Abstract
The aim of this study is to review UK epidemiological research in light of studies on the influence of age and gender on drug use in young people. Literature for this review came from English language publications using a structured search strategy. Within the UK, drug use is commoner in young males than other population groups. When integrated social development models are employed, drug use is seen to be determined by the complex interaction of factors such as age, parental monitoring, and peer group associations. Suggested research directions include combining structural equation modeling with large-scale, UK-based longitudinal social development model studies to develop prevention and intervention efforts that are sensitive to the role of individual, social, and cultural factors.