The rate of illicit drug use remained stable last year in the United States, but there could be a resurgence in the use of ecstasy and LSD among young adults, the federal government reported Thursday. Officials said overall drug use trends are encouraging, particularly for youth, reports the Associated Press. About 9.8% of those ages 12-17 acknowledged drug use in the past month, a level comparable to the year before. However, that’s a significant drop from the 11.6% who acknowledged drug use in 2002.
The government conducts an annual survey of about 67,500 people to monitor drug use, tobacco and alcohol in the United States. About 14.6 million people ages 12 and older used marijuana in the past month, while 9.6 million used illicit drugs other than marijuana. The use of hallucinogens among youth remained stable last year, the survey indicated. But there was an increase in the use of ecstasy among those ages 18 to 25. In that camp, 3.8% reported the use of ecstasy within the past year. The year before, 3.1% acknowledged ecstasy use.
Link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-09-06-drug-use_N.htm