American Notes DRUGS

Experts have long contended that the best way to win the war on drugs is to reduce demand for illegal substances. Last week a study by the University of Michigan indicated that drug use is diminishing -- at least among high school seniors. Only 2.8% of seniors polled admitted using cocaine during the previous month. The best news is that antidrug education programs appear to be taking hold. Last year 54.9% of the seniors said they believed sampling cocaine only once or twice is risky. Three years ago, only 33.5% thought so.

CHART: NOT AVAILABLE

CREDIT: TIME Chart

CAPTION: Percent of high school students who have used these drugs in the past 30 days

MARIJUANA

COCAINE