Marijuana and Other Drugs
Based on the 2009 Fairfax County Youth Survey, more than two-thirds of Fairfax County youth have not used any drugs or alcohol in the past 30 days. Alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are the most commonly used drugs among youth in Fairfax County.
Eight percent of youth reported smoking marijuana or cigarettes in the last 30 days, but that number increases with age. Seventeen percent of 12th-graders report smoking cigarettes in the past 30 days and 18% report smoking marijuana. There appears to be growth in the use of marijuana in recent years.
Inhalant use is most common with 6th and 8th-graders and use decreases with grade level. The use of drugs other than alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana is generally low in Fairfax County. Prescription drugs, painkillers, and over-the-counter medicines (used with the intent to get high) are the most frequently used other drugs reported in Fairfax County. Use of drugs commonly referred to as "street drugs" such as LSD, cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or heroin is very low in Fairfax County. Fewer than 2% of youth report using these drugs and in the case of heroin, use was reported as 0.6%.
Available Programs in Fairfax County:
P.R.O.T.E.C.T. ( Parents Reaching Out To Educate Communities Together) is a collaborative effort of the Unified Prevention Coalition, concerned parents, school coalitions, PTA/SA/O/SO's, Community Services Board: Wellness and Health Promotions (Alcohol & Drug Youth Services), Neighborhood and Community Services, FCPS Student Safety & Wellness Office, Fairfax County Police Department, and Substance Abuse and Recovery Alliance (SAARA) reaching out to educate and PROTECT our children, families and communities from the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
Protecting Against the Realities of Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse: Make a point to talk about drinking and drugs with your teens.Talking about this issue is important. Parents and guardians and their middle school and high school students are invited and encouraged to attend together an upcoming “Protecting Against the Realities of Substance Abuse” program organized by Parents Reaching Out To Educate Communities Together (P.R.O.T.E.C.T.), a task force of the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County. School and community groups are encouraged to host this program.