NATIONAL SURVEY CONNECTS TEENAGE SEX AND DRUG USE

Respondents Weren't Asked Directly, Instead Reported On Friends

WASHINGTON - For teenagers, it appears that sex and drugs do go together,
though the annual survey of U.S. teens didn't ask about rock 'n' roll.

Teenagers who say that at least half their friends are having sex are more
likely to report having tried marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes, according
to a survey funded and released Thursday by the National Center on
Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

The survey asked teenagers between 12 and 17 about their use of illegal
substances. Researchers then looked at other teen activities to see if
those who used drugs had anything else in common.

"This year's survey reveals a tight connection between teen sexual behavior
and substance abuse," said Joseph Califano, president of the Columbia center.

"Parents who become aware of certain dating and sexual behavior by their
children should be alert to the increased likelihood of substance abuse,"
he said.

Unlike other surveys, the one by the Columbia center did not ask teenagers
about their own sexual activity but asked them to estimate how many of
their friends were sexually active.

It was conducted this way because the ethical review board that oversees
the center would not approve of a direct question, said Lauren Duran, a
spokeswoman for the center.

In a separate effort to discourage underage drinking, the children's cable
TV channel Nickelodeon and an advocacy group, The Century Council,
announced an initiative Thursday to reach out to kids and parents.

"Ask, Listen and Learn" aims to educate kids about the issue and to help
parents talk with their kids about underage drinking.

It is to include booklets, Web sites and TV public service ads aimed at
both groups.