The NLCCC Community Survey has been administered to New London adults seven times since 2008. A total of 220 responses were recorded as a result of the two-page questionnaire. Comparisons were made with previous surveys to draw conclusions.
The NLCCC consists of members representing 12 different sectors of the community including youth, schools, youth-serving organizations, parents, civic or volunteer groups, media, businesses, religious and fraternal organizations, law enforcement, agencies reducing substance abuse, healthcare professionals, state or local government agencies.
The New London Youth Survey was given to teens in grades 9-12 in October 2020 with the help of New London Public Schools. The survey asked the youth about their use of substances like Marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and risky behaviors.
In general, lifetime and 30-day substance use among New London teens in grades 9-12 tend to be lower than the closest national rates. Recent use of alcohol and tobacco have both tended to decrease over time. However, recent use of marijuana and misuse of prescription drugs have tended to remain the same.
Based on reported lifetime use rates, alcohol remains the most commonly reported substance of use among New London youth. Overall 31% of teens report ever having used alcohol in their lifetime while 8% say they drank alcohol in the past 30 days.
Electronic cigarettes are an emerging issue and are now the most commonly used form of nicotine among youth in the United States. Their easy availability, alluring advertisements, various e-liquid flavors, and the belief that they’re safer than cigarettes have helped make them appealing to teens.
Recent use and misuse of prescription drugs among New London teens in grades 11-12 have tended to remain the same.