Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Alcohol and inhalant abuse continue to be a major problem among young people, according to a 2006 survey conducted by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA).

Some 4,536 students ages 11 to 19 from 70 schools across Jamaica were surveyed in February. One hundred and ninety-two teachers attached to the selected schools also participated in the survey.

It was found that 71 per cent of students used alcohol, 27 per cent cigarettes and 28 per cent used solvents and inhalants. Additionally, while 24 per cent of students used marijuana, 14 per cent tried beady (nicotine and tar), six per cent used seasoned spliff (a combination of ganja and other narcotics) and three per cent used cocaine.

Early start

According to the survey, the majority of students started to use drugs at an early age with 33 per cent reporting alcohol use before age 10.

The council noted that new patterns of drug abuse have emerged with beady now commonly used and inhalants continue to be abused by females (34.19 per cent) over males (21.79 per cent).

And while male students continue to use drugs more than females, the data show a narrowing of the gap between both genders.

The NCDA said peer pressure emerged as the major reason for drug use. The survey noted that students pointed to stress release and the need to relax as reasons for drug use. Teachers, the survey said, found curiosity and experimentation to be important in drug use.

Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, director of information at the NCDA, said young people do not see alcohol as a drug and collective efforts would have to be made to ensure that they understand the dangers of alcohol.

Mrs. Campbell-Grizzle told The Gleaner that psychoactive substances reduce children's life chances and ambition and stunt intellectual growth.

Drug abuse among youths

Alcohol abuse	71%
Use cigarettes	27%
Solvents & inhalants	28%
Marijuana	24%
Nicotine & tar	14%
Seasoned spliff	6%
Cocaine	2%