Southington Youth Drug Use Survey Shows Scary Numbers

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The town's youth-oriented, anti-substance abuse organization had sobering, if not frightening, survey results for the Southington Town Council recently.

According to the survey, which was issued by Southington's Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (or STEPS), 64 percent of seventh-, ninth- and 11th-graders in local schools report low self esteem.

That figure, according to STEPS, is about 20 percent worse than a similar survey done in 2020.

Southington STEPS' youth prevention coordinator, Megan Albanese, and Southington Deputy Police Chief William "Bill" Palmieri presented the council June 27 with several numbers that had council members concerned by the presentation's end.

Albanese said the surveys were issued last Feb. 23 to 1,213 students in those three grades and 85 percent completed them.

Generally, the surveys showed an alarming percentage of participants reported feeling "sad or depressed," used nicotine (vaping and/or smoking), used alcohol and cannabis, and, even, attempted suicide.

Albanese said the data will help STEPS and local police with their ongoing prevention efforts.

"The survey is not and indictment on parenting," she said via meeting minutes. "It is for us to take a temperature check on how youths in our community are feeling."

Some of the survey highlights were:

• Only 36 percent of respondents reported positive self-esteem (meaning 64 percent did not). More females than males felt negative self-esteem.

• On depression, 24 percent said they felt sad or depressed within the last month, 18 percent say they feel that way most of the time and 6 percent said all the time.

• Suicide attempts were also alarming, with 11 percent of seventh-graders saying they attempted suicide; 14 percent of ninth-graders; and 17 percent of 11th-graders said they tried to kill themselves.

• Regarding substance use, 14 percent of respondents said they used alcohol; 7 percent cannabis; 12 percent vaping/nicotine; and 2 percent prescription and other drugs.

Regarding substance use, females are using at rates higher than males, according to the survey.

The survey indicates home environment plays a role, especially when it comes to alcohol.

According to the survey, for example, 23 percent of students said they have ridden with an adult who was drinking.

Meanwhile, 55 percent report getting alcohol at home "with parental permission," reports the survey.

Council members expressed concern about the numbers.

"My parents would say, 'I will break your fingers if you touch drugs,'" said Councilman Michael Del Santo via meeting minutes. "We can't take that approach now. We need to encourage our kids to get involved. It hits home when you see a small percentage of kids saying they feel they have value. It's heartbreaking."

"I lost a best friend due to depression. It is very scary to see these numbers and we need to do all we can for kids. They are our prized possessions," added Councilman Jack Perry via meeting minutes.

For more information on Southington STEPS, visit its website via this link.

For the minutes of the June 27 Southington Town Council meeting, visit this link.