October 20, 1999

Factors in teen drug use noted
___WASHINGTON (BP)--Close relationships with both parents, regular attendance at religious services and drug-free schools are factors that result in teenagers being far less likely to use drugs, according to a new survey.
___The fifth annual report by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse showed the teens who are safest from the risk of using drugs "are those living in two-parent homes who have an excellent or very good relationship with both parents, eat dinner and attend religious services regularly as a family, go to 'both parents equally' when they have important decisions to make, have discussed illegal drugs with both parents and report their mom and dad are 'equally' demanding" in terms of grades, homework and behavior.
___The survey of young people ages 12 to 17 also found those who attend schools where drugs are kept, used or sold are twice as likely to abuse drugs, including alcohol, as students in drug-free schools. They are three times as likely to smoke cigarettes and three times as likely to have tried marijuana. The research was based on interviews with 2,000 young people.

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