The New, Smart, Drug Dealer

In 2008 the United States youth (ages 12- 17) were surveyed regarding their substance use within the preceding 12 months.

• 33.33% had drank alcohol
• 20% had used illicit drugs 

[Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)  http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/185/185TypicalDay.htm]

Now, technology is making it even easier for kids to get access to illegal substances and they can have them shipped straight to their home.

A website known as "Silk Road" has been dubbed the new "eBay" and "Amazon.com" for drugs. The site allows you to select from a variety of illicit substances and have them shipped, inconspicuously, straight to your home.

So why hasn't the government put a stop to it? This is a new, and much smarter, generation of drug dealers. The website can only be accessed through a secret network.

Once "in," patrons use untraceable currency, known as Bitcoins, to purchase their supply of everything from marijuana, to LSD and heroin.

(Source: FOX 40 New http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=18912)

As parents, we have to stay ahead of the game, know what is out there and educate our children on the dangers of substance abuse.