Attitudes and experience of drug use amongst a group of London teenagers

Data are provided from the experiences of 23 young drug users recruited fi om the London area. Respondents reported a wide range of illicit drug use, centred on the so-called 'dance' drugs of MDMA, LSD and amphetamine sulphate. Friendship networks were important in the initiation and maintenance of drug use. Heroin and injecting were viewed negatively by the majority of respondents. Cocaine was seen in a more positive light, though many felt that it had damaging addictive properties. In the broader context of the young people's lifestyles, drugs were not viewed as a priority. Most stated that being with friends and family was the main priority in their lives. Most reported good levels of communication with parents, most of whom either approved or did not overtly object to some forms of illicit drug use by their children. The data suggest implications for health promotion and drug prevention. Peer education should be encouraged amongst networks of young drug users (where possible involving parents) and music venues should be targeted for outreach initiatives. The anti-heroin and anti-injecting norms identified amongst respondents should be reinforced as a means of curbing the spread of infectious disease.