Teenage drug abuse triples

The number of 16-year-olds who have tried illegal drugs has tripled since 1989 and will quadruple by next year, according to researchers from the University of Exeter.

Their research predicts that by 1995 almost half of all 16- year-old boys and one third of 16-year-old girls will have tried an illegal substance.

Five years ago, fewer than 10 per cent had done so. By 1995, eight out of 10 young people in the age group are expected to know someone who takes drugs.

The survey revealed the average 16-year-old boy had tried three different illegal substances, while among girls the figure was 2.5. The most commonly used drug was cannabis leaf, followed by cannabis resin. Researchers also found that one in five had tried amphetamines.

The figures, based on 300,000 lifestyle questionnaires completed over the past 12 years, show that the Government's pounds 5m anti-drugs initiative may be too late.