New Study Proves Role Models *DO* Matter

There is a new study out showing that teen smoking and drug-taking is down. However, teens taking prescription drugs like OcyContin are up.

"I'm pleased to see the decreased drug use noted in this survey; however, the upward trend in prescription drug abuse is disturbing," said Dr. Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health. "We need to ensure that young people understand the very real risks of abusing any drug."
In the study, 9.5 percent of 12th-graders reported using the painkiller Vicodin and 5.5 percent reported using OxyContin in the past year. Long-term trends show a significant increase in the abuse of OxyContin from 2002 to 2005 among 12th-graders.
Also of concern is the significant increase in the use of sedatives and barbiturates among 12th-graders since 2001.
Overall, however, the report had good news, particularly about cigarette smoking.

What does this prove? Well, that role models do matter. Under President Clinton - with a past involving admitted drug use and sex - sex and drugs among teens increased, or at least remained steady. Under President Bush - who admits no drug use and disdains drinking - these actions fall. But with Rush Limbaugh and other high-profile celebrities admitting use of prescription drugs, that kind of abuse is up.

It may be unfair, but public figures have to face the fact that kids will emulate what they see them doing. Act well, and teenagers will follow. Act badly, and the teens will follow after that.