Illegal drug use in France is less common than in some other European countries, such as the UK and the Netherlands - nevertheless France has an estimated 150,000 heroin addicts, so it remains a serious health issue.

Within Europe France is thought to have the most adolescent cannabis users, and around 7 million cannabis smokers in total.

The laws regarding drug use are rarely enforced, and of those people questioned, few are ever convicted (less than 10%).

Anyone seeking advice on drug-related problems can consult a number of help organisations and information sources:

- The French government has a website with information and a list of local and regional help organisations: http://www.drogues.gouv.fr/uk/index.html

- Drug Info Services operates a telephone help-line, with free info on drug-related problems: telephone 08 00 23 13 13

- The Mission Interministerielle de Lutte contre la Toxicomanie (7 rue Saint George, 75009 Paris, telephone 01 44 63 20 50) can provide details of regional organisations offering treatment for substance abuse

- There is also the Drogue/Alcool/Tabac Info-Service, a national 24-hour help-line for problems to do with drugs, alcohol or smoking - dial 113.