Eurobarometer: Young people and drugs in Europe

Drug use and drug-related problems continue to be a major concern for EU citizens, as well as being a significant public health and public safety issue. Around one quarter of the adult population is estimated to have used illicit drugs at some point in their lifetime, with cannabis the most commonly used substance.

Drug experimentation often starts in the school years, and it is estimated that one in four 15-16 year-olds have used an illicit drug. Although progress has been made in recent years, drug overdose remains one of the major causes of avoidable mortality in young citizens.

This survey builds on the work of previous reports (Special Eurobarometer 172 in 2002, Flash Eurobarometer 158 in 2004, Flash Eurobarometer 233 in 2008, and Flash EB 330 in 2011) in exploring young people’s perceptions of and attitudes towards drugs, including:

• Self-reported use of cannabis and new substances that imitate the effects of illicit drugs.
• Sources of information about drugs, including their effects and the associated risks.
• Perceived ease of availability of drugs.
• The perceived health risks associated with occasional or regular use of various drugs, including alcohol and tobacco.
• The appropriate legal status of a range of currently illegal drugs, as well as alcohol and tobacco.
• Opinions about the best ways for authorities to tackle drug problems.

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