Introduction.

The Information Reporting System on Drugs (IRSD) provides diagnostic information about changes in drug use in Mexico City. This information is updated twice a year (June and November), and an estimation of the main trends of drug use is thus obtained. The IRSD was implemented in 1986, and its results offers grounds for the design of preventive programs suited for the Mexican population from a health perspective.

Objetive.

To present a synthesis of the most relevant results of substance use in México City compiled by the IRSD between 1987 and 2005. The following are the benefit from data obtained:

- Authorities in charge of designing policies and intervention actions, by virtue of which the SRID works as a system of permanent monitoring and early warning.

- Investigators, since the SRID works as a window to identify the areas where greater knowledge is necessary. From a health perspective, the public in general, for whom the SRID is a tool that describes the evolution and current state of drug tendencies.

Method.

The information is obtained from an individual schedule on drug use that is applied twice a year in 44 agencies of the health and law enforcement sector. The design of the sample is non probabilistic.

Results.

In the period 1987-2005, 19350 cases have been evaluated. The most outstanding trend in substance use has been the remarkable increase of cocaine from 1987 to 2005. Equally significant has been the decrease tendency of solvents-inhalants use, which has become more evident since 1999. Marihuana use is among the three most used drugs in the country. It shows a trend to remain stable as is the case for the other substances evaluted.

Conclusions.

Most cocaine users are adolescents. At the same time, 45% of the users of all the substances have a use pattern defined as "high": 20 or more times a month. Both situations are a matter of concern due to the important physical and psychological consequences of substance use. In addition, up to this moment, there is no indication suggesting that the level of use will decrease.

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