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Statistics on young people and drug misuse: England, 2003
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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 2003; information for persons aged 16 to 24 relates to England and Wales up to 2002/03. Some trend information is also included.
- Prevalence of taking drugs in the last year increased slightly between 2002 and 2003 (from 20% to 21%), but prevalence of taking drugs in the last month (12%), was the same as in 2002.
- The prevalence of drug use increased sharply with age: only 8% of 11 year olds had used drugs in the last year compared with 38% of 15 year olds.
- Cannabis was the most frequently reported illicit drug used in the last year, used by 13%.
- One per cent 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 2002/03:
- Prevalence of taking drugs in the last year decreased slightly between 2001/02 and 2002/03 (from 30% to 28%); prevalence of taking drugs in the last month was 18% in 2002/03 (compared with 19% in 2001/02).
- Cannabis was the most frequently reported illicit drug used in the last year, used by 26%.
- In the last year 5% had used ecstasy, 5% cocaine, 4% amphetamines, and 4% poppers, and fewer 1% had used crack
or heroin. In total, 8% had used Class A drugs in the last year.
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