Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use in Germany, by Age

"Use of illicit drugs is a phenomenon occurring primarily in younger age groups. The portion of the 12-month-users among the below-30-year olds lies on average around 14%, among older users however, it is only about 2%. For many substances (except cannabis), the current (i.e. 12-month) consumption prevelances are already low among younger age groups, among the above-30-year olds they lie for all older age groups consistently below 1%. Apart from cannabis, only amphetamines and cocaine play a major role among the 20-29-year olds, although consumption experience with ecstasy, LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms in the age groups above 30 years is quite common in the lifetime category. Looking at the relation between lifetime prevalences and current consumption, it is to be assumed that use of these substances is only of a transitional nature in the majority of users."