Drugs survey shows lack of family communication

The drugs charity says a major factor for this is that the rave generation of the 1980s has grown up to become parents.

Deborah Cameron, Addaction's chief executive, said: "Parents are more familiar with drugs than they were in the past."

But despite parents' greater familiarity with drugs they are far less likely to suspect their own children of drug taking.

Of 2,000 parents surveyed just one per cent thought their children were using drugs, despite believing that around a quarter of children in their local area are users.

Cameron says the findings show a lack of communication between parents and children about drugs.

Only eight per cent of the 500 children and young people surveyed said they would tell their parents if they were using drugs, however the charity estimates one in six families are affected by drug abuse.
 
"We want to encourage a much more open dialogue within families about drugs and alcohol. Good lines of communication can prevent problems from snowballing," she added.