Michigan like most other states has a problem with people who seriously abuse drugs.  Among the top three categories of those who abuse drugs are marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs.  Regular surveys by both state and university officials has shown that drug abuse in all three of these categories is on the rise within the state especially among teens and college students who are less likely to be aware of the ramifications of their drug use.

Prescription drug abuse

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as well as many local university studies have warned that Michigan has one of the highest rates of prescription drug abuse across America as teens are choosing to use the prescription drugs to get high instead of street drugs.  Teens are most likely to consider prescription drug abuse less risky and have a 12% rate of drug abuse of this type among teens.  At the college level prescription drug abuse increases to about 20%.  Among the most popular prescription drugs that are abused are vicodin, Tylenol 3 (a form of Tylenol that contains codeine), and Ritalin which is used to help stay awake and concentrate.

Marijuana

Although marijuana use has fallen from its peak use levels in the 90’s, the number of marijuana users is once again continuing to rise at a steady rate.  Many people point to the medical marijuana debate which leaves many people under the impression that marijuana is much safer to consume than a typical street drug.  For this reason, many people do not consider marijuana a drug especially teens and college students who are more likely to smoke marijuana in the state of Michigan than engage in underage drinking.

Alcohol

Although alcohol use is decreasing among the general population in light of the rise of ‘safer’ highs such as marijuana and prescription drugs, overall it is still a large problem in the state of Michigan.  As a result the state has stiffened its laws regarding drinking and driving and still has many harsh laws in place for those who are caught consuming the substance under age.