Underage Drinking: Alcohol is the drug most commonly used by Howard County teens. 68% of 12th graders and 27% of 8th graders have tried alcohol.
Binge Drinking: 5 or more drinks on one occasion. 50% of 12th graders and 9% of 8th graders have engaged in binge drinking.
Tobacco: 42% of 12th graders and 16% of 8th graders report having tried cigarettes.
Marijuana Use: 41% of 12th graders and 8% of 8th graders report having tried marijuana. Marijuana affects the lungs, short-term memory, judgment and motor skills.
Other Drugs: 44% of 12th graders and 15% of 8th graders say that have used a drug other than alcohol or tobacco. Abuse of over-the-counter (eg. cough medicines) and prescription medications (eg, Oxycontin, Ritalin) is growing among middle and high school teens. Parents should check their medicine cabinets.
Driving Under the Influence: One fifth of 12th graders in Maryland reports having driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More than one third of 12th graders in Maryland reports having been a passenger with a drinking driver.
68% of 12th graders and 27% of 8th graders have tried alcohol.
