NCJ Number
162157
Journal
Lay Panel Magazine Volume: 35 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 14-24
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Juvenile drug use in Northern Ireland is examined with respect to its causes, extent, efforts to address it, and characteristics of specific drugs.
Abstract
Youth try drugs from curiosity, to look grown-up, to take a risk, because friends use or offer them, after drinking alcohol, and to show off. Reasons for continuing to use drugs include enjoyment, escapism, inability to cope with everyday life, lack of success, and negative self- concepts. Taking illegal drugs involves physical, psychological, social, and legal risks. The Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 defines the possession and supplying of a drug as illegal. Northern Ireland currently does not have a major problem with drugs such as heroin or cocaine, but all available indicators suggest that drug abuse is increasing. The United Kingdom's drug policy has five parts: (1) reducing supplies from abroad, (2) making drug law enforcement more effective, (3) strengthening deterrents and controls, (4) developing prevention, and (5) improving treatment and rehabilitation. The five priorities for action in Northern Ireland are education and prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, law enforcement, information and research, and monitoring and evaluation. The most commonly used illegal drugs in Northern Ireland are cannabis, LSD, amphetamines, ecstasy, and magic mushrooms. Youth may also misuse solvents and amyl and butyl nitrites.