Alberta youth are leading the way when it comes to engaging in risky alcohol and drug use, according to a new national study by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
The new national study found kids are drinking even earlier. The survey of students from grade seven through twelve found just over 51% of Alberta respondents admit to lifetime use of alcohol, that’s defined as having consumed alcohol in the past year, or having consumed five or more drinks on one occasion.
“People in my school have been drinking since grade 9," says 18 year old Kris James, “I guess everyone starts because they just want to fit in.”
“Everyone does it,” says Kris’ friend Cody, “(It’s) pretty popular.”
Alberta ranks lower than other provinces when it comes to the number of kids who have consumed alcohol, but the province is number one when it comes to risky alcohol use.
32% of Alberta youth admit to knowingly getting into a vehicle with a driver who had been drinking. And Alberta holds the number one spot for drinking and driving with 7.5% of students admitting they have driven within one hour of drinking two or more drinks.
The study also looked at the use of other drugs including marijuana. 21% of Alberta teens said they've used it in the past year. Nova Scotia teens ranked the highest, at 37%.
To see the entire study click here.
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