Substance use among schoolchildren in the north of England

A confidential and anonymous survey of 3623 adolescents was carried out in eight schools (six state comprehensive and two independent) in Newcastle upon Tyne. The survey enquired about cigarette use, alcohol consumption and illicit drug use together with key demographic variables. The results showed that 21% were currently smoking and 11% on a frequent basis. Regular smoking was more prevalent among girls. There was substantial use of alcohol, with 75% having used, and 20% drinking on a regular basis. This high level of alcohol consumption may be characteristic of northern Britain. The relatively low reported use of cannabis and relatively high reported use of naturally occurring hallucinogens may constitute a further regional variation. A minority of the sample (1.5%) were using illicit substances on a regular basis. Findings are discussed in terms of previous literature.