New Hispanic youth drug use data released – Hispanic 8th graders outpace peers in illicit drug use.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and local urban youth experts announced new report regarding drug use among Hispanic youth. According to a special report issued today by the ONDCP, Hispanic teen use of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine currently outpaces White and African-American teen use.

At a press conference at the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center, ONDCP Deputy Director Scott Burns joined local Hispanic leaders to release the report and also unveil an “Open Letter to Parents” advertisement that will appear in more than 10 markets across the country, starting this week. Understanding the particular emphasis and value the Hispanic community places on educational achievement, the advertisement raises awareness of the negative impact youth drug use can have on one’s academic success. The ad, created by New York-based agency LatinVox, also offers tips for Hispanic parents on how to prevent risky behaviors and ensure their child has a better future through higher education.

“We know that teens are less likely to use drugs if they learn about the risks from their parents, but research shows that parents are having fewer and fewer conversations about drug use,” said Burns. “Hispanic teens say fear of upsetting their parents is the main reason why they don’t use drugs and parents can use this influence to help prevent drug use. Parents, educators, and the entire Hispanic community need to come together to keep our youth healthy and drug-free.”

While marijuana is the most widely-used illicit drug among youth today, the numbers are especially high among Hispanic youth. Research also indicates that while illicit drugs continue to be a problem for Hispanic youth, prescription drugs are also emerging as a threat. New data indicates that adoption of American culture and lifestyle increases the risk of drug use by Hispanics. The report states, among other findings, that:

— Nearly one in 10 Hispanic 8th graders reported current use of marijuana.
— Hispanic youth in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade outpace their African American and White counterparts in terms of current, annual, and lifetime use of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
— Methamphetamine use among Hispanic 8th graders is five percent, compared to three percent for White students, and one percent for African American students.
— More than one in five Hispanic teens reported abusing prescription drugs to get high.

“We’re heartened to see teen drug use declining, but clearly much more needs to be done,” said Hector Gesualdo, executive director of ASPIRA of New York. “The figures in this report are a cry for help. We know first-hand that our after school programs, mentors, and parent workshops are highly effective in keeping young Latinos in school, off the street, and away from drugs. ASPIRA is committed to stepping up its efforts and looks forward to working with ONDCP on this vital initiative.”

More than 12 national and community organizations, as well as corporations have partnered with ONDCP to support the Open Letter to Parents, including ASPIRA Association Inc., American Academy of Family Physicians, American Council on Education, American School Counselors Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, National Association of School Nurses, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Parent Teacher Association, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, and Procter & Gamble. The Open Letter’s advice for parents includes:
— Encourage your child to become involved in fun and safe hobbies that are far removed from drugs; such as extracurricular activities and sports.

— Set and establish clear rules with clear consequences; encourage and reward good behavior, and most importantly, be a good role model.
— Become involved in your teen’s life.
— Forget your apprehension about having difficult conversations with your teens and search for the right opportunity to speak with them.
— Tune into and learn about your teen’s online activities, use of technology, and exposure to pro-drug messages; and
— Connect with the rest of family, other parents, or community organizations.

As part of its integrated approach to reaching multicultural audiences, in conjunction with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Campaign also unveiled new youth advertising as part of its Above the Influence campaign aimed at teens. The urban youth-focused ads were created to reach African-American, Hispanic, and Asian American Pacific Islander youth. Created by New York-based Prime Access, the print and television ads will start running in October.