[Drug abuse among new draftees]

The aim of the study was to investigate the pattern of the use of drugs among young conscripts by a test screening of their urine. The participants in the investigation also filled in a questionnaire about use of drugs. The urine samples from 916 young recruits were examined for cannabinoids and 429 were also examined for amphetamines, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines. We found 68 (7.8%) positive tests for cannabis and a negligible number of positive tests for other drugs. The questionnaire showed a lower statement of use of drugs though 3.3% stated a daily or weekly use of cannabis. Fifty-eight percent of the soldiers admitted that they had tried cannabis. Six percent had used other drugs. The consumption of alcohol is low during weekdays. We concluded that the conscripts did not constitute a population of drug abusers. We recommend that urine test screening (regular or spot test) should be incorporated in the future medical examination in the Danish Army to pinpoint personnel with a moderate use of cannabis.