News and Notes

Two recently published UK government reports show a reduction in drug use amongst young people. The British Crime Survey for 2007/2008 provides a positive picture of trends in drug use amongst 16–24 year olds and the general population of adults aged 16–59: overall prevalence of illicit drug use in the last year amongst 16–59 year-olds is at its lowest level since 1995, mainly due to declines in the use of cannabis. Amongst young people (16–24) any illicit drug use is down to 21.3% (31.8% in 1997) due to reductions in cannabis, ecstasy, hallucinogens, and amphetamine use. The report also notes a 10% reduction in cannabis use since 1997 amongst 16–24 year olds. Class A use is also down from 8.0%…