Frequent Cannabis Use Among 14/15 Year Olds in Northern Ireland

Patrick McCrystal, Kathryn Higgins, Andrew Percy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The relatively high levels of cannabis use among young people is a cause of concern because of the positive relationship between its early onset use, antisocial behaviours and associated lifestyle. Amongst a survey of 3919 young people at school year 11 in Northern Ireland (aged 14/15 years) 142 reported daily cannabis use. These young people also reported particularly high levels of legal and illegal drug use and accounted for a high proportion of use of hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin for the full school cohort. Daily cannabis users also reported high levels of antisocial behaviour and disaffection with school. The findings perhaps raise questions about the existence of a potentially ‘hidden’ high risk school based group of young people during adolescence who require specific targeted prevention strategies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-27
Number of pages9
JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume88(1)
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Apr 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Toxicology
  • Health(social science)

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