Growing drug problem at Smithfield High School raises alarms but not funding

The Smithfield Times, Inc., 2015
Substance abuse among teenagers exists in every community and is creating a public health problem of epidemic proportions in Rhode Island. Whether rich or poor, teens under the age of 18 are using alcohol and illicit drugs to get high—sometimes during the school day—even right here in Smithfield. Smithfield High School students have a higher rate of substance abuse than the state average, ranking the town near the top of school-age drug abusers, according to the Rhode Island Community Profile. The study identifies the illegal substances of choice for local high school students as marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs (not prescribed by a doctor), and other drugs, including cocaine.