TheSite.org drugs survey

TheSite.org hosted an online survey from October to November 2005 on drugs. A total of 322 respondents completed the survey.

The results:

• 71% of respondents have taken drugs. The results quoted below about drug use relate to this 71% as a base;
• Almost three-quarters of respondents spend less than £10 a week on drugs, with the majority saying they buy no drugs weekly at all;
• 96% of those who have used drugs have smoked cannabis;
• More than half have used ecstasy, with a similar but slightly smaller amount having used cocaine and speed;
• Cannabis was the first drug taken for 82% of people;
• Almost two-thirds of people have never encouraged a friend to use a drug they were using;
• Two-thirds of respondents have searched for information on the drugs they take;
• For two in five, there is nothing they would change about their drug use, and another quarter have already stopped taking them;
• The effect on mental health is the main concern regarding drug use, with this being the main concern for three-quarters of people;
• Heroin, crack, crystal meth and solvents are considered the most dangerous drugs, with nine out of 10 people seeing them as dangerous or very dangerous;
• When asked what one thing they would change about drug laws, those who have used drugs are more likely to be in favour of legalisation, and those who haven't are more likely to want stricter laws;
• If respondents could try one drug that they haven't already, they are most likely to pick hallucinogens such as mushrooms, LSD and ketamine.