Substance Use Among Secondary School Pupils in Blackburn Borough

The self-report questionnaire method was employed to determine the prevalence and pattern of drinking, smoking and illicit substance use among 2888 11-16-year-olds in Blackburn secondary schools. Substances reported most commonly used were alcohol, cigarettes, hallucinogenic substances, glue/solvents and cannabis. Use increased steadily with advancing school year. Boys were significantly greater users of cannabis and hallucinogenic substances. The baseline data provided could form the basis of a well-targeted preventative programme. The need for more comprehensive surveys, preferably longitudinal in design, is stressed.