Introduction. A review of research indicates a high level of drug risk among the young generation. The problem is multidimensional and implies a range of adverse health effects. The risk of psychoactive substance use also applies to teenagers in Radom and the area. The issue needs a more in-depth study. Aim. Determine the scale of drug and new psychoactive substance use among teenagers in Radom and the area around Radom. Material and methods. Eight hundred sixty teenagers aged 13–19 are studied. The method of a diagnostic poll and the technique of surveying are employed; a survey questionnaire is the research tool. Results. 16.5% of the respondents have taken drugs, 11.9% during the last 12 months, and 6.4% in the 30 days before the study. 4.5% have had contact with new psychoactive substances (NPS) during their lives, with 2,3% last year and 30 days before the study each. Marijuana is the leading drug, while strong cathinone compounds prevail among the NPS. The variables point to a greater risk of drugs among boys than among girls. Secondary comprehensive and trade school students most often admit to taking drugs, and technical secondary and junior secondary school students to using the NPS. Conclusions: Experimenting with drugs commonly begins at the age of 15–17. Marijuana is the drug introducing to the world of illegal substances and is the most popular. Synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids are the most popular new psychoactive substances, whose consumption is far lower. Gender, age, and school type differentiate the consumption of illegal psychoactive substances.

Key words: drugs, new psychoactive substances, teenagers.