Know the Score - Info & Advice on Drugs In Scotland
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Facts About Drugs
'I guess I'm guilty of double standards. I know I enjoy a drink and that. I just worry more about drugs and what they might get up to when they are out.'
Father of 17-year-old boy.
In 2002, a national survey of school children was conducted in Scotland. This anonymous survey asked young people about drinking, smoking and their experience of drug use.
The survey found:
- 34% of 13 year olds said they had been offered a drug. 13% said they had used a drug.
- 65% of 15 year olds said they had been offered a drug. 37% said they had used a drug.
- Cannabis was the most commonly used drug. 31% of 15 year olds said they had taken it in the last year.
- Over half of 13 year olds said they have been drunk at least once.
- Use of drugs like heroin and cocaine was very rare in this age group (in fact, more 13 and 15 year olds said they had been offered, or had used, solvents).
- Girls and boys who smoked and drank alcohol regularly were more likely to take drugs.
- However 13 and 15 year olds were less likely to take drugs than they were to drink alcohol and get drunk.
Source: Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey 2002.