9 percent of the population. Even more surprising is the rate among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. It is still on the rise. In 2008, there were 19.6 percent users and by 2010, there were 21.5 percent.

It seems that marijuana is the key drug that has caused an increase in illegal drug use rates. By 2010, the number of marijuana users increased to 17.4 million from 14.4 million in 2007.

This might be due to state laws allowing access to medical marijuana, Gil Kerlikowske, the director of National Drug Control Policy, says. Education and awareness needs to be spread to young people so they know the dangers and harms that come from illegal drug use, she adds.

On the other hand, other drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, alcohol and tobacco have declined from 2008 to 2010. Even still, it is of the utmost importantce to promote effective prevention, treatment and recovery programs to save lives, Hyde says.

Review Date: 
September 9, 2011