This report is based on a descriptive survey of substance use among adolescents (age 12 to 18 years) attending a random sample of 37 schools in the Western Health Board area. The survey was also carried out among in all training centres and community projects for early school leavers in the area. The survey instrument was an anonymous questionnaire.

A total 2,859 subjects were surveyed between October and December 1994. Prevalence rates for smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and drug use are given. Comparison is made between prevalence in city areas and rural areas, between settled early school leavers and travellers, and between various other groupings. The report recommends that, in order to deal with drug use, a school-based education programme should be established by the health board, a Community Addiction Team, which could tackle both alcohol and drug problems should be set up initially in Galway City.