Teenagers' Use of Drugs Dipped in '98
08/19/99
Illicit drug use by American teenagers dropped sharply last year, with less than one in 10 youths now saying they use cocaine, marijuana or other illegal drugs, according to a federal survey released yesterday.
While illegal drug use across all age groups remained steady, the decline in teen use marked a significant departure from what had been nearly a decade-long rise in use among youngsters and was swiftly heralded by Clinton administration officials.
"In the battle against illicit drugs, we've turned the corner," said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala, who presented the findings at a news conference with National Drug Control Policy Director Barry R. McCaffrey.
Cigarettes
