RELIGIOUS TEENS LESS LIKELY DRUG USERS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- A new survey indicates teenagers who are
religiously active are less likely to use drugs, drink or smoke than
teens who aren't active in religion.

``Back to School 1998 - The CASA National Survey of American Attitudes
on Substance Abuse IV'' was released in Washington today.

Joseph Califano, the president of the National Center on Addiction and
Substance Abuse at Columbia University tells United Press
International, ``This is the first time we surveyed in a way that we
could draw out the distinction between kids who attend religious
service regularly and those who don't.''

He called the findings a ``tremendous opportunity for America's
clergy.''

Califano said, ``I hope they just grab it and run with it, because
they can do a tremendous amount to free our kids and help our kids
deal with this problem that they face.''

For the fourth year in a row, 12- to 17-year-old youths say drugs are
the No. 1 problem they face. For the third year in a row, there has
been an increase in the percentage of high school students who say
drugs are used, kept and sold at their schools.

Califano noted, ``For the first time, a majority of middle school
students say drugs are used, kept and sold at their schools.''

The 1998 CASA study, conducted during May, June and July by The Luntz
Research Companies, surveyed 1,000 teenagers ages 12 to 17, and had a
margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.

It also surveyed 824 teachers and 822 principals and had a margin of
error of plus or minus 3.5 percent.

The survey was funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry