New snapshot of drug use by Ottawa students

Ottawa Public Health has released a new report that provides a snapshot of drug use by Ottawa high school students.

1,272 students in grade 7 to 12 were part of the random survey last year.

“The area that surprised me the most was around how accessible alcohol, drugs and tobacco were to youth,” said Sherry Nigro with Ottawa Public Health.

Among the findings:

• 1 in 5 teens admit to binge drinking at least once a month
• 8 in 10 say they have easy access to alcohol
• 13 per cent admit to using over the counter cough and cold medication to get high

The report also had some positive findings including: 80 per cent of students surveyed said they had never smoked in their lifetime and misuse of prescription medication declined to 14 per cent compared to 17 per cent in 2011 and 21 per cent in 2009.

The report also examined things like bullying, mental health issues and physical activity.