Recent reports suggest that, if current trends continue, the numbers addicted to class A drugs in the UK could reach one million in 2025. This book looks at the latest trends and the risks attached to various types of drug-taking in the UK. According to a recent, extensive survey, more than half of Britain's 16- to 24-year-olds have taken illegal drugs. Chapter two looks specifically at the worrying increase in drug abuse among young people, while chapter three examines drugs and the law.
The information comes from a wide variety of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Drug Misuse
About drugs, Drugs: key facts, Instant expert, Seven important drug terms, Trading places, Ecstasy could harm memory, The cocaine explosion, Tackling crack misuse, Revealed: how drugs war failed, Understanding the issues, Drug-related deaths down for the third year running, Drug user numbers set to treble, World drug use, Its all in the mix, Dealing with addiction, Know the signs of drug taking.
Chapter Two: Drugs and Young People
Quarter of 15-year-olds have tried cannabis, Drug use and the young, Cheap as chocolate, One in seven young drivers drive on drugs, Young drug users feel neglected by parents, Drugs and the family, Random drug tests for pupils at start of new school term, Dangerous highs, Solvents, In their words, The score.
Chapter Three: Drugs and the Law
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Bad deal, Drug smuggling, New laws for magic mushrooms, Busted!, Cannabis: a question of classification, Cannabis and mental health, Cannabis: the facts, Should drugs be legalised?
Key Facts
Additional Resources
Index
Acknowledgements
A drug is any substance, solid, liquid or gas that brings about physical and/or psychological changes in the body. (page 1)
There are three main types of drugs, classified according to the effect the drug has on the central nervous system: depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. (page 1)
Individual ecstasy pills can now be bought for as little as 50p in Portsmouth and 80p in Cardiff. (page 6)
All drugs have an adverse impact; but heroin and crack are by far the most addictive, expensive and harmful drugs. (page 12)
More than a quarter of those aged 14 and 15 have tried cannabis. (page 20)
Experts estimate the worldwide illegal drugs trade is worth as much as the individual oil, gas or world tourism industries. Whatever the true figure, the UK alone spends more than one billion pounds tackling the problem. (page 33)
Cannabis is thought by many to be a harmless recreational drug and is used regularly by people of all ages although research over many years has shown that people who use cannabis regularly are more likely to suffer from schizophrenia. (page 38)
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug. Around three million adults have used cannabis in the last year. 11% of 16- to 59-year-olds and 26.2% of 16- to 24-year-olds have used cannabis in the last year. (page 38)
Drug Abuse Study Guide
Each book in the Issues series has a study guide. These four-page guides provide a variety of discussion points and other activities to suit a wide range of ability levels and interests.
Publisher: Independence Educational Publishers
Price: £1.50
ISBN: 978 1 86168 359 5
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