Drugs use among teenagers has increased since the minimum age for alcohol was raised to 18 two years ago.

The research, carried out among 5,000 youngsters between 16 and 18 years of age by tv channel BNN, found that one in three of those asked said they were using more drugs since the drinking age was raised.

Unavailable

For 8% of them, the unavailability of alcohol was the reason they had decided to try using drugs.

Nearly one-third of the teenagers said they used drugs every week, and one-third said their use was monthly.

The drugs of choice included ecstasy, speed and pep, news site nu.nl reports.

Independent

Left-wing liberal party D66, one of just two parties to vote against the increase in the minimum age for alcohol, says the figures show that extensive and independent research into drugs use among teenagers is needed.

D66 MP Vera Bergkamp told nu.nl that the new minimum age was introduced to lower the health risks among youngsters. ‘But it seems to be having the reverse effect,’ she said.