Drugs and alcohol
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
Resources
Websites
- Drugs and Alcohol | NI (drugsandalcoholni.info)
- Drugs, alcohol and smoking | Childline
- Drugs and Alcohol | Support For Young People | YoungMinds
Services
Self-Referral to Drugs and Alcohol Intervention Service for Youth (DAISY):
Start360 | DAISY Drug and Alcohol Intervention Service for Youth
Referral through General Practitioner or Social Services to:
- Voices for support for families and children affected by parental substance misuse
- Drugs and Alcohol Mental Health Services (DAMHS)
Contacts
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Emergency services: 999
- Shout Crisis text line: text the word ‘SHOUT’ or YM to 85258 (under 19s)
- Young minds parents helpline (9.30am-4:00pm week days): call 0808 802 5544
- NHS 111/GP
