An evidence review published by the UK Drug Policy Commission found that 87 per cent of people aged 16 to 19 "expressed negative views about drug addiction", compared to only 64 per cent of those aged 65 and over.
The review highlighted the prevalence of stigmatising views of drug addiction among young people, particularly in relation to heroin.
It said a survey of 23 recreational drug users aged 16 to 19 in London found that 21 of them used words such as "dirty", "evil" and "disgusting" to describe heroin use.
The review said that a Canadian study had found that decreasing the stigmatisation surrounding drug addiction could have both positive and negative effects.
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