The number of people in the North seeking treatment for drug misuse rose 24 per cent in the past year, the Health Promotions Agency (HPA) revealed today.
At the same time, the agency said, almost a third of people aged between 15 and 34 in the province have taken illegal drugs. Young men were especially likely to have taken drugs, it said.
The agency said 61 per cent of all users seeking help were aged under 30 and a quarter under 20. The most common drug of misuse in the province is Cannabis, used by 64 per cent of those seeking help, followed by ecstasy, benzodiazepines, cocaine and heroin.
With the Christmas party season soon to get underway, the agency unveiled a new poster campaign focusing on the dangers of illegal drug use. Aimed at the 18-34 age group, the posters are going up in pubs and nightclubs across the North.
Victoria Creasy, senior manager at the HPA, said: "We need to challenge and dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings about drugs and their effects.
"One of the posters addresses cannabis use, which remains the main drug of choice in Northern Ireland , yet many people are unaware that cannabis use can lead to mental health problems such as depression, paranoia and anxiety."
PA