U.S. Youngsters See Less Harm in Use of Drugs

Only 54% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 believe that there is a great risk associated with trying cocaine once or twice, a report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.

The study, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also said only 49% of those surveyed in 1992 thought smoking a pack or more of cigarettes a day would bring great harm.

In both cases, the youths saw less harm connected to using drugs than the rest of the population.

“These figures indicate a need for continuing and strengthening prevention work, especially among today’s youth,” said Dr. Philip R. Lee, the director of the Public Health Service. “We cannot afford to let any young person in America today grow up and be less than fully aware of the serious consequences of drug use.”