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    Key indicators:
  • Perceived availability of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and Availability of alcohol and tobacco. The more available drugs are in a community, the higher the risk that young people will abuse drugs.

  • Perceived availability of drugs is also associated with risk. Even when children "just think" that drugs are available, a higher rate of drug use is often observed.


    Rationale for prioritizing risk factor:
  • The group strongly felt that this risk factor worked in coordination with each others. The educators, counselors, and corrections members have had a depth of experience in working with individuals for whom drugs and alcohol were involved in their lives. Commonly, drug and alcohol usage is present among juvenile delinquents and adult criminals.

  • Additionally, the numbers seemed to be high in comparison to the state, there appeared to be a significant trend towards an increase in the numbers. The illicit use of drugs and alcohol is also an issue that arises in several other data indicators.

  • This risk factor was noticeably high in comparison, showed significant trends, had a developmental period around age 13, and had a recognizable cluster with other risk factors.