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Issue Description
Although the use of most illegal drugs has fallen since 1998, figures remain worryingly high, particularly among young people. in addition, the easy availability of a wide range of substances means that dangerous drugs such as ketamine and crystal meth are becoming increasingly popular. This book looks at trends in drug use, the effects of different drugs and the law surrounding drug use.
The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.
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Key Facts
- The 2006/07 BCS estimates that 35.5% of 16- to 59-year-olds have used one or more illicit drugs in their lifetime, 10.0% used one or more illicit drugs in the last year and 5.9% in the last month. (page 7)
- Misuse of over-the-counter pills now kills more Americans than illegal drugs. (page 14)
- Use of the illegal drug ketamine is increasing among young people worldwide, particularly within the electronic dance music scene, according to new research. (page 18)
- The UK illegal drug market is estimated to be worth between £4bn and £6.6bn a year. (page 23)
- According to the UN World Drug Report 2008, in 2008 there are an estimated 165.5 million users of cannabis products (4 per cent of the world’s population between the ages of 15 and 64), compared with 24.7 million users of amphetamines, 16 million users of cocaine, 12 million users of heroin and 9 million users of the psychedelic methamphetamine drug known as ecstasy. (page 25)
- In 2007, 17% of pupils aged 11 to 15 said they had taken drugs in the last year and 10% in the last month. The prevalence of drug use is similar among boys and girls, and increases with age. (page 26)
- Most primary school children are able to name at least four illegal drugs, a new study has shown. (page 27)
- A study published in the Lancet in spring 2007 concluded UK drugs policy was not fit for purpose. Looking at the harm caused by various narcotic substances, it found alcohol was the fifth most dangerous drug available, following heroin, cocaine, barbiturates and methadone, yet it is not included in the ABC system. Tobacco emerged as the ninth most dangerous drug, ahead of cannabis and the Class A drugs ecstasy and LSD. (page 32)
- 32% of respondents surveyed by Ipsos MORI in January 2008 felt that cannabis should be classified as a Class A drug, the most harmful category for illegal substances. 26% felt it should be a Class B substance, while 18% of respondents were happy with the current Class C classification.11% thought it should be legal. (page 36)
- Drug trafficking is an estimated $18bn annual business worldwide. (page 39)
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: Drug Trends
Drugs in the UK, Information about common street drugs, Use of illicit drugs, Heavy cannabis use, Can ecstasy kill?, Drug deaths, Types of drug-related death, Street drug trends, Legal drug craze is new killer, Next year’s drug, Rise in ketamine use among young people, Enslaved by K, Cost of UK’s illegal drug habit hits £110bn, New plan to tackle illegal drugs, The new drugs strategy explained, Tackling substance misuse – progress, Drug use worldwide, Drug use in Europe.
Chapter Two: Young People and Drugs
Young people and drug use, Primary school kids able to name illegal drugs, Dealing with drugs in the schoolyard, Gender differences in drug use, Supply of cannabis.
Chapter Three: Drugs and the Law
Drugs and politics, Drug legislation, Using harm to classify drugs, Q&A: cannabis reclassification, Tackling drug crime, Drug smuggling, Police recorded drug offences, Highs of a world where drugs are legal.
Key Facts
Glossary
Index
Additional Resources
Acknowledgements
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The Study Guide for: Drugs in the UK - Volume 163
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: £1.95
ISBN: 978 1 86168 479 0