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The aim of the study was to obtain an accurate picture of the level of drug use among a sample of young people in the Dungannon and Cookstown areas.

The research was targeted at 14 to 18 year olds. Fourteen post-primary schools in the Dungannon and Cookstown areas provided the sample. A total of 510 participants took part in the research (215 male and 295 female).

The study adopted a combination of quantitative and qualitative research, namely questionnaires and focus interviews.

A random sample of approximately 40 pupils was selected in each of the 14 schools to complete the questionnaire. Of this number, four were selected from each school to take part in focus interviews.

Main findings

• Over half (54%) of the young people knew where to get at least one illegal drug.
• 40% of the sample had been offered drugs, 45% by a friend and 28% by someone in a nightclub.
• Approximately two thirds (65%) knew someone who uses drugs.
• 22% of the sample have used drugs.
• Cannabis is the most popular drug, followed by sleeping tablets/tranquillisers, solvents, poppers, speed and Ecstasy in that order.
• Of the 22% who have used drugs, 5.3% have used cocaine.
• 59% of those who had used drugs first started between the ages of 14 and 16 years. Over a fifth (22%) first used between the ages of 10 and 13 years.
• When asked for the main reason for using drugs, 34% said enjoyment and 25% said experimentation.
• 53% of the sample scored their drugs from friends.
• The most common location for taking drugs was outside (36%) and 27% of respondents cited the house of a friend.
• 12% of those who use drugs take them more than once a month.
• Cannabis is the most frequently used drug - 9% who use it would take it more than twice a week.
• Almost half (48%) of those who have ever used drugs have done so in the past month.

Reference

1. Campbell E. The Know Drugs Survey: A survey into drug use among young people in the Dungannon and Cookstown areas. Dungannon: The Breakthru project, 2000.