Drugs and Alcohol

“At first I thought it was just a teenage thing – Paul just wanted to be out all the time. He started to come home late, a row always started and he’d storm off to his room. He was losing weight, looked terrible. I was so worried about him.”

Getting the Facts

How would I know?

Identifying signs of drug use can be difficult; however there are some common traits which may lead you to ask the question. These include a change in behaviour; a change in performance at school; changes in a financial situation and personal possessions ‘disappearing’ and being sold. There may be a change in relationships with family and friends. Some of the more physical signs may include a young person being tense or drowsy; complaining of sickness; impaired concentration; lack of energy, depression; skin problems or aggression.

Why do young people try alcohol, drugs or substances?

There are countless reasons but some of the most common are because young people are curious about them; they enjoy the feeling it gives them; they want to break the rules, to relax if they are feeling very stressed; to escape reality; to cope with difficult situations or feelings; because their friends do it.

If you find out that your child is experimenting with alcohol, drugs or substances, it can be worrying. This can be due to your lack of knowledge and not feeling confident about talking about them. That is why it is vitally important that children are aware of the potential risks of using drugs.

“It is important to discuss alcohol and drug use early”

You have a part to play! Some parents/carers worry that doing this encourages their child to use alcohol or drugs. Avoiding talking about this will not protect them. Children will be aware of alcohol or drugs in some way before they leave primary school. It is likely that at this early stage, children will be more responsive to being told about the risks of these. Make sure you tell your children about the risks. Accurate information and support will help them decide what to do. It does not guarantee non-use but will increase the chance of an informed choice. Remember there are lots of information via websites, helplines and local support services.

You can also contact Sunderland’s Young People Drug and Alcohol Service YDAP Young People Drug and Alcohol Service YDAP.

Your behaviour counts

Be aware that drug and alcohol misuse by the adults in a household can seriously affect the care and well-being of children. It can damage relationships, impact on family finances and the ability to provide a safe and stable environment for children.

No matter how careful you think you are children and young people are often very aware of their parents behaviour and may copy these patterns.

Warning Signs

In general terms – if your child’s appearance, behaviour or financial situation changes dramatically from what you consider normal you may wish to include drug and alcohol use in your list of “I wonder if” questions.

Action

You don’t have to know everything about alcohol, drugs and substances. People can often feel out of their depth. Talk to your child. Remember you are not alone; there are a number of agencies and support groups available to help both you and your child.

What to say

Try to avoid being accusing and judgmental; listen instead, this way you will build up trust with your child. Try and find out if there are any underlying issues as to why they may have started trying drugs.

Use every opportunity to have a discussion, for example, when drug are mentioned in a television programme. It is important you can give accurate information regarding the risks of alcohol and drug use at a young age.

Prevention

Don’t just rely on the school to give your child information. Ensure that you are informed about the use and the effects of different types of drugs. You can find more information below:

Contacts

Local

• www.neca.co.uk (Sunderland)
• YDAP. (Sunderland)
• Drug Servicecs over 18 (Sunderland) Freephone 0800 234 6789
• www.sotw.nhs.uk
• www.familiesinfoservice.com
• www.sunderland.gov.uk
• www.hiwecanhelp.com (details of services available to Sunderland residents)

National

• www.drinkaware.co.uk Drinkline Freephone 0800 917 8282
• www.drugsline.org Freephone 0808 1 606 606
• www.talktofrank.com Freephone 0800 77 66 00
• www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Alcohol
• www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Drugs
• www.bbc.co.uk/health
• www.gotateenager.org.uk Freephone 0808 800 2222
• www.parentlineplus.org.uk Freephone 0808 800 2222
• www.ukparentslounge.com

Key Bits

• Prevention is better than cure
• Recognise the changes in behaviour that may indicate a problem
• Make sure you know about drugs and their possible effects
• Talk to your children about drugs from a young age

To visit the Alcohol section for 11-15 year olds click here

To visit the Alcohol section for 16-24 year olds click here

To visit the Drugs and Substances section for 11-15 year olds click here

To visit the Drugs and Substances section for 16-24 year olds click here