Last Updated: Friday, January 25, 2008, 06:45

Study finds increased cocaine use

A study into drug use is expected to show an increase in the use of cocaine in Ireland.

Although the report by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs shows an overall increase in cocaine use, it also finds that the numbers who said they have used it in the past year, or in the past month, are significantly lower.

The most commonly used drug is cannabis, with the numbers who have used the drug increasing from 17 per cent to about 21 per cent.

The report is also expected to reflect findings in previous research that show that almost twice as many men than women have used illegal drugs.

Illegal drug use is highest among young people, and about a quarter of people aged 15-24 have tried illegal drugs at some stage. The proportion of young people who used drugs last year, or last month, is significantly lower.