Young Irish people are among the highest users of cocaine in Europe

Surprised?

Ireland has one of the highest levels of cocaine use in Europe, according to a new report about health in the EU. The report, Health at a Glance: Europe 2016, was created by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European Commission. It reveals that the country in Europe with the highest level of cocaine use among young people (15-34) is the UK with 4.2% admitting to using it during 2014. But Ireland is among the highest users of cocaine with 2.8% using it over the same period putting it firmly ahead of the EU average of 1.9% and fourth highest on the list overall. The UK, Spain and the Netherlands are all ahead of us when it comes to cocaine use. When it comes to cannabis use, Ireland ranks below the EU average (13.3%), with 10.3% using it during 2014. Interestingly, the Netherlands does not top the list. It lies outside of the top five, with 15.6% of young people using the drug and leaving the Dutch in sixth spot. Cannabis is legal in the Netherlands and can be bought for recreational use. The Czech Republic, where cannabis has been decriminalised, is the highest user of cannabis in Europe with 23.9% of young people using it in 2014.