Editorial: Mixed bag is found on illegal drug use

Friday, Aug. 20, 1999 | 5:34 a.m.

The federal government released Wednesday its annual drug abuse survey and officials quickly trumpeted the report's finding that drug use by young people dropped between 1997 and 1998. Based on interviews with 25,000 people, the survey found that 9.9 percent of those in the 12 to 17 age group had used illegal drugs, a decrease from the 11.4 percent reported in 1997.

While that was good news, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services downplayed other statistics that are distressing. For instance, the survey found that 16.1 percent of those aged 18 to 25 had used an illegal drug in the past month. In addition, in 1998 this same age group saw cocaine use rise, from 1.2 percent in 1997 to 2 percent last year. Unlike those who are younger and more receptive to anti-drug education efforts, those who are older and started using drugs at an earlier age are less likely to resist the temptation now, according to experts.

The survey also found that while drug use among whites of all ages dipped from 6.4 percent in 1997 to 6.1 percent in 1998, it increased for some minority groups. The percentage of Hispanics who used drugs was 6.1 percent in 1998, up from 5.9 percent; blacks saw a similar trend, with 8.2 percent using drugs last year, up from 1997's 7.5 percent.

While it is encouraging that aggressive drug education efforts seem to be working with those who are younger, we shouldn't be lulled into thinking we've turned the corner in seriously denting drug use among all Americans. It is obvious not everyone is getting the message. Parents, churches, social organizations, government and other groups should reassess the methods being used to see if there are better and more innovative ways to get people not to use illegal drugs.