2003-127 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

E. Project Narrative 1 . Problem Identification : Briefly describe a specific problem to be addressed with subgrant funds in terms of Problem Description , Problem Significance and Needs Assessment, as described in the application instructions . Continue narrative on a second page if necessary. Do not exceed two pages. Use a readable size font, per instructions. The Substance Abuse Council of Indian River County is seeking funding for the continuation of the PREVENT program and its proposed objectives. Alcohol and drug abuse continues to be the number one problem facing the youth of America. The use of mind altering chemicals has proven to be especially harmful to the adolescent growth and development process. Psychoactive drugs interfere with physical , social and emotional growth during the critical years of adolescent development. An adolescent who uses intoxicants is not only at high risk of becoming drug dependent but is also at an increased risk of dropping out of school , getting involved in crime, attempting suicide, or becoming involved in an assortment of dangerous behaviors. The prevention of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse is most likely to occur when parents, teachers , and other individuals in the community who are part of the youth ' s circle • are well informed of the harmful effects of drugs • recognize behavioral changes that accompany drug use • understand how drug use is encouraged and accepted in the social world of a youth . Another key to successful prevention programming is the direct involvement of youth in planning and implementing of programs. According to the 2001 PRIDE Survey of Indian River County students, IRC students continue to have incidences of substance abuse that are above national averages . Over the 11 years of data gathered, we have seen significant changes in youth usage, but our youth continue to report a high level of availability for alcohol , marijuana and other illegal drugs . Of r through I2 graders, 33% also reported a perceived harm for usage of alcohol as very harmful, but continue to use alcohol at a rate of 51 . 5 % . (PRIDE 2001 ). When comparing the PRIDE Survey to the Florida Substance Abuse Survey ( FSAS ) , we see comparable rates within Indian River County. Reporting levels indicate that Indian River County youth are at the highest category for Binge Drinking, Alcohol use in the past 30 days and Marijuana use in the past 30 days. ( FSAS 2002) Of the same Ph through 12graders, 52% reported marijuana to be very harmful, but 30. 7°x6 of them state they use marijuana . The highest reported rate of usage is with 10th graders with 46. 3% admitting to marijuana use. The same 10graders state that it is very easy to get marijuana. (PRIDE 200 1 ) On the issue of geifing in trouble with the police, of the r through 12'" grade youth who were involved with local law enforcement reported a 73. 5% usage of alcohol and a 56. 6% usage of marijuana . ( PRIDE 2001 ) In addition , 38. 5% never or seldom talk (up from 25. 8 °x6 in 1995) to their parents about the perils of alcohol , tobacco, drugs, HIV, pregnancy, and violence . ( PRIDE 2001 ) Section - Page 4 of 16