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Statistics on young people and drug misuse: England, 2000 and 2001
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Last modified date:8 February 2007
This bulletin presents information on reported drug misuse among young people aged under 25 years from two key published sources. Information for pupils aged 11 to 15 relates to England up to 2001; information for persons aged 16 to 24 relates to England and Wales up to 2000. Some trend information is also included.
Summary
Among 11 to 15 year olds in England in 2001:
- 12% had used drugs in the last month, and 20% had used drugs in the last year
- The prevalence of drug use increased sharply with age: only 6% of 11 year olds had used drugs in the last year compared with two fifths (39%) of 15 year olds.
- Cannabis was the most frequently reported illicit drug used in the last year, used by 13%.
- One percent had used heroin in the last year and 1% had used cocaine. In total, 4% had used Class A drugs in the last year.
Among 16 to 24 year olds in England and Wales in 2000:
- 29% had used drugs in the last year and 18% in the last month.
- 26% had used cannabis in the last year, 6% amphetamines, 5% ecstasy, 5% cocaine, 4% poppers, 1% heroin and 1% crack. In total, 9% had used Class A drugs in the last year.
- The proportion who had used drugs in the last year was at the same level in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000 (29%). The only drug to show a significant increase in misuse between 1994 and 2000 was cocaine (from 1% to 5% for use in the last year).
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