Nearly two fifths of 15-year-olds take drugs, new research shows

Nearly two fifths of 15-year-olds take drugs according to the
latest statistics released by the department of health.

The research showed 39 per cent of 15-year-olds admitted to
using drugs in the last year, and six per cent of 11-year-olds.

The statistics are divided into two categories: drug misuse
among pupils aged 11 to 15 in England up to 2001, and amongst young
people aged 16 to 24 in England and Wales up to 2000.

The research from last year showed 12 per cent of young people
in England aged between 11 and 15 had used drugs in the last month,
and 20 per cent in the last year.

The research also found that among 11-15-year-olds:-

– Cannabis was the most frequently reported illicit drug, used
in the last year by 13 per cent of children.

– Four per cent had used class A drugs in the last year

There was a higher prevalence of drug use in the older age
group, according to the statistics for the 16-24-year-olds in
England and Wales in 2000. It found 29 per cent had used drugs in
the last year compared to18 per cent in the last month.

Cannabis was still the most commonly used drug, with 26 per cent
admitting to having taken it. One per cent had used heroin.

The 2000 research also found that among 16-24-year-olds:

– Six per cent used amphetamines

– Five per cent used ecstasy

– Nine per cent had used Class A drugs in the last year

The report is available from www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0215.htm