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News
Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2002
For further information, contact:
Thomas Hinojosa 202-307-7977
National
Household Survey on Drug Abuse
DEA's Response to
Results
"The results from
the new National Household survey on drug abuse call all Americans to action
in the fight against drugs. The survey shows we have work to do. This is
an opportunity for communities across America to become more engaged to
lessen the grasp of drugs in America. I challenge communities -- parents,
families, schools, businesses, churches, and community leaders - to join
in finding neighborhood solutions to this worldwide problem," said
DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson.
Despite the results
that indicate some drug use is up, Administrator Hutchinson emphasized we must
keep our perspective. Overall, this country has had tremendous success
in reducing drug use and helping young people make the right decisions.
We've reduced drug use by 50% in the last 20 years and cocaine use by
75% in the last 15 years.
The Household statistics
show that some of the drugs being abused more frequently are those that
are falsely believed to be safe. We are facing a tremendous knowledge
gap about the very real dangers of drugs, like Ecstasy and marijuana.
DEA is joining our prevention and treatment partners to close that gap
and ensure that every teen understands the painful consequences of drug
use.
"More than
ever, the study demonstrates that we need to help those caught in the
grip of addiction. Treatment works, and by helping addicts heal, we can
reduce the demand for drugs and build a drug-free America," Hutchinson
concluded. |