Pubdate: Sat, 20 Dec 2003
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2003 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Mark Sherman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/walters.htm (Walters, John)

TEENS TURN FROM DRUGS, NOT BOOZE

WASHINGTON (AP) -- American teenagers are cutting back on their use of 
illicit drugs and cigarettes, but alcohol consumption is holding steady, 
the government says. A survey of eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders done for 
the Department of Health and Human Services, found declines in many kinds 
of drugs for high school students, especially for Ecstasy and LSD.

Overall, the Bush administration said the annual survey funded by the 
National Institute on Drug Abuse showed an 11 percent drop in illegal drug 
use in the past two years.

The survey, known as Monitoring the Future, tracked drug use and attitudes 
among 48,500 students from 392 schools.

There was one troubling sign: slowing declines in the use of certain drugs 
by eighth graders -- and a slight increase in their use of inhalants, said 
Lloyd D. Johnston, who directed the study by the University of Michigan's 
Institute for Social Research.

Marijuana Still Popular

Marijuana remains by far the most widely used illegal drug. Monitoring the 
Future reported that it had been tried at least once by 46 percent of 12th 
graders and used by more than a third in the past year.

Both numbers showed a decrease over last year.

"More kids are seeking treatment for marijuana dependency than all other 
drugs combined," John Walters, director of the White House Office of 
National Drug Control Policy, said at a news conference.

Tobacco Use Declines

The percentage of teens who smoke cigarettes has fallen dramatically from 
the mid-1990s, the result of advertising campaigns and the rise in 
cigarette prices. But the survey showed that, among 8th- and 10th-graders, 
the decline slowed significantly.

William V. Corr, executive director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said 
the numbers reflect a "lack of federal leadership on tobacco prevention" 
and decisions by cash-strapped states to cut their prevention program.
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