Key findings

800 participants took part in the EDRS in 2014. RPU were primarily recruited through the internet and word-of-mouth.
Preference for ecstasy has stabilised with 2013 figures. Alcohol has significantly decreased in relation to preference.
Whilst the most popular form of ecstasy consumed on a regular basis is pills (tablet form), there has been an increasing trend in the use of MDMA crystal with 2014 being the first year of market characteristics collected. This form was to be considered a much more potent form of ecstasy with 58% of MDMA crystal/rock users reporting it being of ‘high’ purity compared to 21% of those reporting pills, powder and caps purity form being ‘high’.
Speed powder remained the form of methamphetamine most used. No changes in consumption or market characteristics were detected for speed, base or ice/crystal meth.
Cocaine significantly increased in recent use from 36% to 44% in 2014, however, days of use remained low and sporadic.
NPS recent use remained steady at 37% in 2014 (36% in 2013). Frequency of use remains low 1-2 days. Particular NPS that were reportedly most used included: 2C-B, DMT and NBOMe. In relation to being sought, 50% of users of NPS reported they sought a particular NPS substance whereas 58% of users reported it was offered to them.
Synthetic cannabis saw a decline in recent use from 16% to 7% particularly the brand/form Kronic.
LSD, ketamine and GHB showed stable recent use from 2013 to 2014. Mushrooms significantly decreased from 27% to 21%.
Cannabis, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs all showed similar rates to recent use to last year.
Six-and-a-half percent purchased any drug online (including NPS).