COCAINE, HEROIN ABUSE DECLINING

Cocaine and heroin abuse are diminishing worldwide, but consumption of
amphetamines is growing, the U.N. Office for Drug Control and Crime
Prevention reported. The increase in amphetamine usage in the 1990s
was mainly in Europe and Asia, with developed countries the main
suppliers, the report said.

In the U.S., drug use fell 40% from 1985 to 1999, with cocaine use
down 70%. Officials with the drug agency said that much of the
reduction was the result of increased government spending on
prevention and treatment.