Drug use among youths

The levels of drug use among youths under 14 have remained extremely low for the past few years, as well as in most European countries. Yet, patterns of early drug use are often related to high-risk behaviours that require specific public policy strategies. Over the last years, the Government has set the target of reducing levels of drug use among specific groups such as young people: an awareness-raising media campaign has been launched and a specific outpatients clinics setting has been implemented for cannabis users in particular. This paper examines the relationship between health service providers and criminal justice authorities underlying the effectiveness of the current system. It underlines the need for an early screening and early interventions so as to avoid the shift from simple use to misuse or dependence.