Just over 50 per cent of third-level students have tried illegal drugs, with cannabis the most frequent choice, according to a new survey.
The poll of 500 students in 23 colleges by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) found that 51 per cent have tried illegal drugs at least once, with two-thirds first experimenting at secondary school.
Almost 90 per cent of drug-takers have tried cannabis, 9 per cent have tried ecstasy and 2 per cent have tried cocaine. The taking of hard drugs, such as heroin, was virtually nil.
The main reason students tried drugs was curiosity, with only a small portion blaming peer pressure. The main reason students decided not to sample drugs was because they had no interest. A sizeable number also cited moral and health reasons.
In relation to information about drugs, 41 per cent said they obtained it from sources they met at school, while 28 per cent said they received it from a friend.
Only 2 per cent picked up information from their parents, even though 29 per cent said their parents were aware of their drug-taking.
Asked about the frequency of their drug-taking, 25 per cent said they took drugs once a fortnight, 16 per cent said once a month and 15 per cent said more than once a week.
In relation to the source of their drugs, 72 per cent said they obtained their supply through friends, 24 per cent said it was through a regular drug dealer, with 3 per cent obtaining their supply "on the street".
Students did not regret their drug-taking and 67 per cent said they wished to continue their lifestyle, with only 13 per cent expressed a desire to stop taking drugs. About 20 per cent were unsure whether they wished to stop taking drugs.
Some 58 per cent of those surveyed said they supported the decriminalisation of cannabis because it posed little danger to health and could have medicinal benefits.
USI said illicit drug-use was prevalent in society and students were part of society. Rather than taking an unrealistic "just say no" stance, the student body said it was important to provide information and support for students who might need assistance.
Ms Maureen Woods, welfare officer of USI, said: "USI believes that an open, transparent and confidential information service should be available to all students in third-level education to continue on from the drug education received at secondary school level.
"The most effective way of disseminating this information would be through the introduction of a 24-hour, free phone service specifically for students," she said.
Ideally, the service would be manned by professionals with the necessary skills to deal effectively and sensitively with all calls regarding drug misuse.
She said the main function of such a service would be to offer advice and information to students about the use of illicit drugs. Such a facility would complement existing services.