Drug use in adolescence: the relationship between opportunity, initial useand continuation of use of four illicit drugs in a cohort of 14-16-year-olds in South London

The study investigates the prevalence of illicit drug use beyond that of me re experimentation, examining the 'capture-rates' of cannabis, amphetamines , ecstasy and cocaine used in a cohort of 14-16-year-old adolescents. The d ata are drawn from eight participating secondary schools across three borou ghs in South London. The transition rate from opportunity to use to actual use was most pronounced for cannabis (with a capture rate of one in five), followed by amphetamines, then ecstasy and finally cocaine. However, regula r use as a result of having ever used was lowest for amphetamines and cocai ne. Age appeared to be a protective factor since the mean age of those who had never been offered either of the drugs was consistently under 15 years of age. In contrast, early onset of drinking and smoking appeared to be a r isk factor in those who are offered cannabis and go on to become regular us ers. While the study contributes to our understanding of pathways and patte rns of adolescent substance activities, there are also powerful implication s for the targeting of early interventions and educational initiatives for those with early onset and rapid escalation in drinking and tobacco use.