Recent research has shown that significant numbers of young people are experimenting with drugs. According to the Scottish Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey 2004, 35% of 15-year-olds and 13% of 13-year-olds reported that they had used drugs. The researchers found that cannabis was the most commonly used drug, with 19% of 15-year-olds and 6% of 13-year-olds reporting that they had used it in the last month.

It can be difficult to tell whether a young person is taking drugs. Sudden changes in mood and behaviour may be indicators. Other warning signs may include: a loss of interest in school sport or other activities: unusual sleep patterns, changing friends, and money going missing or belongings being sold. However, it is important not to jump to conclusions; this may also just be normal behaviour during adolescence.

More obvious evidence of drug use may include powders, tablets, scorched tin-foil, empty plastic bags smelling of glue, or repeatedly folded small pieces of paper. Signs of volatile substance misuse could include white powdery patches on towels, a strong smell of deodorants on clothes or towels and a high use of aerosols.

By the age of 11 or 12, most children already know about drugs – but some of what they 'know' will be wrong. To help young people know the facts and make positive health choices, good communication and undertanding will be very important.

Health professionals may wish to consider what barriers might prevent young people from seeking information or advice about drugs. They should also seek to adopt a harm reduction approach in minimising the impact that drugs have on young people's health and wellbeing.