SURVEY FINDS HIGHER DRUG USE AMONG KIDS NOT LIVING WITH MOM

Sixth-to 12th-graders who live in single-dad homes are more likely than
others to use drugs, according to a survey released Thursday.

The survey, by a division of an Atlanta-based anti-drug organization, also
found that high schoolers' use of such drugs as heroin, Ecstasy and
marijuana increased - reversing a three-year decline in overall drug use.
Meanwhile, cigarette and alcohol use dropped to a 13-year low.

The survey was conducted at schools that contracted with PRIDE Surveys -
an arm of the Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education - to
question students during the 2000-01 academic year. More than 75,000
students nationwide answered questionnaires anonymously, using pencils to
fill in circles on a double-sided answer sheet.

This was the 14th annual survey, but officials said it was the first time
their group broke down the numbers to look at children who live with their
mothers only, fathers only and stepparents.

The survey found that 38.4 percent of students who lived with their fathers
only said they used drugs. The percentages for other family structures
were: father and stepmother, 31.9 percent; mother and stepfather, 29.8
percent; mother only, 28.3 percent; and both parents, 20.4 percent.

Thomas Gleaton, president of PRIDE Surveys, said the results aren't meant
to bash fathers. Rather, he believes the results are a comment on the
importance of a mother's role.

ON THE WEB: Pride Surveys: http://www.pridesurveys.com/