SURVEY: TEEN DRUG USE DOWN ONE THIRD

One-third fewer teens reported using alcohol, tobacco and illicit
drugs in 2006 than in 2000, according to data released today by the
Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati.

The 2006 Student Drug Use Survey included 52,203 students in grades
7-12 in 10 counties in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
metropolitan region.

"We can see from the data that prevention efforts are working here in
Greater Cincinnati," said Holly James, president and executive
director of the coalition.

According to the data, since 2000:

Beer use is down 28 percent.

Tobacco use is down 33 percent.

Marijuana use is down 27 percent.

The greatest reduction in students starting to use drugs was among
those in middle school, the survey showed.

From 2004 to 2006, the number of youths who reported trying drugs
for the first time dropped 25 percent.

Although the number of students who report using drugs and alcohol
dropped, the data show a 7 percent increase in the number of students
who reported getting caught using, and a 6 percent increase in the
number who reported that they "got into trouble" when they were caught using.

Research has shown that 41 percent of teens who experiment with drugs
in middle school will become regular users by ninth grade.

Other survey findings include:

From 2004 to 2006, 3 percent more youth reported their parents
disapproved of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use from 2004 to 2006.

8 percent more youth reported their peers disapproved of using.

5 percent more youth said their schools are setting clear rules
around alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

11 percent more report their schools enforce drug policies.