ESPAD report 2015 : questionnaire on substance use.
Date: 2016-09-13
Institutions: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
Subjects: Europe, alcoholism, data collection, drug addiction, educational institution, form, gambling addiction, narcotic, psychotropic substance, report, smoking, social survey, student, young person

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The European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs
http://www.espad.org

Questionnaire on substance use

Read this first please!

This questionnaire is part of an international study on substance use among European students. 
It will be answered by more than 100 000 students in over 35 countries. The study is called ESPAD.

This is a totally anonymous questionnaire. You should not state your name or any other information 
which identifies you. You should place your completed questionnaire in the enclosed envelope and 
seal it yourself. Your [TEACHER/SURVEY LEADER] will collect the envelopes after completion.

Your class has been randomly selected to take part in this study. In [COUNTRY] the survey is carried 
out by [ORGANISATION]. It is voluntary to take part. If there is any question you find objectionable 
for any reason, just leave it blank. It is important that you answer as thoughtfully and frankly as 
possible. The results will not be presented by single classes and remember your answers are totally 
anonymous.

If you do not find an answer that fits exactly, indicate the one that comes closest. Please, mark the 
appropriate answer to each question by making an ‘X’ in the box. If you have a question, please raise 
your hand and your [TEACHER/SURVEY LEADER] will assist you.

Thank you in advance for your participation! Please begin.

LOGO
FIELD WORK
ORGANISATION

Contact info for the organisation responsible for the fieldwork/national survey.

2015 ESPAD report 

1

The first questions ask for some background information about yourself and the kinds of things you might do

C01

What is your sex?

1

2

Male

Female

C02

When were you born?

Year 19

Month * 
* Optional

 * (Mark 01 for January, 02 for February … 
… and 12 for December)

C03 

How often (if at all) do you do each of the following?
Mark one box for each line.

Never

A few 
times a 
year

Once or 
twice a 
month

At least 
once a 
week

Almost 
every 
day

(a) Play computer games  ............................................................................................................................................................................................................  

(b) Actively participate in sports, athletics or exercising  ................................................................................................................................................

(c) Read books for enjoyment (do not count schoolbooks)  .........................................................................................................................................

(d) Go out in the evening (to a disco, cafe, party, etc.)  ....................................................................................................................................................
(e) Other hobbies (play an instrument, sing, draw, write)  .............................................................................................................................................

(f)   Go around with friends to shopping centres, streets,  

parks, etc. just for fun  .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

(g)  Use the internet for leisure activities (chats, music,  

games, social networks, videos, etc.) ...............................................................................................................................................................................

(h)  Play on slot machines (the kind in which you may  

win money)  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

C04 

During the LAST 30 DAYS on how many days have you missed one or more lessons?

Mark one box for each line.

None

1 day

2 days

3-4 days

5-6 days

7 days 
or more

(a) Because of illness  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 

(b) Because you skipped or ‘cut’  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) For other reasons  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

2 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useThe following questions are about cigarette smoking

C05 

How difficult do you think it would be for you to get cigarettes if you wanted?

1

2

3

4

5

6

Impossible

Very difficult

Fairly difficult

Fairly easy

Very easy

Don’t know

C06 

On how many occasions (if any) during your lifetime have you smoked cigarettes?

Number of occasions

0

1

1-2

2

3-5

3

6-9

4

10-19

20-39

40 or more

5

6

7

C07 

How frequently have you smoked cigarettes during the LAST 30 DAYS?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Not at all

Less than 1 cigarette per week

Less than 1 cigarette per day

1-5 cigarettes per day

6-10 cigarettes per day

11-20 cigarettes per day

More than 20 cigarettes per day

C08  When (if ever) did you FIRST do each of the following things?

Mark one box for each line.

9 years 
old or 
less

10 
years 
old

11 
years 
old

12 
years 
old

13 
years 
old

14 
years 
old

15 
years 
old

16 
years 
or older

Never

(a) Smoke your first cigarette  ....................................................................................................................................................................................................
(b) Smoke cigarettes on a daily basis  ....................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

2015 ESPAD report 

3

Questionnaire on substance useThe next questions are about alcoholic beverages – including beer, cider, alcopops (premixed drinks), wine and spirits

C09 

How difficult do you think it would be for you to get each of the following, if you wanted?
Mark one box for each line.

