Many young people get their information about illegal drugs from their friends, from drug dealers or from urban myths

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth

The new advice posters are being put up at colleges and nightspots where young people may be tempted to experiment with drugs over the holiday period.

The poster campaign will also be backed by radio and magazine advertising.

A Home Office spokesman said it was important to get the message across to reach thousands of teenager drug users on the biggest party night of the year.

One-time users

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth said: "Drug-related deaths make the headlines, but what many young people do not know about are the less dramatic side-effects of taking Class A drugs.

"These can include long-term medical problems such as panic attacks, paranoia, depression, sleeplessness and heart problems.

Thousands of youngsters take drugs once a year

"Many young people get their information about illegal drugs from their friends, from drug dealers or from urban myths.

"A lot of people say a lot of things about drugs, but the National Drugs Helpline knows the facts. All calls are confidential and the line is open 24 hours a day."

Latest government estimates show Class A drugs like heroin, cocaine and ecstasy are used at least once a year by up to 220,000 16 to 19-year-olds in England.

Up to 675,000 youths in the same age group take illegal drugs of any kind, including cannabis.

Prevention

Health Minister Hazel Blears said: "We are determined to improve the quality of help and support we give to vulnerable young people.

"They must have access to all the information and support they need in order to live healthy lifestyles and to avoid the tragedy of drug misuse."

The campaign advises youngsters to call the National Drugs Helpline, on 0800 776600, for reliable information about the dangers of drugs.

Mark McLean, from the National Drugs Helpline, said there could be around a quarter of a million young people thinking about taking Class A drugs over the New Year.

"They're going to have heard from friends some of the myths about the sorts of experiences that you get when you take these drugs," he said.

"What we can do is give them the facts about what the possible things that might happen are."

Last year the advice line received 275,000 inquiries from callers with an average age of 16.