Regular readers of this forum are familiar with our abiding interest in the health and welfare of young people.
Consequently, we were encouraged by a national news story reporting that tobacco, alcohol and drug use among teens continues its downward trend.
Regular tobacco use - defined as at least monthly - nearly halved between 2002-2013, according to a Washington Post story distributed by The Associated Press. The story, citing figures from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reported a similar decline in the recreational use of prescription painkillers.
Regular alcohol consumption among teens ages 12-17 dropped from 17.6 percent to 11.6 percent during the same decade, and teen marijuana use also has declined.
The Post story quoted Peter Delany saying: "We're seeing really exciting numbers in terms of the 12- to 17-year-olds across the country. We see illicit drug use down significantly from 2009. We see marijuana starting to trend downward. Hallucinogens and inhalants are also down slightly." Delany is the director of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Another significant aspect of the data is that it's based on the results of the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, considered an authoritative survey because of its scope.
Some of the findings regarding the decline in marijuana use among teens are notable, particularly as more states are legalizing the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana.
Regarding risk, the survey found that although the perceived risk of marijuana use has declined among adolescents, overall rates of teen use have dropped, not increased.
In addition, researchers believe declines in tobacco use are linked to decreased marijuana use. Another factor is teens are more likely to say marijuana is difficult to obtain today than a decade ago.
The findings indicate education and awareness campaigns on tobacco, alcohol and drug use are working.
Young people not only are hearing the message, they are embracing it.
And that means fewer people will be saddled with the many consequences that are caused by tobacco use or alcohol or drug abuse.