Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are the most commonly used drugs among adults in Bermuda.

And people using drugs generally and alcohol to the point of regular drunkeness receive social support.

These are just some of the findings in a recent survey of Bermuda's adult population on the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs which was conducted by Development Associates Inc. for the National Drug Commission (NDC).

Interviews were conducted with 812 randomly selected residents.

NDC chairman Mansfield Brock said: "One of the immediate problems we faced when the NDC was created was a lack of objective data as to the extent of the problem.

"Everyone correctly sensed Bermuda had a substance problem but no one could indicate precisely its extent.'' The survey presents, for the first time, an impartial profile of the extent of substance abuse in Bermuda.

The information gathered will form a foundation for monitoring trends in drug use and determining the factors associated with their use.

In the future it will act as a baseline from which to judge the performance of those fighting the war against substance abuse.

Other key findings uncovered by the survey include: Nearly nine in ten adults have used alcohol at some time in their lives and six in ten currently drink; Four in ten have tried marijuana and one in ten continues to use it; The most common illicit drugs and substances are viewed as widely available; Virtually every adult reports a friend or family member who has or once had a drinking or drug problem; and Secondary, vocational and technical school graduates, unmarried adults, young adults under age 35 and men are particularly at risk.

Mr. Brock said: "With the publication of this survey, we have begun to define, scientifically, the extent of substance abuse in our community and can begin to formulate a more detailed action plan to reduce the problem, treat those who have fallen victim to substance abuse and educate our young people to enable them to make informed choices.'' He added: "The time for action is now. We at the NDC will be renewing our commitment to work closely with our partners, the prevention agencies and the population to continue the fight against substance abuse in our community and the damage it does.''