Champions for a Drug Free Carroll County believes that providing positive opportunities and alternatives to substance use and violence - including bullying - is an important first step in creating a community where youth and their families can be better prepared to succeed at every step of their lives.
Our Goal
To increase the number of students in Carroll County who believe drug use
is wrong and choose to make healthy choices for a positive lifestyle
Our Mission
To work with the community to reduce and prevent substance
use and violence among youth, their families and those in future generations
Most Pressing Issues
Increasing Substance Use at the 8th grade level
Based on the results of the 2008 KIP survey, 8th graders are at the most risk of increasing substance use and other risky behaviors, like teen sex.
Most drug use on the rise
Of the 12 substances measured by the 2008 KIP survey, all but one is on the rise with some student groupings. For example, alcohol use is up at the 8th grade level, narcotic use at the 10th grade and ecstasy use at the 12th grade.
Consequences increasing
The number of students facing consequences for their substance abuse is increasing, with as many as 21% of 10th graders suspended as a result of substance abuse.
In Carroll County:
• 98% of Sixth graders say they have NEVER used marijuana
• 88% of 8th graders; 82% of 10th graders and 73% of 12th graders have NEVER used marijuana
• 90% of 6th graders have NEVER smoked tobacco
• 84% of 6th graders have NEVER used alcohol.
But There’s Still Work to Do
• 20% of 10th graders, 6% of 8th graders, 3% of 12th graders and 2% of 6th graders have used narcotics and, 3% of 10th & 12th graders, 2% of 8th graders and 1% of 6th graders have used oxycontin when not prescribed for their use by a doctor (considered prescription drug abuse)
• 2% of 12th graders and 1% of 6th and 8th graders have used methamphetamines.
• 51% of 12th graders have smoked cigarettes
• 24% of 12th graders have used smokeless tobacco
• 74% of 12th graders, 57% of 10th graders and 52% of 8th graders have used alcohol
Yes You Can Help!
You can make a difference in someone else’s life. Whether it’s a child, teenager, adult or a friend, help someone close to you develop the assets they need to say “Yes!” to a positive lifestyle without drugs, alcohol or violence.