Impossible

Very 
difficult

Fairly 
difficult

Fairly 
easy

Very 
easy

Don’t 
know

(a) Beer  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Cider *  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Alcopops *  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Wine  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) Spirits  ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

C10 

On how many occasions (if any) have you had any alcoholic beverage to drink?
Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) During the last 30 days  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C11  Think back over the LAST 30 DAYS. On how many occasions (if any) have you had any of the following to drink?

Mark one box for each line.

1-2
(a) Beer  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

10-19

20-39

3-5

6-9

0

40 or 
more

(b) Cider *  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Alcopops *  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Wine  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) Spirits  ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

The following questions are about the last day you drank alcohol

C12  When was the last day you drank alcohol?

1

2

3

4

5

6

 I never drink alcohol

1-7 days ago

8-14 days ago

15-30 days ago

1 month-1 year ago

More than 1 year ago

4 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useC13  Think of the LAST DAY that you drank any alcohol. Which of the following beverages did you drink on that day?

Mark all that apply.

1

2

3

4

5

6

I never drink alcohol

 Beer

Cider *

Alcopops *

Wine

Spirits

* Optional

C13a 

If you drank beer that last day you drank any 
alcohol, how much did you drink?

C13d 

If you drank wine that last day you drank any 
alcohol, how much did you drink?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

C13b 

C13c 

I never drink beer

I did not drink beer on the last day 
that I drank alcohol

< 50 cl

50-100 cl

101-200 cl

> 200 cl

1

2

3

4

5

6

I never drink wine

I did not drink wine on the last day 
that I drank alcohol

< 20 cl

20-40 cl

41-74 cl

> 74 cl

If you drank cider that last day you drank any 
alcohol, how much did you drink? *

C13e 

If you drank spirits that last day you drank any 
alcohol, how much did you drink?

I never drink cider

I did not drink cider on the last day 
that I drank alcohol

< 50 cl

50-100 cl

101-200 cl

> 200 cl

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

I never drink spirits

I did not drink spirits on the last day 
that I drank alcohol

< 8 cl

8-15 cl

16-24 cl

> 24 cl

If you drank alcopops that last day you drank 
any alcohol, how much did you drink? *

C13f 

Please indicate on this scale from 1 to 10 how 
drunk you would say you were that last day you 
drank alcohol. (If you felt no effect at all you 
should mark ‘1’.)

I never drink alcopops

I did not drink alcopops on the last 
day that I drank alcohol

Not at all

Heavily intoxicated, 
for example not 
remembering what 
happened

< 50 cl

50-100 cl

101-200 cl

> 200 cl

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

I never drink alcohol

11

2015 ESPAD report 

5

Questionnaire on substance useThe next question is about alcohol consumption during the last 30 days

C14  Think back again over the LAST 30 DAYS. How many times (if any) have you had five or more drinks on one 

occasion? (A ‘drink’ is [INSERT NATIONALLY RELEVANT EXAMPLES].)

1

2

3

4

5

6

None

1

2

3-5

6-9

10 or more times

The next couple of questions are also about alcohol

C15 

On how many occasions (if any) have you been intoxicated from drinking alcoholic beverages, for example 
staggered when walking, not being able to speak properly, throwing up or not remembering what happened?
Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) During the last 30 days  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C16  When (if ever) did you FIRST do each of the following things?

Mark one box for each line.

9 years 
old or 
less

10 
years 
old

11 
years 
old

12 
years 
old

13 
years 
old

14 
years 
old

15 
years 
old

16 
years 
or older

Never

(a) Drink beer (at least one glass)  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Drink cider (at least one glass) * ........................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Drink alcopops (at least one glass) * ................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Drink wine (at least one glass)  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) Drink spirits (at least one glass)  ........................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)  Get drunk on alcohol  ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

6 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useC17  WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, how often during the LAST 12 MONTHS have you experienced 

the following?
Mark one box for each line.

I have not drunk any alcohol during the last 12 months 

 Please continue with question C18

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a)  Physical fight  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b)  Accident or injury  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c)  Damaged or lost objects or clothing  ....................................................................................................................................................................................

(d)  Serious arguments .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e)  Victimised by robbery or theft  .................................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)  Trouble with police  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(g)   Hospitalised or admitted to an emergency room  

because of severe intoxication  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

(h)   Hospitalised or admitted to an emergency room  

because of accident or injury  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

(i)  Engaged in sexual intercourse without a condom  ........................................................................................................................................................

(j)  Being a victim of unwanted sexual advance  ....................................................................................................................................................................

(k)  Deliberately hurt yourself  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................

(l)  Driven a moped, car or other motor vehicle  .....................................................................................................................................................................

(m) Being involved in an accident while driving yourself  ....................................................................................................................................................

(n)   Been swimming in deep water 

(swimming pool, river, lake or sea) ........................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C18 

Have you experienced problems during the LAST 12 MONTHS that occurred because of someone else’s drinking?
Mark one or more boxes for each line.

No

Yes, a 
stranger

Yes, a friend 
or acquain-
tance

Yes, somebody 
else close to 
me

(a)  Has someone who had been drinking harassed or bothered you at a party  

or some other private setting?  ............................................................................................................................................................................................

(b)  Has someone who had been drinking harassed or bothered you on the  

street or in some public place?  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Has someone who had been drinking harmed you physically?  ...........................................................................................................................

(d)  Has someone who had been drinking ruined your clothes or other  

belongings?  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e)  Has someone who has been drinking been responsible for a traffic  

accident you were involved in?  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)   Have you been a passenger with a driver who had had too much to drink?  ..................................................................................................

(g)  Has someone who had been drinking made you afraid when  

you encountered them on the street?  .............................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

2015 ESPAD report 

7

Questionnaire on substance useC19 

In your view, does a person close to you drink excessively?

1

2

No

Yes

Has this caused harm or problems in your life?

1

2

No

Yes

Tranquillisers and sedatives, like [INSERT NATIONALLY RELEVANT EXAMPLES], are sometimes prescribed by doctors 
to help people to calm down, get to sleep or to relax. Pharmacies are not supposed to sell them without a prescription.

C20 

Have you ever taken tranquillisers or sedatives because a doctor told you to take them?

1

2

3

No, never

Yes, but for less than 3 weeks

Yes, for 3 weeks or more

The next questions ask about marijuana or hashish (cannabis)

C21 

How difficult do you think it would be for you to get marijuana or hashish (cannabis) if you wanted?

1

2

3

Impossible

Very difficult

Fairly difficult

4

5

6

Fairly easy

Very easy

Don’t know

C22 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used marijuana or hashish (cannabis)?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) During the last 30 days  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useC23  When (if ever) did you FIRST try marijuana or hashish (cannabis)?

1

2

3

4

5

Never

9 years old or less

10 years old

11 years old

12 years old

6

7

8

9

13 years old

14 years old

15 years old

16 years or older

C24 

Have you ever had the possibility to try marijuana or hashish (cannabis) without trying it?

1

2

No

Yes

How many times has this happened in your life?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or more

The next questions ask about some other drugs

C25 

How difficult do you think it would be for you to get each of the following, if you wanted?

Mark one box for each line.

Impossible

Very 
difficult

Fairly 
difficult

Fairly 
easy

Very 
easy

Don’t 
know

(a) Amphetamines  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Methamphetamines  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Tranquillisers or sedatives  ....................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Ecstasy  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) Cocaine  ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)  Crack ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(g) Optional drug *  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

2015 ESPAD report 

9

Questionnaire on substance useC26 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used ecstasy?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C27 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used amphetamines?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C28 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used methamphetamines [possible street names]?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C29 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used cocaine?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C30 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used crack?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

10 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useC31 

On how many occasions (if any) have you used inhalants [INSERT NATIONALLY RELEVANT EXAMPLES] to get high?

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) In your lifetime ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months ....................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) During the last 30 days ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C32 

On how many occasions in your lifetime (if any) have you used any of the following drugs?
Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) Tranquillisers or sedatives (without a doctor’s prescription) .......................................................................................................................................

(b) LSD or some other hallucinogens  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Relevin  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Heroin  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) ‘Magic mushrooms’  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)  GHB  .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(g) Anabolic steroids ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(h)  Drugs by injection with a needle (like heroin, cocaine,  

amphetamine) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(i)  Alcohol together with pills (medicaments) in order to get high  .........................................................................................................................................

(j)  Painkillers in order to get high  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

(k) Optional drug *  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

C33  When (if ever) did you FIRST do each of the following things?

Mark one box for each line.

9 years 
old or 
less

10 
years 
old

11 
years 
old

12 
years 
old

13 
years 
old

14 
years 
old

15 
years 
old

16 
years 
or older

Never

(a)  Try tranquillisers or sedatives  

(without a doctor’s prescription)  .......................................................................................................................................................................................

(b)  Try amphetamines  

or methamphetamines  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Try cocaine or crack  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Try ecstasy  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e)  Try inhalants [INSERT NATIONALLY  

RELEVANT EXAMPLES] in order to get high  ...............................................................................................................................................................

(f)   Try alcohol together with pills (medicaments)  

in order to get high  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

2015 ESPAD report 

11

Questionnaire on substance useThe next questions ask about new substances

C34 

New substances that imitate the effects of illicit drugs [such as cannabis or ecstasy] may now be sometimes 
available. They are sometimes called [‘legal highs’, ‘ethno botanicals’, ‘research chemicals’] and can come in 
different forms, for example herbal mixtures, powders, crystals or tablets.

Have you ever used such substances?

1

2

3

Yes, I have used such substances

No, I never used such substances

Don’t know/ Not sure

C34  What was the appearance/form of the new substance you used in the LAST 12 MONTHS?

Mark one or more boxes.

1

2

3

4

5

I have not used such substances in the last 12 months

Herbal smoking mixtures with drug-like effects

Powders, crystals or tablets with drug-like effects

Liquids with drug-like effects

Other

C35 

On how many occasions in your lifetime (if any) have you used any of the following substances? *

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) Optional substance *  .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Optional substance *  .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Optional substance *  .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

12 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useThe next questions ask about various substances

C36 

How much do you think PEOPLE RISK harming themselves (physically or in other ways), if they …
Mark one box for each line.

No risk

Slight 
risk

Moderate 
risk

Great 
risk

Don’t 
know

(a) smoke cigarettes occasionally? ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) smoke one or more packs of cigarettes per day?  ............................................................................................................................................................

(c) have one or two drinks nearly every day? ............................................................................................................................................................................

(d) have four or five drinks nearly every day?  ...........................................................................................................................................................................

(e)  have five or more drinks in one occasion nearly each weekend?  .............................................................................................................................

(f)  try marijuana or hashish (cannabis) once or twice?  ......................................................................................................................................................

(g) smoke marijuana or hashish (cannabis) occasionally?  ................................................................................................................................................

(h) smoke marijuana or hashish (cannabis) regularly?  ........................................................................................................................................................

(i)  try ecstasy once or twice?  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................

(j)  take ecstasy regularly?  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(k)  try an amphetamine (uppers, pep pills, bennie, speed) once or twice?  ................................................................................................................

(l)  take amphetamines regularly?  ................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

The next questions ask about internet, gaming and gambling

C37 

During the LAST 7 DAYS, which days (if any) were you on the internet (on a computer, tablet, smartphone, 
console or any other electronic device)? Please include all kinds of internet activities.

None

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

C38 

During the LAST 7 DAYS, how many hours (if any) were you on the internet (on a computer, tablet, smartphone, 
console or any other electronic device) on a TYPICAL WEEKDAY and a TYPICAL WEEKEND DAY? Please include 
all kinds of internet activities.
Mark one box for each line.

Half an 
hour 
or less

None

About 
1 hour

About 
2-3 hours

About 
4-5 hours

6 hours 
or more

(a) Typical weekday (Monday-Thursday)  ..............................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Typical weekend day (Friday-Sunday)  ............................................................................................................................................................................ 

1

2

3

4

5

6

2015 ESPAD report 

13

Questionnaire on substance useC39 

During the LAST 7 DAYS, on how many days (if any) were you on the internet?

Mark one box for each line.

None

1 day

2 days

3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days 7 days

(a)  On social media (communicating with others on  

the internet, using for example WhatsApp, Twitter,  
Facebook, Skype, blogs, Snapchat, Instagram, Kik, etc.)  ........................................................................................................................................

(b)  Playing online games (war, strategy and first-person  
shooter games, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty,  
Grand Theft Auto, MMOs, MMORPGs, etc.)  .................................................................................................................................................................

(c)  Playing games in which you may win money  

(poker, scratch, dice, new slot, etc.)  .................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Reading, surfing, searching for information, etc.  .......................................................................................................................................................

(e) Streaming/downloading music, videos, films, etc. ....................................................................................................................................................

(f)   Searching for, selling or buying products, games,  

books, etc. (Amazon, Ebay, etc.)  ........................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

C40 

During the LAST 30 DAYS, how many hours (if any) did you spend on the internet on a TYPICAL DAY?

Mark one box for each line.

Half an 
hour 
or less

None

About 
1 hour

About 
2-3 hours

About 
4-5 hours

6 hours 
or more

(a)  On social media (communicating with others on  

the internet, using for example WhatsApp, Twitter,  
Facebook, Skype, blogs, Snapchat, Instagram, Kik, etc.)  ........................................................................................................................................

(b)  Playing online games (war, strategy and first-person  
shooter games, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty,  
Grand Theft Auto, MMOs, MMORPGs, etc.) . ................................................................................................................................................................

(c)  Playing games in which you may win money  

(poker, scratch, dice, new slot, etc.)  .................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Reading, surfing, searching for information, etc. . ......................................................................................................................................................

(e) Streaming/downloading music, videos, films, etc. ....................................................................................................................................................

(f)   Searching for, selling or buying products, games,  

books, etc. (Amazon, Ebay, etc.)  ........................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

C41 

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements on social media (communicating with others 
on the internet, using for example WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, blogs, Kik, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.).
Mark one box for each line.

Strongly 
agree

Partly 
agree

Neither 
nor

Partly 
disagree

Strongly 
disagree

(a) I think I spend way too much time on social media   .................................................................................................................................................

(b) I get in a bad mood when I cannot spend time on social media   .......................................................................................................................

(c) My parents say that I spend way too much time on social media   ....................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

14 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useC42 

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about gaming on a computer, tablet, console, 
smartphone or other electronic device?
Mark one box for each line.

(a) I think I spend way too much time playing games  ....................................................................................................................................................

(b) I get in a bad mood when I cannot spend time on games  .....................................................................................................................................

(c) My parents say that I spend way too much time on gaming  ................................................................................................................................

Strongly 
agree

Partly 
agree

Neither 
nor

Partly 
disagree

Strongly 
disagree

1

2

3

4

5

C43 

How often (if ever) did you gamble money in the LAST 12 MONTHS?

1

2

3

4

5

6

I have not gambled money during the last 12 months

Monthly or less

2-4 times a month

2-3 times a week

4-5 times a week

6 or more times a week

C44 

If you have gambled money in the LAST 12 MONTHS, which games have you played ON THE INTERNET?

Mark one box for each line.

I have not 
played these 
games

Monthly 
or less

2-4 times 
a month

2-3 times 
a week

4-5 times 
a week

6 or more 
times a 
week

(a) Slot machines (fruit machine, new slot, etc.)  ..............................................................................................................................................................

(b) Play card or dice (poker, bridge, dice, etc.)  ....................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Lotteries (scratch, bingo, keno, etc.)  ................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Betting on sports or animals (horses, dogs, etc.)  .......................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

C45 

If you have gambled money in the LAST 12 MONTHS, which games have you played NOT ON THE INTERNET 
(in traditional settings)?
Mark one box for each line.

I have not 
played these 
games

Monthly 
or less

2-4 times 
a month

2-3 times 
a week

4-5 times 
a week

6 or more 
times a 
week

(a) Slot machines (fruit machine, new slot, etc.)  ..............................................................................................................................................................

(b) Play card or dice (poker, bridge, dice, etc.)  ....................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Lotteries (scratch, bingo, keno, etc.)  ................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Betting on sports or animals (horses, dogs, etc.)  .......................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

2015 ESPAD report 

15

Questionnaire on substance useThe next questions ask about your parents. If mostly foster parents, step-parents or others brought you up answer for 
them. For example, if you have both a stepfather and a natural father, answer for the one that is the most important in 
bringing you up

C46 

In which country were you and your parents born?
Mark one box for each line.

Own 
country

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

(a) Yourself  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Your mother  ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Your father  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

C47  What is the highest level of schooling your father completed?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Completed primary school or less

Some secondary school

Completed secondary school

Some college or university

Completed college or university

Don’t know

Does not apply

C48  What is the highest level of schooling your mother completed?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Completed primary school or less

Some secondary school

Completed secondary school

Some college or university

Completed college or university

Don’t know

Does not apply

C49 

How well off is your family compared to other families in your country?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Very much better off

Much better off

Better off

About the same

Less well off

Much less well off

Very much less well off

16 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useC50  Which of the following people live in the same household with you?

Mark all that apply.

1

2

3

4

5

I live alone 

Father

Stepfather

Mother

Stepmother

6

7

8

9

Brother(s)

Sister(s)

Grandparent(s)

Other relative(s)

10

Non-relative(s)

C51 

How often do the following statements apply to you?

Mark one box for each line.

Almost 
always

Often

Sometimes

Seldom

Almost 
never

(a) My parent(s) set definite rules about what I can do at home  ...............................................................................................................................

(b) My parent(s) set definite rules about what I can do outside the home  ...........................................................................................................

(c) My parent(s) know whom I am with in the evenings  ................................................................................................................................................

(d) My parent(s) know where I am in the evenings  ..........................................................................................................................................................

(e) I can easily get warmth and caring from my mother and/or father  ...................................................................................................................

(f)  I can easily get emotional support from my mother and/or father  ....................................................................................................................

(g) I can easily borrow money from my mother and/or father  ....................................................................................................................................

(h) I can easily get money as a gift from my mother and/or father  ..........................................................................................................................

(i)  I can easily get warmth and caring from my best friend .........................................................................................................................................

(j)  I can easily get emotional support from my best friend ..........................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

C52 

Do your parents know where you spend Saturday nights?

1

2

3

4

Know always

Know quite often

Know sometimes

Usually don’t know

C49 

If you had ever used marijuana or hashish (cannabis), do you think that you would have said so in this 
questionnaire?

1

2

3

4

5

I already said that I have used it

Definitely yes

Probably yes

Probably not

Definitely not

2015 ESPAD report 

17

Questionnaire on substance useThis section includes some more questions about cannabis

MA1 

Have you used cannabis during the LAST 12 MONTHS?

1

2

No

Yes

Has the following happened to you during the LAST 12 MONTHS?

Mark one box for each line.

Never

Rarely

From time 
to time

Fairly 
often

Very 
often

(a) Have you smoked cannabis before midday?  ......................................................................................................................

(b) Have you smoked cannabis when you were alone?  ........................................................................................................

(c)  Have you had memory problems when you smoked  

cannabis?  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

(d)  Have friends or members of your family told you  

that you ought to reduce or stop your cannabis use?  ....................................................................................................

(e)  Have you tried to reduce or stop your cannabis  

use without succeeding?  ............................................................................................................................................................

(f)   Have you had problems because of your use 

of cannabis (argument, fight, accident, bad result 
at school, etc.)? Which:  ................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

MA2 

Are you part of a clique of friends, where using cannabis is part of your behaviour when you meet?

1

2

No

Yes

How often per month do you meet with members of this clique?

1

2

3

4

5

(Almost) daily

3-4 times a week

1-2 times a week

1-3 times a month

Less than once a month

18 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useThe next questions are about yourself and what you think about others

O01  Which of the following best describes your average grade at the end of the last term?

1

2

(Highest marks)

etc.

O02 

How satisfied are you usually with …

Mark one box for each line.

Very 
satisfied

Satisfied

Neither 
nor

Not so 
satisfied

Not at all 
satisfied

There is no 
such 
person

(a) your relationship with your mother?  ................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) your relationship with your father?  ...................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) your relationship with your friends? .................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

O03  What do you think your mother’s reaction would be if you do the following things?

Mark one box for each line.

She would 
not allow it

She would 
discourage it

She would 
not mind

She would 
approve of it

Don’t know

(a) Get drunk  .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Use marijuana/hashish .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Use ecstasy  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

O04  What do you think your father’s reaction would be if you do the following things?

Mark one box for each line.

He would 
not allow it

He would 
discourage it

He would 
not mind

He would 
approve of it

Don’t know

(a) Get drunk  .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Use marijuana/hashish .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Use ecstasy  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

2015 ESPAD report 

19

Questionnaire on substance useO05 

How many of your friends would you estimate …

Mark one box for each line.

None

A few

Some

Most

Don’t know

(a) smoke cigarettes?  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) drink alcoholic beverages (beer, cider, alcopops, wine, spirits)?  ........................................................................................................................

(c) get drunk?  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) smoke marijuana or hashish (cannabis)?  .....................................................................................................................................................................

(e) take tranquillisers or sedatives (without a doctor’s prescription)?  ....................................................................................................................

(f)  take ecstasy?  .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(g) use inhalants?  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

Now follow another two questions about smoking and tobacco

O06 

Have you ever used moist snuff (snus), e-cigarettes or water pipe?

Mark one box for each line.

Yes, in the 
last 30 days

Yes, in the 
last 12 months

Yes, but 
more than  
12 months ago

Never

(a) Water pipe  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) E-cigarettes  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Moist snuff (snus) *  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

O07  When (if ever) did you FIRST do each of the following things?

Mark one box for each line.

9 years 
old or 
less

10 
years 
old

11 
years 
old

12 
years 
old

13 
years 
old

14 
years 
old

15 
years 
old

16 
years 
or older

Never

(a) Use your first e-cigarette  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Use e-cigarettes on a daily basis .......................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

20 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useThe next questions ask once more about alcohol

O08  This question is about alcohol consumption during the LAST 7 DAYS.

Please pay attention to the sizes of the bottles and glasses!

Please answer every question. If you have not had a beverage, indicate ‘0’.

(a) On how many days (if any) have you had any alcoholic drink?

In the last 7 days I have had alcoholic drinks on 

 days

(0 = none, 7 = every day)

(b) How many bottles or glasses of beer have you had?

In the last 7 days I have had 

 glasses or bottles of beer

(0 = haven’t had any beer)

(c) How many glasses of wine or sparkling wine have you had?

In the last 7 days I have had 

 glasses of wine or sparkling wine

(0 = haven’t had any wine or sparkling wine)

(d) How many glasses of spirits have you had?

In the last 7 days I have had 

 glasses of spirits

(0 = haven’t had any spirits)

(e) How many glasses of alcoholic mixed drinks have you had?

In the last 7 days I have had 

 glasses of alcoholic mixed drinks

(0 = haven’t had any alcoholic mixed drinks)

1 small bottle or 
1 small glass of beer
= 0.33 l

1 small glass 
of wine or 
sparkling wine
= 0.1 l

1 glass of spirits
= 0.04 l

1 glass of alcoholic 
mixed drink
= 0.33 l

2015 ESPAD report 

21

Questionnaire on substance useO09  Think back over the LAST 30 DAYS. On how many occasions (if any) have you bought beer, cider, alcopops, wine 

or spirits in a store (grocery store, liquor store, kiosk or petrol station) for your own consumption (off-premise)?
Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20 or more

(a) Beer  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Cider *  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Alcopops *  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Wine  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) Spirits  ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

O10  Think back once more over the LAST 30 DAYS. On how many occasions (if any) have you drunk beer, cider, 

alcopops, wine or spirits in a pub, bar, restaurant or disco (on-premise)?
Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20 or more

(a) Beer  ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) Cider *  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) Alcopops *  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d) Wine  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) Spirits  ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

* Optional

1

2

3

4

5

6

O11  Think of that last day on which you drank alcohol. Where were you when you drank?

Mark all that apply.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

I never drink alcohol

At home

At someone else’s home

Out on the street, in a park, beach or other open area 

At a bar or a pub

In a disco

In a restaurant

Other places (please describe) ... 

22 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useO12 

In the LAST 12 MONTHS, how often did you drink …

Mark one box for each line.

Never

Seldom

Sometimes

Mostly

Always

(a) because it helps you enjoy a party?  .................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) because it helps you when you feel depressed or nervous?  ................................................................................................................................

(c) to cheer up when you’re in a bad mood?  ......................................................................................................................................................................

(d) because you like the feeling? ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

(e) to get high?  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)  because it makes social gatherings more fun?  ..........................................................................................................................................................

(g) to fit in with a group you like?  .............................................................................................................................................................................................

(h) because it improves parties and celebrations?  ..........................................................................................................................................................

(i)  to forget about your problems?  .........................................................................................................................................................................................

(j)  because it’s fun?  ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(k) to be liked?  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(l)  so you won’t feel left out?  .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

The next two questions are about energy drinks

O13 

On how many occasions (if any) have you had any energy drink [insert national examples]? 
(Don’t include so called ‘sports drinks’ [insert national examples])

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) During the last 30 days  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

O14 

On how many occasions (if any) have you been drinking energy drinks and alcohol during a single session? 
(Don’t include so called ‘sports drinks’ [insert national examples])

Mark one box for each line.

Number of occasions

0

1-2

3-5

6-9

10-19

20-39

40 or 
more

(a) In your lifetime  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b) During the last 12 months  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c) During the last 30 days  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2015 ESPAD report 

23

Questionnaire on substance useNow follow some more questions about the internet and gambling

O15 

Please read the statements below regarding internet use. Please indicate how often these statements apply to you.

Mark one box for each line.

Never

Seldom

Sometimes

Often

Very often

(a)   How often do you find it difficult to stop using the internet when  

you are online?  ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(b)   How often do you continue to use the internet despite your  

intention to stop?  ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(c)   How often do others (e.g. parents, friends) say you should use  

the internet less?  ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(d)   How often do you prefer to use the internet instead of spending  

time with others (e.g. parents, friends)?  .......................................................................................................................................................................

(e)  How often are you short of sleep because of the internet?  .................................................................................................................................

(f)  How often do you think about the internet, even when not online?  ................................................................................................................

(g)  How often do you look forward to your next internet session?  ..........................................................................................................................

(h)  How often do you think you should use the internet less often?  ......................................................................................................................

(i) 

(j) 

 How often have you unsuccessfully tried to spend less time  
on the internet?  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

 How often do you rush through your (home) work in order to go  
on the internet?  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(k)   How often do you neglect your daily obligations (work, school or  

family life) because you prefer to go on the internet?  ............................................................................................................................................

(l)  How often do you go on the internet when you are feeling down?  ..................................................................................................................

(m)  How often do you use the internet to escape from your sorrows  

or get relief from negative feelings?  ...............................................................................................................................................................................

(n)   How often do you feel restless, frustrated, or irritated when  

you cannot use the internet?  ............................................................................................................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

O16 

Please read the statements below regarding online gaming. The question REFERS TO ONLINE GAMES exclusively, 
but we use the expression ‘game’ in each statement for simplicity’s sake. Please indicate how often these statements 
apply to you.
Mark one box for each line.

Never

Seldom

Sometimes

Mostly

Always

(a)  When you are not gaming, how often do you think about playing  

a game or think about how would it feel to play at that moment?  .............................................................................................................................

(b) How often do you play longer than originally planned?  ..................................................................................................................................................

(c)  How often do you feel depressed or irritable when not gaming only  

for these feelings to disappear when you start playing?  ................................................................................................................................................

(d)  How often do you feel that you should reduce the amount of time  

you spend gaming?  ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(e)  How often do the people around you complain that you are gaming  

too much?  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(f)   How often do you fail to meet up with a friend because you  

were gaming?  ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(g) How often do you daydream about gaming?  ......................................................................................................................................................................

(h) How often do you lose track of time when gaming?  ........................................................................................................................................................

(i)  How often do you get restless or irritable if you are unable  

to play games for a few days?  ....................................................................................................................................................................................................

(j)   How often do you unsuccessfully try to reduce the time you spend on gaming? .......................................................................................................

(k)  How often do you argue with your parents because of gaming?  ...............................................................................................................................

(l)   How often do you neglect other activities because you would rather game?  ......................................................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

24 

2015 ESPAD report

Questionnaire on substance useO17 

Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?

1

2

No

Yes

O18 

Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?

1

2

No

Yes

T
D
-
0
1
-
1
6
-
4
7
8
-
E
N
N

-

O19 

How much time (if any) did you spend gambling money on a TYPICAL DAY in the LAST 12 MONTHS?

1

2

3

4

5

6

I have not gambled money during the last 12 months

Less than 30 minutes

Between 30 minutes and 1 hour

Between 1 and 2 hours

Between 2 and 3 hours

3 hours or more

O20 

How often (if ever) did you gamble money more than 2 hours (on a single occasion) in the LAST 12 MONTHS?

1

2

3

4

5

6

I have not gambled money during the last 12 months

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly

Daily or almost daily

2015 ESPAD report 

25

Questionnaire on substance use