[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 35 (Monday, August 31, 1998)]
[Page 1649]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the 1997 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse

August 21, 1998

    Today's 1997 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse shows that 
while overall drug use remains flat, teen drug use continues to 
represent a serious and growing problem. That is why last month, I 
launched a 5-year, $2 billion youth antidrug media campaign--to use the 
full force of the media to make sure that our children get the message 
that drugs are dangerous, wrong, and can kill you. That is also why I 
have asked Congress to pass a comprehensive drug strategy that aims to 
cut youth drug use in half through better prevention, more effective 
treatment, tougher law enforcement, and improved interdiction. And 
finally, that is a powerful reason why I have tried to do as much as 
possible to curb youth use of tobacco--because as today's survey also 
shows, teen smokers are about 12 times as likely to use illegal drugs as 
those who don't smoke.
    But our efforts depend on all Americans--parents, teachers, coaches, 
and clergy--taking responsibility and talking to our children about the 
dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. If we all take this first and 
important step, we can finally reverse this longstanding trend and help 
keep our Nation's children drug-free.

Note: This statement was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.