Use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs amongst 13-year-olds in three areas of Britain.

The survey described in this paper is the first stage of a study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based alcohol education for 13-year-olds. The results presented are from baseline data, collected before administration of an alcohol education package. Data have been collected from 1600 pupils in nine schools, three in Scotland, three in England and three in Wales. Although 96% of the study group had some experience of alcohol, the majority drank infrequently and usually only small amounts. However, occasional problems of intoxication were identified, with 20% having experienced a hangover. Gender differences in drinking habits are discussed along with the implications of the findings for school-based alcohol education.