ANTI-DRUGS CAMPAIGN TARGETS YOUNGSTERS

Young people are the target of a UKP 1.5m anti-drugs advertising campaign
over the New Year period. The government drive is aimed at preventing
children as young as 11 taking drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine on New
Year's Eve.

Youngsters are urged to stop and think of the long-term health problems
that can be caused by hard drugs.

The new advice posters are being put up at colleges and nightspots where
young people may be tempted to experiment with drugs over the holiday period.

The poster campaign will also be backed by radio and magazine advertising.

A Home Office spokesman said it was important to get the message across to
reach thousands of teenager drug users on the biggest party night of the year.

One-time users

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.

Prevention

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

"They 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.