DRUG and substance abuse has declined in schools from 2004 to 2010, according to a survey released by the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council รน NSAAC.
And the positive outcome has been attributed to the collective effort of government organisations and stakeholders who have worked together to educate students on the impact of drug abuse.
The Global Youth Tobacco survey adopted by the World Health Organisation showed that consumption of tobacco among students had decreased by 7 per cent while alcohol declined by 13 per cent, yaqona by 16 per cent and marijuana by 8 per cent.
Council director Misaele Driubalavu said the survey was carried out in 29 secondary schools nationwide with a total of 2141 students involved.
"The survey also showed that some students had practised rubber smoking, glue and benzene sniffing," Mr Driubalavu said.
"The survey further showed that 3 per cent of students practise rubber smoking, 10 per cent sniff glue and 13 per cent sniff benzene.
"We are working towards discouraging students from abusing drugs and other substances with the guidance of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Act of 1998."
Mr Driubalavu said while the onus was on every student to take the first step in controlling drug abuse, he thanked the Health Ministry, Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, UN Women and the police for joining their fight against such issues.