MOST YOUNG PEOPLE SKIP HEROIN: STUDY

A survey carried out for the Victorian Government has found that half of 12
to 24-year-olds have tried marijuana and nearly all have tried alcohol, but
very few are using heroin.

A total of 1500 young people took part in the survey, which also found that
15 per cent had tried speed or amphetamines and 14 per cent had tried ecstasy.

The survey was prepared for the Premier's Drug Prevention Council and
conducted from February 13 to March 3 by the Department of Human Services.

Council chairman Peter Maher said last night the results challenged the
stereotypical view that heroin was the main drug of concern used by young
people.

He said he believed the survey presented an accurate snapshot of
recreational and experimental drug use.

It is the first of a number of surveys to help the council to draw up
prevention programs.

The survey showed that 30 per cent of the males and 15 per cent of the
female young drinkers were in the high-risk category for long-term harm.

Other findings include:

* 8 per cent had tried LSD or synthetic hallucinogens, 6 per cent had tried
cocaine, 3. 1 per cent admitted having used inhalants and 1.4 per cent had
used other opiates.

* 2 per cent had used heroin, but only 0.4 per cent in the past 12 months
during a heroin drought. More males than females tried drugs.

Most young people said their drug use had no effect on relationships, work,
school, or health.

The government is expected to announce $1 million for drug-prevention
programs aimed at young people.