Kids Say Sports, Hobbies Help Them Avoid Drugs

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When asked what anti-drug efforts work,
American children point to family ties, sports and hobbies as their
personal "anti-drugs," according to survey findings released by the
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Among more than 25,000 kids ages 9 to 17 who were surveyed as part of
the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, some key factors standing
between them and drugs were family, sports participation,
volunteerism, and hobbies such as music and dancing. Many kids also
said their personal values and life goals were keeping them away from
drugs.

According to the ONDCP, the responses underscore findings from a 1999
federal survey that suggested nearly three-quarters of 12- to
17-year-olds have never tried an illegal drug.

"From sports to school, from youth organizations to relationships,
from faith to hobbies, from healthy lifestyle to food, kids told us in
many ways what is more important in their lives than drugs," ONDCP
director Barry McCaffrey said in a statement.

According to McCaffrey, the fact that so many kids pointed to their
families as their main "anti-drug" shows the impact adults have on
kids.

"The words and actions of parents, or other adult influencers, are
more effective than they may think in keeping their children away from
drugs," he said.

According to the ONDCP, parents can help their kids steer clear of
drugs by encouraging their hobbies and activities that "become their
children's Anti-Drugs."