It comes as no surprise to many people that teens use alcohol more than any other drug in Ontario. This is then followed by energy drinks that contain high levels of caffeine, which is technically a drug, despite its widespread use. But what is the most common illegal drug for young people?
That drug is cannabis. The most common form is marijuana, which is smoked, but it can also be found in both hash and hash oil. When asked, a full 22 percent of the students in Ontario said they'd used cannabis, in one form or another, in the past 12 months. Of those in grade 12, it was found that 33 percent said they'd used in the previous year.
After cannabis, the most common abuse involves prescription pain relievers. These include drugs like Tylenol #3, Codeine, Percodan, Percocet and Demerol.
Again, students were asked how often they used, and 14 percent had abused these prescription drugs -- using them without need and without prescriptions -- in the prior year. The students did not have to look very far to get the drugs, as the vast majority of them -- a total of 67 percent -- said they simply found them in the home.
Some students also used cough and cold medications that can be bought without a prescription, and which can then be used to get high. However, only seven percent admitted to this use, ranking it well below the other drugs.
Those who are facing drug charges for possession of illegal drugs or illegal use must know what rights they have, as everyone has the right to a fair trial.
Source: Parent Action on Drugs, "How Common is Drug Use Among Youth?," accessed Sep. 24, 2015
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