Researchers from John Moores University in Liverpool, UK have concluded that over 50-percent of the city’s youth have taken cocaine. Liverpool was one of nine European cities named in the report and the site of the most prevalent use of drugs and alcohol.

The findings suggested that those from ages 16 to 35 turn to drugs and alcohol as a cultural norm aimed at enhancing their sex lives. There were 1,341 youngsters surveyed led by the University’s Professor Mark Bellis.

Even though there were protests from some groups that Liverpool was unfairly targeted by the survey, these same groups also acknowledged there is indeed a significant cocaine problem in the city due to its prevalence and availability.