TEENAGERS TARGETED IN DRUGS CRACKDOWN

A UKP1.5m advertising campaign aimed at preventing children as young as 11
taking drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine on New Year's Eve was today
launched by ministers. The drive urges millions of 11 to 18-year-olds to
stop and think of the long-term health problems that can be caused by hard
drugs.

Officials are targeting the new advice posters at nightspots where young
people may be tempted to dabble with drugs over the holiday period.

Posters will also be displayed at colleges and will be backed by radio and
magazine advertising.

A Home Office spokesman said: "New Year's Eve is the biggest party night of
the year so we have launched this important initiative in time to reach the
220,000 16 to 19-year-olds who have told us they use class A drugs at least
once a year."

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth said: "Drug-related deaths make the
headlines, but what many young people do not know about are the less
dramatic side-effects of taking class A drugs.

"These can include long-term medical problems such as panic attacks,
paranoia, depression, sleeplessness and heart problems.

"Many young people get their information about illegal drugs from their
friends, from drug dealers or from urban myths.

"A lot of people say a lot of things about drugs, but the National Drugs
Helpline knows the facts. All calls are confidential and the line is open
24 hours a day."

Latest government estimates show class A drugs like heroin, cocaine and
ecstasy are used at least once a year by up to 220,000 16 to 19-year-olds
in England.

Up to 675,000 youths in the same age group take illegal drugs of any kind,
including cannabis.

Health minister Hazel Blears said: "We are determined to improve the
quality of help and support we give to vulnerable young people.

"Young people must have access to all the information and support they need
in order to live healthy lifestyles and to avoid the tragedy of drug misuse."

The campaign advises youngsters to call the National Drugs Helpline, on
0800 776600, for reliable information about the dangers of drugs.

Last year the advice line received 275,000 inquiries from callers with an
average age of 16.