NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - An annual survey released on Wednesday of teenagers as they head back to school said those who are active in their faith are less likely to use drugs, drink, or smoke than those that are not active.

      The report, "Back to School 1998 - The CASA National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse IV," also found that a majority of youths between 12 and 17 years old say drugs are their primary concern and most also say drugs are used, kept, and sold at their schools.

      Joseph Califano, president of the National Center on Addition and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, said this year's survey was the first to draw a distinction between religious active and non-active teens. He said the findings are an opportunity for clergy. "I hope they just grab it and run with it, because they can do a tremendous amount to free our kids and help our kids deal with this problem that they face," he added.