The extent of drug use among Bermuda's youth is expected to be revealed by next month.

It will be included in the National Drug Commission's fifth annual survey of Bermuda's school students.

The survey -- which consists of a series of questions about students' experiences with, and attitudes toward, both legal and illegal drugs -- will include information from 11 to 18 year olds in public and private schools.

NDC Acting Chief Executive Officer Derrick Binns explained that survey enabled the drug-fighting agency "to gauge changes in patterns of behaviour and attitudes''.

"The results, seen in the light of the data gathered in earlier surveys, can tell us a great deal about the effects our policies and programmes are having, and how the problems associated with substance abuse are changing,'' Dr. Binns said.

"Regular surveys also enable us to identify other trends which are of use in planning the continuing campaign to reduce substance abuse among our young people.'' The NDC, to ensure confidentiality of students, had the questionnaires delivered directly to students, "without an intermediary handling them''.

The NDC also collected the completed surveys which were in sealed envelopes and without students names.

Results from the survey were expected to be released in the next few weeks, an NDC spokesman added.

The NDC also plans to conduct a second National Study on the adult population's "experiences with and attitudes toward alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

DRUGS DGS