Top three drugs used by young people, new trends, and don’t believe everything you see on the telly: YoDAA brings together the latest in Youth AOD from across Victoria.

YoDAA is bringing together the youth AOD sector in a number of ways - through the website, events such as the Summit coming on March 28th - and now through a monthly phone survey of partner organisations which identifies trends, news and common drug use patterns among young people.

Our first survey of partner organisations revealed that the top three drugs being seen in youth AOD services at the moment are ice, cannabis and alcohol. Some services also named prescription drugs – both benzos and opiates.

Interestingly, the survey reinforced that media reports don’t always match what we see on the ground. Services reported that while ice use had certainly increased in many areas, it had not resulted in a significant increase in violence in the community. Similarly, although many media reports are highlighting the use of synthetic cannabinoids (along with other synthetics), most services said the significant majority of cannabis use was real cannabis. If anything at all, only up to 10% of clients are using synthetic cannabis, but cannabis itself is still far more accessible and clients report they prefer it to synthetic varieties.

Did you see something that was the same, or different, to what is happening in your service? You can comment by sending us an email.