DRUG, ALCOHOL USE DIPS AMONG TEENS

Fewer California teens are experimenting with drugs, alcohol and
cigarettes, according to a new statewide survey released Wednesday.

The two-year study also showed fewer "heavy users" and decreased use
of marijuana, LSD and Ecstasy among 11th-graders.

The California Student Survey was sponsored by the state attorney
general's office, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and the
Department of Education.

Jack O'Connell, state superintendent of public instruction, hailed the
news as evidence that state programs aimed at changing behavior work.

The drop in alcohol and drug use among teens in seventh, ninth and
11th grades ranged from 3 percent to 6 percent in some categories.
Other measures of teen substance use were unchanged from 2001-02 results.

The biennial survey, conducted since 1985, queried 10,351 randomly
selected students at 112 middle and high schools.