ECSTASY USE UP AMONG MARYLAND TEENS

BALTIMORE (AP) - Teen-age use of the drug Ecstasy has almost doubled
in Maryland over the past four years, but fewer youths are abusing
alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, according to a new survey by state
educators.

Educators said they are encouraged by reported decreases in the use
of more traditional drugs, but are concerned about the increase in
the use of Ecstasy, a mixture of a stimulant and a hallucinogen that
is taken as a pill.

"The 2001 survey brings us very good news," state schools
Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick said of the report released Tuesday.
"But even when the news is good, we have to be vigilant and cautious
... waiting for the next drug or debilitating behavior to creep
around the corner."

The percentage of sixth-, eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders who
reported using alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana declined compared
with the earlier survey, done two years ago in every category except
one: eighth-graders using marijuana.

Drug and alcohol abuse by Maryland youths, even before these declined
figure were reported, have been generally lower than the national
average. Educators, however, say they are still concerned by the
findings.

Almost half of Maryland's 12th-graders reported drinking alcohol
during the month before the survey, and almost a third reported
binge- drinking - having five or more drinks in succession.

Among eighth-graders, more than 10 percent reported smoking pot
during the past 30 days and almost 25 percent drank alcohol.

"We have seen significant decreases over our 1998 survey, but we
still have a lot of work to do," said Tina G. Henry, Caroline
County's director of pupil services.

The number of 12th-graders reporting that they have used Ecstasy in
the past 30 days rose from 2.7 percent in 1996 to 4.8 percent -
consistent with national increases.

Lynn E. Linde, the state education department's chief of student
services and alternative programs, called the drug the system's
"current challenge."

"We're trying to tell students about the dangers of Ecstasy, because
they don't perceive Ecstasy is dangerous," she said.

The Maryland Adolescent Survey was given to more than 34,500 students
in 298 schools across the state in April, and had a response rate of
80 percent. The confidential survey asked students about their use of
substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, LSD, crack,
Ritalin, Ecstasy and steroids, as well as their knowledge of the
drugs and their availability.