STUDENT DRUG USE, DRINKING IN DECLINE

For the first time in more than a decade, smoking, drinking and drug
use have declined significantly among Ontario students, a new study revealed.

The prevalence of student smoking is at its lowest rate (14%) since
the annual survey began in 1977, said Dr. Edward Adlaf, a research
scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, which
conducted the survey.

Although fewer Ontario students in Grades 7-12 are using both legal
and illegal drugs, Dr. Adlaf said he remains concerned about the
number of youths who binge drink and who drink and drive.

The number of youths reporting binge drinking fell from 27% in 1999
to 24% in 2005; but Dr. Adlaf said the drop isn't big enough.

Fourteen per cent of students who are licensed drivers continue to
drink and drive, while even more reported driving within one hour of
smoking cannabis (20%), the study shows.