Study finds students in Graham County abuse the most drugs in Arizona

By Staff Writer

Officials from the Graham County, Arizona Drug Abuse Coalition found that drug use among teens is most prevalent within its borders when compared to the state, Willcox Range News reports.

The coalition is considering a strategic plan to fight prescription drug abuse slated to begin early next year. Furthermore, officials told the news source that these medications are a contributor to teen suicides. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Graham County (ADHS) had 76 deaths and 214 emergency room visits for drug-related illnesses in 2009.

The numbers represent a rate of 19.1 discharges and 53.8 emergency room visits per 10,000 populations, which is highest in the state according to ADHS. Nearby Greenlee County have rates of 6.9 and 13.5, respectively, which represents the lowest in the state.

Officials from the coalition added that they are planning Dump the Drugs days, which are designed for adults to discard any unused medications. They added that they are holding a conference with the theme Walk on Past Drugs to a Better Future at the Eastern Arizona College to help educate individuals on the harmful effects of abusing prescription pills.

According to a 2008 report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 6.8 percent of students in 12th grade students have used prescription amphetamines recreationally.