New York, NY—December 12, 2008—Overall rates of illicit drug use among teenagers continued to gradually decline this year, according to the 2008 Monitoring the Future study (MTF) released today in Washington, D.C. The study measures past year use of a variety of drugs and alcohol, along with attitudinal measures such as perceived risk and availability of substances among 8th, 10th and 12th graders.

Steroid use, in particular, has experienced a notable decline. Steroid use peaked among 12th graders in 2001, and since that time, use has declined by one-third among that age group. Among 8th and 10th graders, steroid use has dropped by half over the seven-year period. Additionally, over the past five years, there has been an increase in the proportion of 12th graders who report seeing “great risk” in trying steroids.

Contributing to these positive trends are the combined educational efforts of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (the Partnership) and Major League Baseball (MLB). Over the last decade, MLB and the Partnership have created educational messages to inspire youth to live and play drug-free, while urging parents, coaches and mentors to talk about the risks of drugs—including steroids—with the kids in their lives. MLB has allocated more than $20 million of television, print, radio and online advertising to communicate these important messages nationwide.

Earlier this year, the Partnership and Major League Baseball collaborated on a first-of- its-kind microsite focused on educating teens on the dangers of illegal steroids and other performance enhancing substances (PES). The site, at drugfree.org/playhealthy, also provides parents, caregivers and coaches with tools to guide conversations with teens and drive home the message that it’s not worth the health risks of PES to get ahead in sports.

“Major League Baseball has helped make steroids an important part of discussions between parents and teens about drugs and alcohol. It’s gratifying to see the continued positive results of the efforts we’ve made to reduce this dangerous behavior and help teens understand the risks,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership.

“We are very pleased that the messages we have crafted with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America warning the youth of America and their parents about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances are resulting in declining use,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H,. (Bud) Selig. “Major League Baseball is dedicated to this important program and will continue its efforts.”

For more information about steroid abuse and the collaboration between the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and Major League baseball, please visit http://www.drugfree.org/playhealthy.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization that unites parents, renowned scientists and communications professionals to help families raise healthy children. Best known for its research-based national public education programs, the Partnership motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol, and to find help and treatment for family and friends in trouble.