Drugs and alcohol: information for young people
About this leaflet
This is one in a series of leaflets for parents, teachers and
young people entitled Mental Health and Growing Up. The
aims of these leaflets are to provide practical, up-to-date
information about mental health problems (emotional, behavioural
and psychiatric disorders) that can affect children and young
people. This leaflet aims to point out the problems with misusing
drugs and alcohol, and gives you some ideas about how to avoid
falling into doing this.
Introduction
Lots of young people want to know about
drugs and alcohol. It is important to know, that despite one's
willpower, it's very easy to end up finding that you have
a problem. You may initially think that you have your drug or
alcohol use `under control', however, these things can be very
addictive and may soon start to control you.
What are the commonly used drugs?
Society's favourite drugs are alcohol and
tobacco, They are both very addictive and are misused by millions
of people. There are many other drugs which are addictive. Some of
these are 'legal' and others 'illegal'.
Other 'legal' substances, such petrol and glue, if
abused, can be very harmful. Even medicines, such as
painkillers and certain drugs for sleep problems, can be
addictive, particularly if they are not used in the way they were
prescribed.
The obviously 'illegal' drugs are things
like
cannabis (hash),
speed (amphetamines), ecstasy (E), cocaine and heroin.
For further information on drugs and their effects, see the
websites listed below.
Why do people take drugs or alcohol?
- You may worry that if you don't take drugs,
you will be 'uncool' and won't fit in.
- You may just want to experiment.
- You find that taking a particular drug makes you feel
confident, and may help you to face a difficult situation.
- If you are unhappy, stressed or lonely, you are more likely to
turn to drugs to forget your problems.
What leads to problems with drugs and alcohol?
- Drugs can make you feel good for a while. Just experimenting
with a drug may make you want to try again ... and again.
- If you take drugs or alcohol to help cope with a situation or a
feeling, after a while you may need the drug to face that situation
or feeling every time.
- If you find that you are using a drug or alcohol more and more
often, be careful as this is the first step to becoming dependent
on it.
- If you hang out with people who use a lot of drugs or drink
heavily, you probably will too.
What are the dangers of taking drugs and alcohol?
Drugs and alcohol damage your health. Here are some basic
facts:
- It is dangerous to mix drugs and alcohol. They each may
increase the effects of the other substance, e.g. ecstasy and
alcohol, but can lead to dehydration (overheating) and cause coma
and death.
- You cannot know for sure what is in the drug you buy. It might
not contain what the dealer says. Some dealers might mix it with
other substances, or you may get a higher dose of a drug than you
are used to which can be fatal.
- Sharing needles or `equipment' can spread serious infections
like HIV and hepatitis.
- Accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after drinking
and drug use.
- Using drugs can lead to serious mental illness such as
psychosis or depression, and to health problems and overdoses.
How do I know when I am hooked?
The most common sign that you have a drug or
alcohol problem is when you feel you no longer have a choice. You
find yourself having to take the drug more and more to get the same
effect. You may find it difficult to cope without it. You may
say "It's not that I need it", but find it is a habit that you are
unable to give up.
Read and answer the questions below
honestly.
- Do you think about drugs or alcohol
everyday?
- Is it hard to say `no' when they are offered?
- Would you drink/take drugs when you are alone?
- Does taking drugs get in the way of the rest of your life?
If the answer to these questions is `yes', you may be
hooked.
What do I do if someone offers me drugs or alcohol?
- It is sometimes difficult to say 'no'. You
need to first be aware of what you are going to take and what it
can do to you.
- Think before you answer: for example, you may say "I have
had it before and I don't like it". Whatever you say, say it
confidently and stick to it.
- You may also find other ways - you have to
go somewhere else, do something else you enjoy like sports, drama
etc... This makes it easier for you to leave and avoid getting into
trouble with drugs or alcohol.
If you do have something, remember what are the safe limits for
you. Think ahead, keep a watch on how much you take, and have a
plan to stop or leave the situation.
What do I do if my friend or someone I know needs help?
It can be very difficult to see someone
you like or care for having a drug or alcohol problem. You may try
to tell them to stop, or suggest that they leave when they
seem to be taking more than they should.
Don't try talking to them when they are drunk or have taken a
lot of drugs. It's best to speak to them the next day. You may
suggest that they should get help (see websites listed
below).
In an emergency, such as falling unconscious or hurting
themselves, don't hesitate to call an ambulance for help.
Remember: you are not responsible for what
your friend does. Take care of yourself, speak to others like their
family or a teacher you can trust and talk to.
Where can I get help?
There are different ways of getting help.
It is helpful to first talk to someone you trust:
- a close friend
- your parents or a family member
- a family friend
- a school nurse
- a social worker
- a teacher/school counsellor
You may even like to speak to a professional like your GP or
practice nurse, a local drug project or child and adolescent mental
health service (CAMHS). They can refer you on to the relevant
services, and will be able to offer you advice and support.
You can find this information in your local area telephone book,
or local Council website, or you can ask for the address from your
health centre.
References
Sources of further information
Most of the websites below offer telephone advice or
email contact:
Produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Child and Family
Public Education Editorial Board. Reviewed by: Dr Vasu
Balaguru.
©
Updated: April 2011. Due for review: April 2013. Royal College of
Psychiatrists. This leaflet may be downloaded, printed out,
photocopied and distributed free of charge as long as the Royal
College of Psychiatrists is properly credited and no profit is
gained from its use. Permission to reproduce it in any other way
must be obtained from the Head
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