Pubdate: Wed, 26 Dec 2001 Source: Pueblo Chieftain (CO) Copyright: 2001 The Star-Journal Publishing Corp. Contact: http://www.chieftain.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1613 HEALTHIER TEENS A study done for the federal government shows that smoking is declining sharply among American teens. Furthermore, the recent sharp increase in the use of the drug ecstasy is slowing, heroin use decreased and a gradual decline in use of inhalants continued in 2001. Lloyd D. Johnston of the University of Michigan, which conducted the study, notes that there have been concerted efforts to curb smoking. That message may be spilling over regarding illicit drug use. Most people who smoke started smoking as teen-agers, so the drop in teen smoking indicates that many fewer health problems associated with the habit can be expected 30 and 40 years hence. Call it a very early Christmas present. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth