SURVEY: DRUG USE DOWN AMONG REVERE TEENS

REVERE -- A 5-year study released last week showed a slight decrease in the
amount of city teens who try smoking cigarettes and using drugs.

But the number of kids who indulge in alcoholic beverages has not changed,
according to the report.

Revere Cares, a coalition dedicated to reducing substance use among the
city's youth, conducted the survey with Revere High School students in
1997, 1999 and 2001.

From 1999 to 2001, the study showed more students were reluctant to take
up smoking or use drugs.

According to the study, 69 percent of teens tried smoking cigarettes in
1999 and only 64 percent in 2001, while 54 percent tried marijuana in 1999
and 51 percent in 2001. Eleven percent of students tried cocaine in 1999
and 9 percent in 2001.

In addition, the study showed Revere Police have made more teen arrests
over the past five years for substance abuse and more teens have been
placed in rehabilitation centers and have seen a therapist since 1997.

Despite the results for tobacco and drug use, first-time alcohol users
increased from 80 percent in 1999 to 83 percent in 2001. Binge drinkers
have remained steady at approximately 40 percent. Students who drink to get
intoxicated stayed at approximately 65 percent and teens who drank within
30 days prior to filling out the 2001 survey remained at approximately 60
percent.

In addition, Revere teens' tobacco, alcohol and drug use rates are higher
than the state average, according to the Revere Teen Health Survey,
conducted by Revere Public Schools and the Massachusetts Youth Risk
Behavior Survey, conducted by the state Department of Education in
collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Kitty Bowman, director of Revere CARES, said the survey indicates the
organization, which has made countless efforts to reduce substance abuse in
the city are moving in the right direction.

"I think we are most proud of the action we've taken in the last five
years. These accomplishments are attributed to the modest results."

From 1997-2002, Revere CARES has organized several education and
prevention activities for teen-agers, including Revere Teens CARE Youth
Group, Youth Zone Teen Center, Summer Job Fairs and Kayaking at Revere
Beach. The coalition has also worked to initiate a zero tolerance policy
that sets punishment guidelines for substance abusing teens. In addition,
Revere Cares has created programs for high school students, middle school
students, families and the community.

Police Chief Terence Reardon, who is part of the coalition, said spreading
awareness to community members, parents and teen-agers is the key to
creating a safe and healthy environment.

Bowman said Revere CARES will continue to create programs for children and
will target underage drinking in the next 2 years.

Along with Revere Cares, Reardon said the Police Department would also
continue doing their best to rid the streets of drugs and booze.

"We're trying to hold up our end. We're making arrests, patrolling liquor
establishments (and) working with MADD to do liquor store checks," he said.