Drugs & Alcohol

For Parents – Information on Drugs and Alcohol

 

While some experimentation with drugs or alcohol may be expected for many young people, using drugs and alcohol to excess can make mental health difficulties worse. A lot of young people recognise that drinking or taking drugs can help them feel better in the short term but can make them feel worse the next day or in the long run.

As a parent, you may not be familiar with some of the drugs in common use. Ketamine, for example, has become quite a big problem in many cities in the UK. Some drugs may be quite safe in small amounts, others less so – make sure you are up-to-date and can give sensible advice. It isn’t always realistic to preach complete avoidance, although many young people don’t drink or use recreational drugs at all. For those who do try, having access to reliable information and non-judgemental parents will go a long way to keeping them safe.

The links below offer unbiased advice on drugs and alcohol including information on many of the newer drugs and their effects. There are also helplines both for young people and for parents and family.

Drugs and Alcohol
Honest advice and safety tips for young people

 

 

My mum or dad has a drug or alcohol problem