New figures published today show fewer young Londoners are using drugs, particularly cocaine. The report also reveals that while both drug use and alcohol consumption by young people is lower in London than the rest of the UK, the number of 11 - 18 years admitted to hospital for alcohol related illnesses has increased.

Mayor Boris Johnson welcomed the report by the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance (GLADA) which brings together information from the capital's health service, criminal justice system, and alcohol and drug treatment services.

The Mayor said: "It is encouraging to see a noticeable reduction in cocaine use among young people over the last couple of years. Fewer young Londoners are using drugs but we can't be complacent; substance abuse causes widespread problems across the city. The rise in police arrests for drug offences shows that we are beginning to tackle this problem and that drug possession will not be tolerated. "

Key facts from the report show:

- The proportion of young Londoners between 16 and 24 who reported using any drug in the last year decreased significantly between 2005/06 and 2007/08 - from 20.3 to 17.8 per cent.

- Proportion of young Londoners who reported using cocaine powder is down from 7.1 per cent in 2005/06 to 4.7 in 2007/08

- In London, alcohol-related hospital admissions for 11-18 year olds have increased from 1,171 in 2002/03 to 1,769 in 2006/07. This is a 51 per cent increase over this five-year period. Across England as a whole there was a 39 per cent increase over this same period.

- The estimated numbers of problem drug users (those who use cocaine / drug use has taken over their lives) in this age group dropped by approximately 2,300, from 14,068 in 2004/05 to 11,750 in 2005/06.

The Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance (GLADA) is a partnership bringing key agencies together to analyse trends and share information reducing alcohol and drug related harm in London. GLADA is supported by the Greater London Authority.

Notes

1. To view the report 'London: The highs and lows briefing update' visit here.

2. GLADA is a partnership that aims to improve collective responses to alcohol and drug problems and provide a mechanism to tackle London wide priorities. It is a network of organisations which includes the GLA, London Primary Care Trusts, Government Office for London, Metropolitan Police Service, Regional Public Health Group, London Drug Policy Forum, London Councils, National Treatment Agency, London Probation, HM Prison Service, Adfam and the London Drug and Alcohol Network.

3. The Joint Action Group on alcohol (JAG) was established in January 2009 to support the delivery of London's Regional Statement of Priorities for Alcohol. The JAG is made up of senior representatives in London with the skills and expertise to address particular aspects of alcohol related harm. GLADA provides regular strategic support and direction to the group. The Regional Statement of Priorities for Alcohol can be found here.

Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance