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Wednesday, 4th November 2009 Change Date Latest Issue

Festive drug use planned by youngsters

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Published Date: 27 December 2008

NEARLY one in ten young people expects to use drugs over the festive season, research revealed today.

A survey found 20 per cent of users said they turned to drugs to help them deal with stress.

Half of the 16 to 21-year-olds questioned said they smoked cannabis, or took cocaine or ecstasy to help them "let go".

The survey for the Government drugs information service Frank discovered one in four youngsters will go out every night over the festive period.

One in six said they were bored by the prospect of being stuck at home with their family and half expected arguments.

A spokesman warned that using drugs was not an "antidote to stress".

Chris Hudson said: "For some, Christmas can be a stressful time of year.

"Going over the top with your celebrations and using drugs isn't an antidote to stress and can be harmful."

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Last Updated: 27 December 2008 10:05 AM
Source: Edinburgh Evening News
Location: Edinburgh
Related Topics: Drugs policy

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calum,

27/12/2008 14:45:14

I take it your psychiatrist is away and your medication locked up for Christmas. What gives you the right to assume that every teenager in Gorgie is under the influence of drink and drugs and what gives you the righjt to tell anyone off. What a monster you are, you sad old man.

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elayne,

27/12/2008 15:09:17

the kids do it cos its there,most kids "try"out substances and most people here are liars if they say they have not at least tried this or that in their teens,it doesnt make it right but parents of teenagers need to be honest and speak about drugs/effects of drugs openly,in hope that the kids will be sensible and not do drugs,its all about trust

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calum,

27/12/2008 15:50:38

#4 - Go get help, you evil old man.

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Urban Guerrilla,

Edinburgh 27/12/2008 16:06:28

Good for them. Hope they enjoy it.

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elayne,

27/12/2008 17:34:56

#4 dont take it personally!i simply implied a lot of us here PROBABLY have tried some substance in our youth,i didnt mean YOU personally!!!!and yes drugs are easy to get a hold of,and kids are being targetted,my own daughter(late teens)was approached in a club in the lavvys and a woman tried to give her ketamine(all im saying is god help that woman if im out with my daughter and she happens to be in the club!!!)

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The Ayrshire Bard,

27/12/2008 19:48:07

If I was a young person and some busybody asked me if I would be taking drugs over the festive period, I'd paint them a wonderful picture of wild debauchery. In truth I'd maybe have a bottle of cider. Simple fact....Kids will always exagerate!

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elayne,

27/12/2008 22:00:06

ach ive had 3 1/2 guinnesses tonite with my nephew,thats enough for me i feel p*shed

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keit011,

27/12/2008 22:25:02

a person can get drugs for 2 nights and have drink and fags for about £12.00 the fags are the most expensive .the future is very grim for these kids and the kids they produce .we really need more police and not the volunteer ones we need bigger prisons with real punishments for the dealers smugglers and the people who payroll it

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The real dracula,

28/12/2008 07:52:02

They use it to deal with stress Ive never heard so much rubbish in my life ,,,,,,,,to deal with the stress of christmas ??!!!

Its not that long ago I was a teenager christmas was nowhere near stressful , it was fun fun fun.

What have teenagers got to be stressed about at christmas .......I have no idea.

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