Readers may print a single copy for personal use. No further reproduction or distribution of the articles should proceed without the permission of the publisher. However, if we, as a society, really want to get to the heart of these problems, we will have to change fundamental aspects of our society and culture. Despite many years of political action, it is arguable that none of these issues has been adequately addressed, as the developments of the past year make clear. We are still losing the war against drugs.
Crime remains a serious social problem.
The epidemic of youth suicide continues. These trends occurred, even though fewer suicide attempts today are fatal, par ticularly those involving poisoning. Although suicide is an uncommon event, new research is revealing the extent to which it is the tip of the iceberg of psychological distress and disturbance among young people. A similar situation exists in other Western nations. The damage may be near-term and vivid, or it may be delayed, like a time bomb set in youth.