News

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