One million Britons take cocaine: Survey

London, July 24 (ANI): According to the British Crime Survey for 2008-09, almost one million people use cocaine in the UK.

The fearful figure is the largest in the past 12 years and seems to have been influenced by a drop in the price of the narcotic and an ease of supply.

The review focuses on the malaise youngsters are inflicted with, as it highlights that half the users are aged between 16 and 24.

The survey further assesses an increase in the use of the drug ketamine in the same age group.

Also, approximately 125,000 young people used the horse tranquilliser last year.

Meanwhile, another survey conducted by the NHS Information Centre for 2008 revealed startling figures of alcohol abuse among youngsters.

Close to one in five children aged 11 to 15 admitted they drank alcohol in the week before the survey was conducted and the average consumption was estimated at 12.7 units a week, equivalent to six pints of beer, or 13 glasses of wine.

"We've been seeing a slight decline in the number of children who drink, but those who do drink are drinking much more," Times Online quoted chief executive of Alcohol Concern Don Shenker, as saying.

He added: "Too many young people are now drinking at or above safe adult levels, yet their bodies are less able to cope with the harm alcohol can cause," he said. (ANI)