Cannabis overtakes alcohol consumption in adolescents

09/19/2014

Last Thursday, the current drug trend study was presented in Frankfurt am Main. This revealed that among young people between 15-18 years of alcohol consumption has fallen significantly. Cannabis, on the other hand, became more popular again.

For 12 years, around 1500 young people of the above-mentioned age groups have been interviewed about drugs every year. The starting age, the frequency of consumption and the type of drug play a major role in the evaluation.

Later consumption of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis
"Contrary to expectations, young people later start drinking alcohol, tobacco and cannabis," said Health Commissioner Rosemarie Heilig (The Greens). Since the beginning of the study was the starting age „The type of drugs consumed mainly includes tobacco, cannabis and finally alcohol“.

The many, at least in particular from the US series „Breaking bath“ become known drug „Crystal Meth“ however, has been chosen as the least popular drug. With that, Crystal Meth overtook heroin, which had previously been chosen for the final. "Cannabis keeps us busy after alcohol has long been a focus," says Heilig. On November 17, there will be a symposium to inform about dangers, prevention and a possible legalization of cannabis.

High contact with cannabis

Alarmingly, already 73 percent of all students and 63 percent of all students were offered cannabis. That's two-thirds of all students. Although the abundant supply boosted occasional consumption, durable consumption remained relatively low compared to the previous year.

Regina Ernst, Head of the Drug Unit, says: "Young people who are risky or in need of intensive care need help - the girls are different from the boys, so we want to create tailor-made offers to reach them all".

Drug use in Frankfurt is low
The study shows that drug use in the city on the Main is at a low level - contrary to many prejudices. However, this study excludes the members of the drug scene. The study is thus not representative of all age groups and groupings. The number of adolescents refraining from drug use has risen from 16 to 28 percent in the past 11 years. (Bn)

Image: Petra Bork