- Q: How many young people use cocaine?
Cocaine is the second most commonly used illegal drug in the UK, behind cannabis. NHS figures show that 1.7 per cent of 11to 15-year-olds reported using cocaine in 2008. The drug is most commonly used among older teenagers and young adults.
Government statistics show that 6.6 per cent of 16to 24-year-olds reported using cocaine in 2008/09 and around one in eight said they had tried the drug - the highest level of cocaine use since records began in 1996.
- Q: Why do young people use cocaine and what are the short-term effects?
Many people will use cocaine because they enjoy some of the substance's effects. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, which has strong effects on body and mind. The drug can produce feelings of wellbeing, increased confidence and make people more talkative.
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