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Aurora Youth Substance Use:
What the Numbers Reveal
From vaping to prescription misuse, find out what local data tells us about youth substance use and how we can build safer futures together.
SEE THE NUMBERS.
Youth substance use in Aurora is evolving.
Explore youth substance use trends in Aurora through real data from the
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. Click each tab to dive into a specific insight.
How Easy Is It to Get Substances?
Where are teens getting substances—and how easy is it for them? This section breaks down students' perceptions of how accessible different substances are, including vape products, alcohol, THC, and prescription drugs. See how access has shifted over the years and what it means for prevention efforts.
How dangerous do teens think substance use really is? This section explores how students perceive the risks of using substances like THC, alcohol, vape, and prescription medications. You’ll see how their views have evolved over time and what these perceptions can tell us about behavior.
Do Teens Think
It’s Risky?
What Do
Parents Think?
Students were asked how strongly they feel their parents disapprove of them using substances. The data highlights the power of parental influence—and shows how parent and peer attitudes impact student decision-making across all types of substance use.
This section focuses on vaping trends and how they intersect with school environments. From how easy it is to get vape products to how often students refuse them, the data reveals real implications for student wellness, behavior, and policy at school.
Vaping &
School Life
Tried Before Age13 –
Substance Use Trends
At what age do students first try substances? This section looks at the percentage of students who tried vape, alcohol, or THC before age 13. It tracks early initiation trends across the last three data cycles—and highlights where things are improving and where concern remains.
This section presents lifetime use data—how many students report ever trying substances like vape, alcohol, THC, or prescription drugs. It's a snapshot of broad exposure across high schoolers and an important lens for prevention and education.
Have Students Ever Used Substances?
What You Can Do
As a parent or guardian, your involvement matters. Talk early. Talk often. Stay curious, not critical.
Together, we can protect growing minds and help our teens make healthy, informed choices.