FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Blake and Jennifer de Vallance (202) 395-6618
July 19, 2001
PRIDE SURVEY CONFIRMS IMPORTANCE OF
ONDCP MEDIA CAMPAIGN AND DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
(Washington, D.C.)—Upon the release of their 14th annual survey of youth drug use, Office of National Drug Control Policy Acting Director, Edward H. Jurith, commended the National Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education, Inc. (PRIDE) for their research efforts and continuing commitment to assist in the national effort to reduce drug abuse. The 2000–2001 survey will serve as supplemental data to official government statistics on drug use prevalence among youth in grades 6 through 12.
"This year's PRIDE survey confirms the importance of parental involvement in children's lives as one of the key factors in keeping kids off drugs," said Jurith. "Children whose parents talk to them about the dangers of drugs are less likely to abuse them, while those who say their parents never talk to them about substance abuse show higher rates of usage. This highlights the importance of our comprehensive prevention efforts including the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, which not only conveys anti-drug messages to America's youth, but also encourages parents to maintain an open dialogue with their children about drugs."
The PRIDE survey supplements findings from previous national samples, including the Monitoring the Future survey and the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. "The Pride findings reinforce what we already know: youth with strong parental influences and access to local support networks are much less likely to use illegal drugs," said Jurith. "Our Drug-Free Communities Program utilizes the dedication and expertise of community and religious leaders, coaches, teachers, parents, health-care professionals, and others to solidify anti-drug attitudes and empower youth to reject drugs."
Reducing the demand for illegal drugs through education and prevention is a top priority for ONDCP and the administration. "Getting parents involved in their children's lives and promoting local-level programs such as Drug-Free Communities are important tools in keeping youth drug-free and making communities safer," concluded Jurith.
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