with random canvassing of more than 800 people Island wide.

And executive director of the NDC, Derrick Binns, said this week he hopes the survey shows a change in attitude and a downturn in abuse of drugs since the last survey of adults in 1995.

"We are checking the experiences and attitudes of the people of Bermuda toward drugs,'' Dr. Binns said. "It's a sample of the local population and we will be able to make conclusions from what they say.'' He added: "Of course it is very difficult to talk to every Bermuda resident, so we use a sample. It is the normal methodology.'' Dr. Binns said this year's questionnaire would include revised questions on drunk driving, in particular people's attitudes toward being driven by a drunk driver.

The survey will be conducted between January 25 and March 31. All answers are confidential.

There will be between 35 and 40 survey takers who are trained to gather details about the subjects.

Canvassers will not see the answers that respondents give and will only handle the completed questionnaires once they are in sealed envelopes.

Dr. Binns said that although it will be difficult to forecast the results, he added a comparison of the results would be instructive.

He said: "We expect to get responses to a wide range of results on how often people use drugs and their attitudes toward drugs.'' Dr. Binns added: "We also want to see their attitude toward the NDC and our work. This will help us lay out our future plans and see how effective our programmes are.'' DRUGS DGS