One in three young people tried illegal drugs in the last year

A new survey of drug use among 16-25 year olds in the UK has found a 50% increase in the use of illegal substances in the last year.

The findings, from youth charity The Mix, found one in three young people had tried drugs in the last year, compared to 22% in 2021.

Also among the findings:

• 17% of people surveyed had used Class A drugs
• 23% of young people used drugs at least once a week
• 21% said they did it to "escape problems"
• Similar numbers said it was to cope with a mental health issue, or emotional distress

Post-lockdown "spike"

Zoe Bailie, Deputy CEO at The Mix said, “The spike we have seen in the number of young people facing challenges with substance use in the past year is extremely worrying and we believe it’s also preventable.

"We urgently need to break the stigma attached to substance use to ensure no young person is afraid to reach out for help due to concerns about how they will be judged.

Listen to the full conversation on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast

"We also need to do more to highlight the support that is available, ensuring that it’s accessible before a young person becomes dependant on drugs as a way to cope with life’s problems.”

Increase in use of antidepressants among young people

The Mix also reports that 8% of young people had used antidepressants outside of their doctor’s prescription within 30 days before the survey.

This rises to 12% among young people who have used antidepressants outside of prescription over the last 12 months.

According to The Mix, while some ‘self-prescribe’ antidepressants, others adjust dosing prescribed by their doctor, with some young people showing signs of addiction to antidepressants.

Use of ‘study drugs’

The Mix’s research suggests that of all the illegal drugs included in the survey, amphetamine users were the most likely to say that they use substances because it is a habit (21%) and almost a third of young people taking amphetamines (30%) said that they use drugs on a daily basis.

Amphetamines such as adderrol and ritalin are commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and are sometimes used outside of prescription by students to enhance their academic performance.

The Mix is concerned there could be a connection between the prevalence of dependence on amphetamines and their use as ‘study drugs’.

Drugs and employment

Employment status was also a strong factor, with unemployed substance users more likely to use substances to help them cope with mental health issues or emotional distress (24%), than those who were employed (19%) or in education (15%), indicating that financial problems and a lack of structure and routine could be contributing factors to substance use.

Get support

You can find out more about The Mix's resources and support services for drink and drug use on their website.

For more information on drugs, their health impacts, legal status, and other resources Talk To Frank

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