Background to the Research

• The study was initiated by 'Alcohol Awareness for Youth' as part of a three-year plan to secure commitment and support for the development of a Training and Development initiative in the West Belfast area, with a primary focus on drug awareness and prevention. The aim of the research was to measure the nature and extent of drug misuse amongst young people in West Belfast.
  

Research Approach

• A questionnaire was administered to 360 young people between 12 and 17 years old living in 10 areas of West Belfast.
• A supplementary questionnaire was completed by various adults working with young people on a daily basis.
• Focus groups were held with a total of 100 young people, and in-depth interviews were carried out with a small number of young people and a representative sample of professionals working in the areas.
  

Main Findings

• Boys accounted for 58% of the sample and girls 42%; the majority of respondents were aged between 13 and 16 years.
• Eighty-five per cent of respondents lived at home with parents and 81% were at school.
• Of the total sample, 61% were identified as 'drug-users' and 39% as 'non-users'. Boys accounted for 73% of the 'drug-users' whilst girls represented 37%.
• In relation to drugs used, 707 responses were given by 218 people; showing a variety of drugs being used and not just one single type. Cannabis was the most frequently used drug, followed by L.S.D and Ecstasy.
• Those aged between 12 and 14 represented the most common time to have first experienced drug use. Fifty-five per cent of respondents stated they had used drugs more than 10 times and 35% of the 'drug-users' stated they would use drugs as often as they could get them.
• The most popular venues for taking drugs were raves followed by the street and discos.
• Dealers, raves, the street and friends were stated as places to purchase drugs.
• Money spent on drugs ranged from £1 to £20. Whilst the majority of respondents said they would do without drugs if they didn't have money, 11% said they would steal or sell property in order to buy drugs.
• The most popular reasons given for taking drugs were to celebrate, to relax with friends, because there was nothing else to do, to get high and because they enjoyed it. Some 35% reported a bad experience on drugs.
• The majority of young people did not get into trouble taking drugs; parents were cited as the people young people would most likely get into trouble with.
• Drug education appeared to be an important factor, as 75% of those who were 'non-drug users' had received some type of education, mostly in school. However, 69% of 'drug-users' had received drug education.