The 1995 figures were slightly higher than those in 1989, when 63.2 percent of student respondents said those drugs were available at their school. With increasing availability of drugs at school, it is not surprising that drug use is on the rise as well. While illegal drug use for high school seniors fell dramatically during the 1980's and early 1990's, it has begun to rise again. A report from The Condition of Education 1997 found that while high school seniors' use of cocaine fell from 12 percent in 1981 to 3 percent in 1992, it increased to 5 percent in 1996. Similarly, marijuana use, down to 22 percent in 1992, shot up to 36 percent in 1996.
Consumption of alcohol is another issue that places youth at risk.
Underage drinking is not limited to high school. This high use of alcohol among youth can have dangerous consequences. Parents, schools, and communities need to say to our young people with one voice that underage drinking can jeopardize health and lifetime prospects. Cigarette smoking likewise continues to be a problem among teens. If students are to have the best opportunity to attain their academic and personal potential, schools must continue to be vigilant in their efforts to educate students about potential risks of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, attempt to eliminate illegal drugs from their schools, and provide assistance and referrals to students who have substance-abuse problems.