Summit County teen illegal substance use triple state average, survey shows

Photo: Jonah Brown // Unsplash

Most concerning to health officials was the high rate of current use, with 38.7% of Summit County high school seniors reporting alcohol use in the past 30 days compared to just 7.1% statewide

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — More than half of Summit County high school seniors have tried alcohol, and nearly half have tried marijuana, according to the latest Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) survey, revealing significantly higher substance use rates than statewide averages.

The 2023 survey found that approximately 55.5% of 12th graders in Summit County report having tried alcohol at least once in their life, compared to just 18.6% statewide. About 45.7% of Summit County seniors reported having tried marijuana, more than double the state average of 18.7%.

Most concerning to health officials was the high rate of current use, with 38.7% of Summit County high school seniors reporting alcohol use in the past 30 days compared to just 7.1% statewide. Similarly, 24.8% reported using marijuana in the past month versus 8.6% statewide.

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“These numbers clearly demonstrate why our prevention efforts are so critical,” said Pamella Bello-Straus of the Summit County Health Department. “When nearly four times as many of our seniors are using alcohol compared to their peers across Utah, we need to address these challenges head-on.”

The SHARP survey, administered to 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students across Utah every two years, provides insights into substance use, mental health, school climate, and other risk factors. In 2023, 1,020 Summit County students participated in the survey, including 342 sixth-graders, 304 eighth-graders, 253 tenth-graders, and 121 twelfth-graders.

Despite the high usage rates, the survey revealed what Summit County Health officials consider a crucial finding about prevention: parental influence remains powerful. Utah youth consistently report that parental disapproval is the number one reason they choose not to drink.

“Your influence as a parent is powerful,” the Summit County Health Department emphasized in a recent newsletter. “Utah kids report that the number one reason they choose not to drink is because of their parent’s strong disapproval.”

The survey also revealed concerning mental health statistics, with 15% of Summit County students reporting they had seriously considered suicide in the past year and 11.2% making a suicide plan.

Results from the SHARP survey directly influence prevention strategies, funding, and resources allocated to address youth substance use and mental health concerns in the community, according to county health officials.

The 2025 survey will be administered only to students whose parents have opted in. The health department encourages parents who haven’t yet consented to contact their school district and discuss the dangers of substance use with their children.

Parents seeking guidance on discussing alcohol and marijuana use with their children can visit parentsempowered.org and graymatters.org for resources and tips.