Community organizations discuss youth alcoholism and drug use
Schools, addictions, mental health and other organizations discussed startling statistics for youth alcoholism and drug use in Prince Albert, at a meeting Monday afternoon.
The final version of a study by University of Regina Police Studies graduate Jason Fenno, showed that out of 921 youth surveyed, 54 per cent reported engaging in binge drinking by age 16. Sixty-eight percent of students in Grade 10 reported binge drinking compared to 49 per cent of students across Canada.
Out of the 5,600 people arrested and held overnight by police for public intoxication between May 2009 to 2012, 552 were youth.
Some trends reported are positive, however, said Fenno, author of the study. Youth in Prince Albert seem to have a higher average self-esteem, he said.