Statement from Action on Addiction

Victoria Manning Action on Addiction Research Fellow, says:

"These findings are extremely worrying. The UK is singled out as one of the worst offenders for cocaine use, with over 6% of the population having tried the drug at least once.

"We are very concerned about the continuing high levels of cocaine use, particularly among young adults.

"Taking cocaine can cause people to become anxious and agitated, and in high doses it can cause paranoia and panic attacks. As a stimulant drug it boosts energy levels, keeps people awake longer and often interferes with sleep patterns. It is also an appetite suppressant and if taken regularly can lead to a poor diet.

"Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that people under the age of 30 are likely to drink more alcohol when using cocaine as alcohol softens the crash from the cocaine high, whilst cocaine offsets the sedating effect of alcohol. For this reason cocaine use sometimes accompanies binge drinking episodes in young adults, which can lead to the myriad of other problems that we have heard so much about recently."