Mental Health and Growing Up Factsheet
Alcohol and drugs - what parents need to know: information for parents, carers and anyone who works with young people
About this leafletThis is one in a series of leaflets for parents, teachers and young people entitled Mental Health and Growing Up.This leaflet offers practical advice for parents and teachers who are worried that a young person is misusing drugs or alcohol. |
Alcohol and drugs
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What are the different types of drugs which cause problems? | |
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Why do I need to know about young
person using drugs or alcohol?
Many young people smoke, drink alcohol and may try drugs. It
is important you are aware of this and do not ignore it as a time
when they are just having fun or experimenting. It doesn’t take
much for the young people to soon lose control and to need help to
recover from this problem.
How common is it?
By the age of 16, up to half of young people
have tried an illegal drug. Young people are trying drugs earlier
and more are drinking alcohol.
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The most commonly used, readily available and
strongly addictive drugs are tobacco and alcohol. There are
numerous others that can be addictive.
Alcohol and cannabis are sometimes seen as
‘gateway’ drugs that lead to the world of other drugs like cocaine
and heroin.
Drugs are also classed as ‘legal’ and
‘illegal’. The obviously illegal drugs include
cannabis (hash), speed (amphetamines), ecstasy (E), cocaine and
heroin. Using ‘legal’ drugs (like cigarettes, alcohol, petrol,
glue) does not mean they are safe or allowed to be misused. It just
means they may be bought or sold for specific purposes and are
limited to use by specific age groups.
There are clear laws regarding alcohol and
young people. For more detailed information on various drugs, their
side-effects and the law, see ‘Further Information’ at the end of
the factsheet.
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Why do young people use drugs and
alcohol?
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When does it become an adidction or a problem? | |
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Young people may try or use drugs or alcohol
for various reasons. They may do it for fun, because they are
curious, or to be like their friends. Some are experimenting with
the feeling of intoxication. Sometimes they use it to cope with
difficult situations or feelings of worry and low mood. A young
person is more likely to try or use drugs or alcohol if they hang
out or stay with friends or family who use them.
What can be the problems related to
using drugs or alcohol?
Drugs and alcohol can have different effects
on different people. In young people especially the effects can be
unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Even medications for sleep
or painkillers can be addictive and harmful if not used the way
they are prescribed by a doctor.
Drugs and alcohol can damage health. Sharing
needles or equipment can cause serious infections, such as HIV and
hepatitis. Accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after
drinking and drug use. Young people are more likely to engage in
unprotected sex when using drugs.
Using drugs can lead to serious mental
illnesses such as psychosis and depression.
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It is very difficult to know when exactly
using drugs or alcohol is more than just ‘usual’.
Addiction becomes more obvious when the young
person spends most of their time thinking about, looking for or
using drugs. Drugs or alcohol then become the focus of the young
person’s life. They ignore their usual work, such as not doing
their schoolwork, or stop doing their usual hobbies/sports such as
dancing or football.
How do I know if there is a problem or
addiction?
Occasional use can be very difficult to
detect. If the young person is using on a regular basis, their
behaviour often changes. Look for signs such as:
Remember, the above changes can also mean
other problems rather than using drugs.
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What do I do if i'm worried?
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Where can I get help? | |
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If you suspect young person is using drugs,
remember some general rules.
If someone in the family or close friend is
using drugs or alcohol, it is important that they seek help too. It
may be hard to expect the young person to give up, especially if a
parent is using it too.
My child is abusing drugs. What do I
do?
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You can talk in confidence to a professional
like your GP or practice nurse, a local drug project or your local
child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) (see our
factsheet on Who’s Who in CAMHS). They can refer your child to
relevant services, and will be able to offer you advice and
support.
You may also be able to seek help through a
school nurse, teacher or social worker. You can find this
information from your local area telephone book or council website,
or ask for the address from your health centre.
You may also look at the websites listed
below. Most offer telephone advice and email contact.
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Further info |
References
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Addaction -
Specialist drug and alcohol treatment charity. Alcohol Concern - National agency on alcohol misuse campaigning for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems.
Drink Sense - Provides counselling, information and support for
people with alcohol- related problems, their carers and families,
also has information for young people under the age of
25.
NHS
Choices - Website with health information.
NHS Direct -
Provide help and advice on any aspect of drug and alcohol use. Tel.
0845 4647.
NHS
Smoking Helpline: Smoke free - Smokefree line:
0800 022 4 332.
Patient UK -
Information on alcohol and drug misuse and s links to various
useful books and websites.
Talk to Frank -
Free confidential drugs information and advice line. Tel. 0800
776600.
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Revised by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Child and Family Public Education Editorial Board. Series Editor: Dr Vasu Balaguru.
This leaflet reflects the best available
evidence at the time of writing.
© March 2012. Due for review: March
2014. Royal College of Psychiatrists.
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