Barry McCaffrey

In the following viewpoint, Barry McCaffrey contends that a significant percentage of adolescents are abusing illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. According to McCaffrey, one out of every four high school seniors has used an illegal drug at least once during the past month, while approximately 12 percent of eighth graders have used drugs in the same time period. McCaffrey argues that while marijuana is the most frequently abused drug, the increased rates of heroin, cocaine, and hallucinogenic use are of particular concern because of the deadly nature of these substances. He also asserts that millions of teenagers smoke and drink regularly, both of which are risk factors for drug use. McCaffrey was the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy during President Bill Clinton’s administration.

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