Why do people use drugs?

Statistics – Drug use

• 43% of teenagers think smoking is part of growing up.
• 50% of all young people who smoke have tried illegal drugs compared with 2% of young people who do not smoke. (Hope UK)
• In the last 5 years, solvent abuse has killed 5 times more people than cocaine, ecstasy and speed put together.
• “About half of 15 – 16 year olds have tried an illegal drug… which means that half haven’t. So you could say there is a fifty-fifty chance of your child never even trying drugs” (Parents’ Guide to Drugs, Addaction)

Why do people use drugs?

"People don't use drugs only because they are having problems. Some use them for the same reasons they use alcohol”

• They enjoy the short-term effects
• Their friends have tried them or use them
• They want the same kind of experience that they get from drinking a lot of alcohol
• They are curious about the effects
• The drugs are easily available
• As part of growing up, they might want to 'break the rules'
• Because they are bored.

“This doesn't mean that they will become drug addicts or seriously damage their health, although some young people do die from strong adverse reactions. However, taking drugs can become a habit. Some people depend on them just to cope with normal life. Their drug use is likely to have a serious effect on their physical and mental health. Many addicts also resort to theft and burglary to get enough money to pay for drugs and consequently get into trouble with the law." (Mind body and soul - wired for health)