[Drug consumption by students in Basel]

A survey on drug consumption of school children of Basle (age 13-18) was conducted by anonymous questionnaire and involved 50% of the adolescents concerned. Analgesic drugs were taken by almost 60% of pupils, this proportion increased with age and demands of school. Psychosomatic complaints like headache were the most frequent reasons given for the consumption of drugs; alternative treatments for such complaints were unknown to the pupils.