Brussels, 14/10/2004 (Agence Europe) -The Flash Eurobarometer opinion poll published on Thursday by the Commission was carried out between 19 April and 13 May this year on 7659 young people between the ages of 15 to 24 in the fifteen countries of the European Union. The main findings are that 2004, 79% of young people mainly agree that it is easy to obtain drugs at parties; one out of two has been offered cannabis and one out of three had already tried it in 2004. This represents an increase over 2002; the rate of consumption of cannabis and other drugs is higher for boys than girls; in 2004 curiosity remains the most quoted reason for trying out drugs and 64% see addiction as the main result of drug-taking.
Most young Europeans feel that all drugs are dangerous, but opinions are very mixed depending on the product. One young person in three sees a link between the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Half agree that drug takers should have access to cheap needles and syringes. 53% call for a more caring attitude and for easier integration into the community. Punitive measures against dealers (60%) and producers were interviewed (49%) are deemed particularly important. The Internet is increasingly used as a source of information: in 2004 34% of youngsters used this source to get information on drugs. (The report is available at: (http: //europa.eu.int/comm/justice_home/news/intro/news_intro_en.htm ).