DRUG-ABUSE DECLINE

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police was delighted to see the
latest results from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
showing that youth drug use has decreased slightly over the past year.
But I caution everyone--parents, teachers and other adults--not to
become complacent with these results.

Although the percentage of youth ages 12-17 having used drugs dropped
from 11.4 to 9.9 percent, substance abuse is still a widespread problem.

As children are now back in school, the number of situations increase
where substance-abuse opportunities may present themselves. That is
why substance-abuse prevention efforts must be sustained, even
intensified, in order to continue producing tangible progress.

The ISP continues to work tirelessly in its efforts to impact youth
substance abuse through vigorous statewide enforcement, drug
interdiction and prevention education.

Foremost in the agency's strategy focusing on youth substance abuse is
the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) school-based
curriculum. The Illinois State Police is also committed to its
involvement in the largest substance-abuse prevention campaign ever
undertaken in our state.

Entering its second year, Illinois. . .Get in the kNOw is a statewide
substance-abuse prevention campaign, which carries prevention messages
to youth ages 10-17. For prevention information, call the campaign hot
line at 800-252-8951, extension 222.

Ultimately I hope substance-abuse prevention efforts such as this
campaign will help young people and adults better understand the
realities of drugs.

Sam W. Nolen, Director,
Illinois State Police