One mother said she didn't care about marijuana, that she had done marijuana in college. Experts said parents' past drug experiences often give them a false sense of security. Marijuana today is far more chemically potent than in the 1960s, they said, and youngsters using drugs in their early teens are far more vulnerable to addiction than are older users. If you make it to 20 without drinking or using drugs, there is almost zero chance of becoming addicted. Early use increases the odds phenomenally.
Officials worry, however.
Federal funding for drug education and treatment has faced stiff congressional opposition in recent years, and television and radio broadcast time for anti-drug announcements has fallen by 30 percent since 1990. Monday, anti-drug leaders endorsed a new campaign against heroin use, citing falling awareness among young people as a key factor. According to national surveys, they said, only 50 percent of youngsters 12 to 17 years old believe heroin poses a serious health risk. There has been a public burnout. We're talking about a long-term engagement, and that's not very sexy.