A recent survey found that 35 percent of young women have taken illicit drugs in the last 12 months, up from 27 percent in 2019.

CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Dr Erin Lalor joined Oliver Peterson on Perth Live to discuss the alarming figures. 

“So the survey results that were released today has shown us young women aged 18 – 24 are now as likely as males of the same age to use illicit drugs,” Dr Lalor said.

“We don’t really know why it’s happening, we think COVID might have played a part in that. We also know the alcohol industry during COVID really targeted them, we also question if women had more disposable income than they had before.”

Press PLAY to hear the full data from Dr Lalor

Image: Canva