Sad Truth #5: Is about Substance Use in UK Young People (11–17)

This isn’t a minority problem

• Around 1 in 5 young people (11–17) have tried vaping [ash.org.uk]

• Nearly 1 in 10 secondary school pupils currently vape [england.nhs.uk]

• Over a third (37%) have tried alcohol [england.nhs.uk]

• 13% have tried drugs, with cannabis the most common [england.nhs.uk]

Reality: This isn’t rare behaviour — it’s become normal in many schools.

Vaping: The risk hiding in plain sight

• Nicotine is highly addictive and harms the developing brain [healthiert...her.nhs.uk]

• Young people who vape are more likely to go on to smoke [independent.co.uk]

• Exposure is massive — 72% of young people see vape promotion [ash.org.uk]

Sad truth: This isn’t just experimenting — it’s early addiction.

Smoking: Lower, but rising again

• Around 11% of pupils have tried smoking [england.nhs.uk]

• Rates among 11–17s have started increasing again after years of decline [bmj.com]

Sad truth: We’re going backwards.

Alcohol: The most normalised drug

• Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people [who.int]

• By age 15, over half have tried it [who.int]

Early drinking is linked to:

• Poor school performance

• Risky behaviour

• Long‑term addiction risk [digital.nhs.uk]

Sad truth: It’s accepted — but causes the widest harm.

Cannabis, Drugs & Nitrous Oxide: The “not that bad” myth

• Cannabis is the most common drug used by young people [england.nhs.uk]

• 87% of young people in treatment are there because of cannabis [gov.uk]

Nitrous Oxide (NOS): Looks harmless, isn’t

• Reports show rising use in treatment data [gov.uk]

• Cheap, easy to access, and widely used in social settings

Sad truth: If it looks safe, young people trust it.

What NOS actually does

• Reduces oxygen to the brain → blackouts, possible brain injury

• Damages nerves → numbness, loss of coordination

• Causes sudden collapse → accidents and injuries

• Linked with confusion and mental health issues

These are known risks — not rare incidents.

The Hidden Damage

• The brain is still developing until the mid‑20s

• Substance use in this stage can lead to:

  • Addiction before adulthood

  • Mental health problems

  • Poor focus and behaviour

  • Increased risk of exploitation and crime

• 49% of young people in treatment also need mental health support [gov.uk]

Sad truth: Substance use is often a symptom, not the root cause.

The Pattern Nobody Talks About

• 80% started using before age 15 [gov.uk]

• 56% use more than one substance [gov.uk]

• 
  

Linked with:

• Violence exposure

• Exploitation

• Mental health struggles [safelives.org.uk]

Sad truth: It rarely stays as “just one thing”.

Bottom Line

Young people in the UK aren’t just experimenting —they’re being exposed, influenced, and normalised into substance use early.

• Vaping is hooking a new generation on nicotine

• Alcohol remains widespread and underestimated

• Cannabis is common but downplayed

• Nitrous oxide is misunderstood and rising

• Mental health sits underneath it all

  The real issue isn’t just the substances — it’s what’s driving young people towards them.

Our Solution:

To address these issues head on, working with our own Schools Programmes ASHTAG & 'Meet the Stinkers' and other specialist charity partners in schools targeting children aged 9-18. Creative education to connect and help children in unsupported areas reconnect positively within their community, think differently and break the negative social cycle.