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Pot drug of choice
The Daily Telegraph | 11/22/2005

A major report on drug use in Australia, released today by the federal government, found that one in 14 (7.2 per cent) of 12- to 15-year-olds tried illicit drugs last year.

While 5.2 per cent indulged in marijuana, two per cent tried to get a kick from painkillers or analgesics and just over one per cent opted for inhalants.

"Still, two in three (64.8 per cent) had never had a full glass of alcohol and almost all (95.7 per cent) had never smoked a cigarette," said David Batts, author of the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

Illicit drug use was more common among older teens, with 20.9 per cent of 16- and 17-year-olds and 30.8 per cent of 18- to 19-year-olds trying everything from marijuana to speed and heroin.




Marijuana was the most popular drug among both groups of older teens, with 18 per cent of 16-to 17-year-olds having tried it and 26.5 per cent of 18- and 19-year-olds having dabbled in it.

Speed (methamphetamine) and ecstasy were also popular, while less than half a per cent of all teens had tried heroin.

The report found the average age to first try marijuana was 14 years and nine months, while for tobacco, painkillers and inhalants it was slightly younger at just over 13.

Most teens were supplied with their illicit drugs by friends or acquaintances.

Eighty per cent of 12- to 15-year-olds said they decided to try illicit drugs because they were curious, while peer pressure was the greatest factor for older teens.

For those who had not used any illicit drugs, most said they were worried about health problems or becoming addicted.

Smoking was found to be more popular among older teens, while almost a third of 12- to 15-year-olds and more than 55 per cent of 16- to 17-year-olds drank occasionally (less than weekly).

On a wider analysis of Australians of all ages, the report found that of the 3.4 million smokers, 84 per cent smoked daily and averaged 14 cigarettes.

Almost nine per cent of people drank daily, with 20 per cent saying they drank heavily once a month or more.

One in seven people aged 14 and over had used illicit drugs in the past 12 months, with marijuana having the highest personal approval of all illicit drugs followed by pharmaceuticals such as painkillers, steroids and barbiturates.

The report also found 92 per cent of Australians supported stricter enforcement of laws against supplying tobacco to minors and almost 90 per cent said they wanted tougher drink driving penalties introduced.

However one in four, or 27 per cent, wanted marijuana legalised.

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