Figures come from a survey conducted by UCC
(Source: Flickr)The Citizen's Assembly on Drug use takes place this weekend.
Throughout the assembly's they'll discuss education and prevention measures that have been described as crucial in how we limit the harm caused by drugs.
Today, The Citizen's Assembly on Drug Use has heard calls that evidence-based preventative measures are needed when it comes to dealing with illegal drug use in Ireland.
More than half of Irish third-level students have reported using an illicit drug.
A study conducted by UCC in 2021 showed that cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine are the most common drugs used among students.
UCC's Head of Student Health Services, Dr. Michael Byrne, says 54.7% of students surveyed have used a drug at least once:
"Drug use increases from year of entry, through first year, second year to peak in third and fourth year and that's actually contrary to other data which suggests that drug use falls off in third and fourth year. Cocaine has displaced ecstasy from from being the second most prevalent drug being used by our students - of course after alcohol which is the main drug of choice for all Irish society."
