Drug use is on the increase. A recent study found that one in every five people has used drugs in their lifetime. Cannabis and Cocaine use is on the rise, particularly within the 15 -34 year old age group. Quite often teenagers feel compelled to drink and take drugs so that problems can disappear, or to fit into a group. The message here is that by choosing not to take drugs, you have the freedom to be yourself. Do not allow your judgement to be clouded by alcohol; you are free to make informed choices, free to do what you want to do, free to be yourself. Taking drugs and heavy drinking ruins lives and yet more and more young people seem willing to experiment, not aware of the dangers associated with substance abuse.