PS452 - National drug trends show a rise

National drug trends show a rise in the use of illicit drugs in the past decade. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Trend report, in 2012, 23.9 million Americans reported use of an illicit drug. This represents a 8.3% increase since 2002. Visit the site: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends to answer these questions about illicit drug and alcohol use in the United States.

1. According to national use trends, children ages 12-18 and young adults ages 18-20 report high rates of marijuana use. What are some reasons that might explain this trend?
2. Explain the trends of alcohol use in both teens and adults in the past ten years. Report on binge drinking and arrest rates for driving under the influence. Why are these rates higher or lower than ten years ago?
3. Using local data (local newspaper or government site), explain the drug use trends in your city/town. Use local drug arrest rates if you can find them in your explanation. Do you notice arrest rates trends for special populations, if so discuss them in your response (e.g. teens being arrested for marijuana possession).

with in text citations and references.