Recent concerns about hard drug use among young people have focussed on whether the UK is experiencing a new heroin epidemic with particular concern that the heroin user is younger than ever. While exploring this contention in a London context, we found that we lacked the evidence to clearly support or refute it. However, what did emerge from our data was unexpected. Both anecdotal and more systematic evidence suggests that among young drug users in London, heroin is still marginalised. However, where cocaine is concerned, availability seems to be far higher and attitudes towards the drug are very different.

Reading between the lines: Is cocaine becoming the stimulant of choice for urban youth? (PDF)

Additional keywords: attitudes to drugs