Teen Drug Use Levels Off - Brief Article

Camping Magazine, Jan, 2000

After years of steady increase, teen's use of illicit drugs declined or leveled off from 1997 to 1999, according to a recent study released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA). Marijuana use showed a slight but steady decline, and for the first time since 1993, the reported use of cocaine and crack declined.

Researchers credited the decline in part to a change in teen attitudes toward drug use. "Culture is disassociating 'coolness' from drug use," says Barbara Delaney, senior vice president and director of research for PDFA. "Cultural icons -- especially musicians and actors -- are less likely to be seen as purveyors of marijuana and drug 'coolness.' "

While these results are encouraging, "it's too early to declare a major turn-around in drug-related attitudes and drug use," says James E. Burke, chairman of PDFA.