Teen alcohol and drug abuse have become more prevalent in Maine. Not only has abuse been a big issue for teens, but children are also starting to drink and use marijuana as young as sixth grade.

A big reason that children start using drugs and alcohol at a young age is because a lot of children grow up in homes where illegal drugs and alcohol are abused. One problem with children witnessing drug and alcohol abuse is that they are more likely to become addicted when they get older. This is the reason why children continue to use the illegal substances all through their older years.

In the time that I spent researching the drug and alcohol issue, I have found some pretty interesting and surprising facts. Over 79 percent of high school seniors in Maine will have tried binge drinking (drinking large portions in a small amount of time).

Drugs and alcohol are critical factors in the majority of child welfare cases, causes a large proportion of fires, automobile accidents and adds millions of dollars to health care costs.

Although some parents are unaware of the extent of their own children’s drinking and drugging, parents still need to take the time to tell their children that it is not OK to use drugs and alcohol.

I think that we should try a little more to keep our state clean of not only adolescent drug and alcohol abuse, but also drug and alcohol abuse in all ages.

Brittni Foss, Auburn