Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Source: Minot Daily News (ND)
Copyright: 2005 Minot Daily News
Contact:  http://www.minotdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2888
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

There has been plenty of bad news in recent months about illicit drug use, 
particularly in regard to highly destructive methamphetamine. But there's a 
little good news for a change from an ongoing federal survey of teenage 
drug and tobacco use: Fewer teens are using illegal drugs and tobacco today 
than was the case a few years ago, according to those that responded to the 
poll. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual 
survey of close to 70,000 people, illegal drug use among those ages 12-17 
dropped from 11.6 percent of the group to 10.6 percent between 2002 and 
2004. Tobacco use also declined slightly, from 30.4 percent of 12- to 
17-year-olds to 29.2 percent.

The survey results serve as confirmation of a very welcome trend that began 
a few years ago: Twenty years of persistent education about the hazards of 
illegal drugs, beginning with former First Lady Nancy Reagan's "Just Say 
No" campaign, seems to be paying off in a somewhat healthier mindset among 
today's teenagers.

 From an early age, most kids have been getting a strong message from 
schools, youth groups and other community organizations that use of illegal 
drugs and tobacco is dangerous and stupid.

There is still far too much illegal drug use, of course, so the battle must 
continue. The instant addictive properties of methamphetamine and the speed 
with which its use can destroy lives calls for especially strong renewal of 
anti-drug efforts. Meth notwithstanding, the overall trend is a good one, 
and it shows the battle against illegal drugs and tobacco use by young 
people is one well worth fighting.

But make no mistake - the fight is not over yet.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman