MORE than two fifths of young people think revellers are more likely to use illegal drugs during New Year's Eve parties, a survey said today.

Although nine out of 10 (91%) 16 to 21-year-olds said they did not plan to try drugs during this year's celebrations, 41% said they thought people were more likely to dabble.

And more than a quarter of young people (26%) admit getting so intoxicated on New Year's Eve in the past that they had lost their memory.

One in 10 of those questioned in the poll - by the Government's drug information service Frank - also said they had tried illegal substances on New Year's Eve before.

Frank carried out the survey as part of a campaign advising youngsters to "prepare for the unexpected" ahead of the coming festivities.

It has issued a four-point reminder to revellers under the acronym "Kiss": Know the facts about drugs, Inform your mates if you have taken anything, Stay with your friends and Send for help.

Information is also available from a special factsheet at www.talktofrank.com with advice on how to help friends who become seriously ill through drug abuse.

Party

Almost nine tenths (89%) of the 16 to 21-year-olds questioned said they were preparing to party on Sunday night with 58% planning to spend the evening at a house party, 27% going clubbing and a fifth heading to the pub.

Almost one fifth (19%) said they had ended up spending the night with strangers in the past, 16% had got into potentially dangerous situations and 13% had ended up lost with no money (13%).

Of those who said they did intend to take drugs this New Year's Eve, a third admitted that they will probably get "carried away".

Men aged 19 to 21-years-old are the most likely to over-indulge, according to the results.

Dr Ken Checinski, consultant psychiatrist at St George's, University of London, said: "Taking any drug can be a health risk. When you mix drugs and alcohol you increase the risks and make the effects even more unpredictable.

"We are encouraging party-goers to get the facts about drugs, and learn about Frank's New Year Kiss, to make sure that they enjoy themselves on New Year's Eve."

Luckily friends and not drugs are seen as the key ingredient for an extra-special New Year's Eve, with 61% of 16 to 21-year-olds saying that it was the most important factor.

Other preparations for the big night included getting a new outfit (35%), a special supply of booze (35%) and getting your hair done (30%).

But New Year's Eve is not always a successful night, according to the poll, which involved an online survey of just over 1,000 young adults.

Almost one in five (18%) said they spend most of the night in queues, while a third (30%) complained about parting with too much cash.

Meanwhile, a third of the age group expect to be hung-over on New Year's Day, with 9% anticipating that it will be the worst they will feel all year.

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