In 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe surveyed students on the Reservation from 4th grade to 12th grade. The Communities That Care Survey is a nationally used survey, developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) to gauge youth risk and protective factors. In plain terms, the Communities that Care Survey identifies risky behavior kids participate in and the support they receive to combat those risky behaviors.
The data from the survey is an honest account for our youth, some good, some not, to point to clear solutions, i.e. more incentives and opportunities from the community, open discussions about the harms of drugs and alcohol, targeted education and intervention around marijuana use for junior and senior high school students and even for elementary students.
Key Findings
- In all categories for junior high and high schoolers, marijuana stood out as a drug that was not considered harmful to health, was more popular among peers and somewhat more approved of by parents, and usage of marijuana was highest.
- Great news! 2024 results showed significant decreases in substance use among high school students.
- This is troubling because research shows that marijuana use as a teen has been linked to a range of mental health problems like depression, anxiety and increased psychosis in those with a family history of it.
- Public awareness and communications around marijuana use for all ages could help.
- Schools are most effective at providing protective factors for youth
- Healthy peer support is increasing across the board
- It is becoming easier for elementary students to access drugs and alcohol but more difficult for older students
- Tribal youth continue to be impacted by Generational Trauma and family history of anti-social behavior
- The Community domain ranks last after School, Peer/Individual and Family domains when it comes to risk and protective factors, meaning that youth report needing:
- to feel safer
- more healthy and safe activities to participate in
- to see less drugs, crime and violence
- to have pride in a community free from graffiti and abandoned buildings
- more adults to care about and encourage them
