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Frequent cannabis use among 14/15 years old in Northern Ireland.

McCrystal P, Percy A, Higgins K

Institute of Child Care Research, School of Sociology Social Policy and Social Work, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BY, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. P.McCrystal@qub.ac.uk

The relatively high levels of cannabis use among young people is a cause of concern because of the positive relationship between its early onset use, antisocial behaviours and associated lifestyle. Amongst a survey of 3919 young people at school year 11 in Northern Ireland (aged 14/15 years) 142 reported daily cannabis use. These young people also reported particularly high levels of legal and illegal drug use and accounted for a high proportion of use of hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin for the full school cohort. Daily cannabis users also reported high levels of antisocial behaviour and disaffection with school. The findings perhaps raise questions about the existence of a potentially 'hidden' high risk school based group of young people during adolescence who require specific targeted prevention strategies.

Published 19 March 2007 in Drug Alcohol Depend, 88(1): 19-27.
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