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Drugs Advice
What can be done to prevent young people getting involved with drugs?
The following advice should provide help and encouragement for adults tackling drug issues with young people:
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Try to be open and non-judgmental so that young people will be more likely to come and talk to you when they need help or advice. |
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People often use drugs as a way of blocking out short-term problems, so talk to young people from an early age about how to cope with everyday problems. |
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Talk to young people about the pressures on them to take drugs, and how adults are also affected by it. |
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Discuss the facts about various substances both positive and negative. Point out that people use drugs because they like the effects, but make sure they also know all the risks - physical, social and psychological. |
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Take every opportunity to increase the self-esteem of young people. People who feel good about themselves are less likely to take unnecessary risks with their health on a regular basis. |
What can you do if you discover that someone close to you is using drugs?
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Firstly, it is important that you remain calm and don't panic. Try to remember that your over-reaction could make the situation worse.
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Make sure that you know the facts
about the different drugs available today, so that you can talk to the person sensibly and without losing credibility. |
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Find out which substances they are using,
how often they are using them,
how much money they are spending and
what the effects are.
This is important because you need to form an understanding of how deeply they are involved and how much control they have over their drug use.
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Share your worries. Your GP may be able to help, and there are websites and helplines available where trained and knowledgeable people will listen to you and support you (see below). |
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Remember not to blame yourself. Use of drugs is widespread. As many as 50% of 16-year olds claim to have tried drugs. We might not like it, and it is illegal, but for many young people drugs are seen as part of growing up and are cheap, acceptable and easily available. |
Talk to Frank (the National Drugs Helpline) offers free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 776600, email, or ask a question online. See the website for more details.
Release was established in 1967 as
the first ever national drugs helpline. It continues to offer drugs information and advice on legal and human rights issues.
Adfam (Families, Drugs and Alcohol) gives access to a range of specialised services for families affected by drugs and alcohol abuse. The site links to local services and support around the UK.
The Home Office details of the government's strategies for tackling drugs.
The Green Party drugs information page for cannabis health studies, ecstacy testing kits and detailed information on drugs.
Sussedaboutdrugs Information on drugs, alcohol and services for young people, parents and students.
Visit UKOrbit's Consumer & Advice Centre for further help and information.
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