For the first time in 12 years, drug, alcohol and tobacco use among Tristate teens is declining, according to the 2002 Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati survey.

        Except for alcohol, local usage figures are lower than national averages, according to survey results released Monday by Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, coalition chairman.

SURVEY SAMPLE

Here's a sample of results from the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati:   • Less than 5 percent of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use is happening in school buildings.   • The average age of first use for youth in this region is 12.3 years old.   • There is a 52 percent reduction in use among students whose parents set and enforce clear and consistent rules about substance abuse, compared to 46 percent in 2000.   • There is a 54 percent reduction in use among youth who are actively involved in their church, compared to 41 percent in 2000.   • There is a 49 percent reduction in use among students who participate in school clubs and sports, compared to 40 percent in 2000.   • Use increases most dramatically in the middle school years. Between the 7th and 9th grades, tobacco and marijuana use triple, and alcohol use quadruples.   • There is a 20 percent decrease in the number of youth who report that their parents talk to them about drugs.   • Ecstasy use is an emerging trend that concerns coalition leaders. Three percent of students reported having used ecstasy in the past 30 days, compared with 2 percent in 2000.

        “We're making progress, but we need to do more,” Mr. Portman said. “The levels are still unacceptably high. We need to keep our eye on the ball because we know when we stop focusing on prevention, drug use goes up.”

        More than 67,000 students in 123 elementary, middle and high schools in nine counties were surveyed.Surveys were conducted in schools in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Brown, Warren, Adams, Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties.

        The number of Greater Cincinnati 7th-12th graders who report regular use of alcohol has decreased 24 percent since 2000, the last year students were surveyed.

        A significant reduction has also occurred in youth cigarette and marijuana use in the past two years, according to the survey. Since 2000, cigarette smoking has declined 28 percent and marijuana use has fallen 13 percent.

        Ebony Duncan, a 17-year old Princeton High School junior and a member of the Youth Advisory Council, a state anti-tobacco campaign, said she sees a more kids shunning drugs and alcohol than a few years ago.

        “I think it's primarily because there's a lot more information out there, and so many more people are standing up and saying "No.' A lot of kids, especially athletes, are saying they're not going to get involved in drugs, alcohol or tobacco.”

        She's noticed the biggest decreases in alcohol and drug use, but not as much in tobacco. “I think maybe the tobacco issue is just starting to get attention.”

        Mr. Portman disagreed with U.S. Drug Czar John Walters, who last week labeled the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign ineffective.

        “I take great issue with those who say the ads are not working,” he said. “They work for us. Those kids who have seen these ads are using drugs less than those who have not.”

        The survey showed that among youth who report seeing anti-drug messages regularly, there was a 16 percent reduction in tobacco use, 19 percent reduction in alcohol use and 20 percent reduction in marijuana use.

        Although the coalition is encouraged by survey results, Rhonda Ramsey Molina, president/CEO of the coalition, outlined several areas of continued concern that merit attention:

        • Increasing perception of harm among youth. As perception of harm decreases, use increases.

        • Increasing parent involvement.

        • Prevention interventions in the middle school years.

        “We have not won this fight, yet,” she said. “One in three seventh-graders are experimenting with drugs. Way too many.”

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