from JAMA
Despite a study showing the death rate from
drugs, alcohol and mental disorders with
alarming increases since 1980, another study
suggests teen substance abuse shows a
promising decline. The journal JAMA reported
on causes and numbers of deaths in more
than three thousand counties. The study
found the causes of death were similar, but
the number of deaths varied widely by county,
even in the same state. Meanwhile, the
National Institutes of Health showed
continuation of a long-term decline by teens of
many illicit substances, including marijuana,
alcohol, tobacco and misuse of prescription
medications. Director of the National Drug
Control Policy, Michael Botticelli, urges further
efforts to prevent and treat teen drug abuse.