Adolescent drug use in Wales
British Journal of Addiction – February 01, 1992
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A significant finding for Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development reveals just over a fifth of 2239 Welsh 15-16 year olds reported trying drugs. A tenth used drugs within the past month. Marijuana, solvents, and psilocybin were most common. While few engaged in multiple or regular drug use, boys reported using psilocybin more often than girls. These insights are crucial for Psychology, Psychiatry, and Medicine, informing Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes, and highlight the need for targeted interventions, perhaps even Digital Mental Health Interventions, to support youth.
Abstract
Abstract As part of a larger survey of health‐related behaviours, 2239 15–16‐year‐olds in Wales provided information on their use of eight different types of drugs. Key findings indicate that just over a fifth of this age group report to having tried drugs at some time, while a tenth say they have done so within the past month. The most frequently reported substances were marijuana, solvents and glue, and psilocybin. Few of the young people reported multiple or regular drug use. The prevalence of drug use was higher for pupils from single parent families, and more boys than girls reported using psilocybin. The reliability and validity of self‐report data are discussed, and the implications of the findings for health education programmes considered.