Turkish officials are concerned about the use of drugs by their students. Many students use drugs, but it is difficult to quantify the permeation of drugs in Turkish schools. Students may be reluctant to give information about drug use because of fear of punishment.

A recent study outlines drug use in Turkey. The report was issued in late 2009 by the Turkish Drug and Drug Addiction Monitoring Center. A wide range of ages use drugs in Turkey, with the youngest user age at 11 and the oldest at 67.

The report also outlines how drugs get into Turkey through drug trafficking. The route starts in Afghanistan and passes through Turkey on its way to Italy and Germany. The drugs are then spread through the rest of Europe.

In Turkey, the abuse of heroin is listed as the major cause of drug-related deaths. Fatalities are highest in Istanbul, Gaziantep, Van, Elazig, and Antalya.

While marijuana is the most popular drug used in Turkey, synthetic drugs are also very popular. The report stated that synthetic drugs, such as Ecstasy, are gaining momentum and pose a significant threat to Turkey and the surrounding region.

Turkish students are largely not exposed to drugs. 80 percent of the students surveyed reported having not access to drugs. Among the 20 percent of students who do know where to find drugs, the percentage was higher for girls than for boys. 12 percent of girls say that they can find drugs, generally at bars or discos.

Students also reported that they can get access to drugs on the street, in parks, at the house of a drug dealer, and even in front of schools.
Information from the Health Ministry indicates that there was an increase in those seeking treatment for heroin addiction in 2009. Over half of those seeking treatment in substance abuse treatment facilities wanted assistance with giving up opium and its derivatives. 30 percent sought assistance for overcoming a marijuana addiction, 3 percent for cocaine and 2 percent for a variety of other stimulants.
More than half were first-time admissions to a substance abuse treatment facility. Approximately 45 percent of admissions were repeat admissions. The report also found that most individuals that sought treatment for drug-related problems were unemployed.

The report issued by the Turkish Drug and Drug Addiction Monitoring Center indicates that many Turkish young people have access to drugs. The information will be important in helping officials target young people who may need education and intervention to prevent drug use.