Drug Use a Youth Problem Inside & Outside of College in US
Use of drugs amongst youths in the US is quite prevalent, but particularly amongst non-college youths. According to a recent survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH)in 2017, marijuana is the most commonly used drug amongst young people in the US, apart from alcohol. Marijuana use is nearly three times as high among non-college youths as opposed to college students, with the survey finding that use of the drug among non-college youths has reached an all-time high of 13.2% in 2017.
In addition to this, the same survey found that synthetic cannabinoids like K2/spice was used by 0.5% of college students in 2017, compared to 2.4% of youths not in college. Also, synthetic cathinones (bath salts) were used by 1.5% of non-college youths, whilst 0.2% of college students are said to have used it.
A concern, however, is that younger graders in high schools are also reported to have used illicit drugs. A survey from Ashwood Recovery showed that amongst 8th grade students, there was a 2.7% increase in illicit drug use in 2016, a bigger increase in illicit drug use than any other grade level in high school. This accounted for experimentation with drugs (including illicit drugs), or trying drug substances for the first time.
In terms of those using the drug consistently or as a habit, more than one in four (25.7%) of 12th graders take illicit drugs or inhalants as a regular practice, whilst almost one in five (18.1%) of 10th graders use illicit drugs.
Where do we fit in?
Through our patented designer Biochip Array Technology, we provide multiple analyte testing with a single drug sample, across multiple matrices. The Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully-automated immunoanalyser which can test for multiple drug analytes in less than 20 minutes. It is a simple drug screening solution that can allow for a smooth efficient operation for those users that have no knowledge or experience of laboratory procedures. Simply add the sample to the cartridge, then load the sample and tip the cartridge into the analyser and press start.
For more information on our products email us: info@randoxtoxicology.com.