A drug is any chemical you put in your body – like pills, liquids or powders – that change the way you think, feel and act. This includes alcohol. Some drugs are prescribed by a doctor for illnesses. But when people talk about drugs they usually mean drugs that are illegal or unsafe.

There are several reasons young people may take recreational drugs for example;

• Curiosity
• Feeling good in the moment
• Pressure from peers
• Makes them feel more confident
• Distraction from difficult thoughts and feelings

Taking drugs can negatively impact young peoples’ mental, physical and social well-being. Here are some of the risks:

• Damage to physical and mental health
• Overdosing or having a bad experience when taking drugs
• Becoming addicted and feeling like you can’t cope without drugs
• Falling behind with school work
• Falling out with family and friends
• Getting into trouble with the police
• Owing money to drug dealers who may become violent if you cannot pay

It can be too difficult to recognise when we need help. Here are some things to look out that indicate you need help:

• Drinking alcohol or taking drugs frequently
• Finding it difficult to stop drinking or taking drugs
• Feeling like you ‘need’ to drink or take drugs to cope
• Losing interesting in things you used to enjoy
• Experiencing other mental health issues, for example, Anxiety

Parental alcohol or drug use

Most parents and carers who drink alcohol or use drugs do so in moderation. However, parents and carers who have problematic drug and alcohol use can have unpredictable lifestyles and may struggle to recognise and meet their children’s needs. This may result in their children being at risk of harm.

It is important for children and young people to know;

• It’s not your fault if your parent or carers drink
• You don’t have to keep their drinking a secret
• It’s not your responsibility to stop them drinking
• You have the right to feel safe at home
• There are services that can help you

Who to contact

Childline

• Telephone: 0800 1111

Emergency services

• Telephone: 999

Shout Crisis text line

• Text the word ‘SHOUT’ or YM to 85258 (under 19s)

YoungMinds parents helpline

This helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm.

• Telephone: 0808 802 5544

NHS

• Telephone: 111

Or contact your GP.

How to access the service

You can self refer to the Drugs and Alcohol Intervention Service for Youth (DAISY).

Referral through a GP or Social Services to:

• Voices for support for families and children affected by parental substance misuse
• Drugs and Alcohol Mental Health Services (DAMHS)

Useful resources

Websites

Drugs and Alcohol NI
Childline – Drugs, alcohol and smoking
YoungMinds – Drugs and Alcohol: Support For Young People

Northern Trust Youth Mental Health podcasts

Listen to our Youth Mental health podcasts.