Changing trends in European drug use

A new report on drug use in Europe shows that cocaine and heroin consumption are increasing.  Production in countries like Peru has fallen, but cocaine’s popularity is up.
 
Although cannabis remains the drug of choice for over 22 million Europeans, its use is actually declining. But figures on the number of regular or intensive users are less encouraging: 2.5 per cent of young Europeans smoke marijuana.
 
The number of 15-34-year-olds taking cocaine increased by 15 per cent in at least five countries.  What is more worrying is the greater variety of synthetic drugs.
 
Now people selling these newly-designed drugs are using the internet to advertise and get more customers. Most of these websites are in the UK.
 
The number of Europeans using heroin had been falling before 2004. The report shows the figure has gone up in some countries, suggesting the drug has found its way to a new generation. It is still the drug that kills the most people. Increased poppy-growing is making it harder to control the flow into Europe.

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tags: Drugs, European Union