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Experimental use of alcohol and drugs is common amongst young people. When drugs are taken, there is always some risk involved. This is because drugs can affect different people in different ways, and it can be hard to know exactly what you are taking, as you often don’t know where the drugs have come from.

There are many reasons that a young person may misuse alcohol and drugs, including:

• Peer pressure
• Family history of addiction
• Mental health problems
• Exposure to violence
• Low self-esteem
• Boredom

Alcohol and drug abuse can have a number of negative consequences, including:

• Health problems
• Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis
• Accidents, increasing the risks of trips, falls, car accidents, drowning
• School issues, such as poor exam grades and non attendance
• Legal problems, such as arrests and convictions
• Relationship issues, such as fights, breakups, and family conflict
• Financial implications, such as debt and job loss

If you are concerned about alcohol or drug abuse in a young person, there are a number of things you can do:

• Talk to the young person: Talk to the young person about your concerns and let them know that you are there to help.
• Encourage the young person to seek help: If the young person is willing to seek help, encourage them to talk to a professional
• Set limits: Set limits on the young person’s access to alcohol and drugs; discuss how they can keep themselves safe.
• Be a role model: Set a good example by not drinking or using drugs yourself.
• Get support: If you are struggling to deal with alcohol or drug abuse in a young person, get support for yourself. There are a number of resources available to help parents/carers.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are people who can help you and the young person you are concerned about.

For more information about drugs, the risks associated with them and where you can go to for support please see the links below.