The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health found little overall change in past-month use of illicit drugs in 2007, although use of cocaine and methamphetamine did decline, the Associated Press reported Sept. 4.

Use of illicit drugs dipped from 8.3 percent of Americans ages 12 and older in 2006 to 8 percent in 2007. Adolescent drug use fell from 9.8 percent in 2006 to 9.5 percent in 2007, the survey found, but past-month use of illicit drugs among those ages 50-59 rose from 4.3 percent to 5 percent. Marijuana was by far the most popular illicit drug among all age groups.

The findings are based on interviews with more than 67,000 Americans.

The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy credited the decline in cocaine and methamphetamine use to decreased supply of these drugs, resulting in higher prices and reduced purity. Critics disputed government claims of progress in fighting drug abuse, however, and a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report concluded that use of cocaine, marijuana and other illicit drugs is a bigger problem in the U.S. than in any of the other 16 nations studied.

"Use of marijuana and other drugs naturally fluctuates and if you look at long-term trends, current rates are smack in the middle of the range they've been in for decades," said Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy Project. "There is simply no evidence that current policies ... have made any difference."

"The use of drugs seems to be a feature of more affluent countries," noted the WHO report. "The U.S., which has been driving much of the world's drug research and drug policy agenda, stands out with higher levels of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis, despite punitive illegal drug policies as well as a higher minimum legal alcohol drinking age than many comparable developed countries."

More information: SAMHSA news release