via Radio Iowa
A new federal report shows Iowa has the second-lowest overall rate of illegal drug use in the country. ‘Read more for the details and links to an Iowa report and the national report.
In addition, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates Iowa has the lowest percentage of drug use among young people between the ages of 12 and 17.
The director of the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, Steve Lukan (LOO-kin), says he’s pleased with the results but aware challenges remain. “Like many states, we have an increase in heroin trafficking here in the state of Iowa, and the relaxation of marijuana laws across the country, that is also a very significant challenge,” Lukan says.
Iowa is second to only South Dakota in the overall use of drugs by its citizens. Lukan credits a three-pronged attack that includes prevention specialists, law enforcement, and drug treatment programs. “We often look at this fight as fighting it on three different sides, and I think all of them are working together to move things in the right direction,” Lukan said.
On the negative side, the survey also indicates Iowa is above the national average in tobacco use and binge drinking among teenagers.
Link: Iowa analysis of the report
Link: National report
