Lots of young people want to know about drugs and alcohol. It is important to know, that despite one's willpower, it's very easy to end up finding that you have a problem. You may initially think that you have your drug or alcohol use `under control', however, these things can be very addictive and may soon start to control you.
What are the commonly used drugs?
Society's favourite drugs are alcohol and tobacco, They are both very addictive and are misused by millions of people. There are many other drugs which are addictive. Some of these are 'legal' and others 'illegal'.
Other 'legal' substances, such petrol and glue, if abused, can be very harmful. Even medicines, such as painkillers and certain drugs for sleep problems, can be addictive, particularly if they are not used in the way they were prescribed.
The obviously 'illegal' drugs are things like cannabis (hash), speed (amphetamines), ecstasy (E), cocaine and heroin.
For further information on drugs and their effects, see the websites listed below.
Why do people take drugs or alcohol?
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You may worry that if you don't take drugs, you will be 'uncool' and won't fit in.
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You may just want to experiment.
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You find that taking a particular drug makes you feel confident, and may help you to face a difficult situation.
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If you are unhappy, stressed or lonely, you are more likely to turn to drugs to forget your problems.
What leads to problems with drugs and alcohol?
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Drugs can make you feel good for a while. Just experimenting with a drug may make you want to try again ... and again.
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If you take drugs or alcohol to help cope with a situation or a feeling, after a while you may need the drug to face that situation or feeling every time.
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If you find that you are using a drug or alcohol more and more often, be careful as this is the first step to becoming dependent on it.
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If you hang out with people who use a lot of drugs or drink heavily, you probably will too.
What are the dangers of taking drugs and alcohol?
Drugs and alcohol damage your health. Here are some basic facts:
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It is dangerous to mix drugs and alcohol. They each may increase the effects of the other substance, e.g. ecstasy and alcohol, but can lead to dehydration (overheating) and cause coma and death.
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You cannot know for sure what is in the drug you buy. It might not contain what the dealer says. Some dealers might mix it with other substances, or you may get a higher dose of a drug than you are used to which can be fatal.
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Sharing needles or `equipment' can spread serious infections like HIV and hepatitis.
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Accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after drinking and drug use.
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Using drugs can lead to serious mental illness such as psychosis or depression, and to health problems and overdoses.
How do I know when I am hooked?
The most common sign that you have a drug or alcohol problem is when you feel you no longer have a choice. You find yourself having to take the drug more and more to get the same effect. You may find it difficult to cope without it. You may say "It's not that I need it", but find it is a habit that you are unable to give up.
Read and answer the questions below honestly .
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Do you think about drugs or alcohol everyday?
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Is it hard to say `no' when they are offered?
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Would you drink/take drugs when you are alone?
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Does taking drugs get in the way of the rest of your life?
If the answer to these questions is `yes', you may be hooked.
What do I do if someone offers me drugs or alcohol?
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It is sometimes difficult to say 'no'. You need to first be aware of what you are going to take and what it can do to you.
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Think before you answer: for example, you may say "I have had it before and I don't like it". Whatever you say, say it confidently and stick to it.
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You may also find other ways - you have to go somewhere else, do something else you enjoy like sports, drama etc... This makes it easier for you to leave and avoid getting into trouble with drugs or alcohol.
If you do have something, remember what are the safe limits for you. Think ahead, keep a watch on how much you take, and have a plan to stop or leave the situation.
What do I do if my friend or someone I know needs help?
It can be very difficult to see someone you like or care for having a drug or alcohol problem. You may try to tell them to stop, or suggest that they leave when they seem to be taking more than they should.
Don't try talking to them when they are drunk or have taken a lot of drugs. It's best to speak to them the next day. You may suggest that they should get help (see websites listed below).
In an emergency, such as falling unconscious or hurting themselves, don't hesitate to call an ambulance for help.
Remember : you are not responsible for what your friend does. Take care of yourself, speak to others like their family or a teacher you can trust and talk to.
Where can I get help?
There are different ways of getting help. It is helpful to first talk to someone you trust:
You may even like to speak to a professional like your GP or practice nurse, a local drug project or child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). They can refer you on to the relevant services, and will be able to offer you advice and support.
You can find this information in your local area telephone book, or local Council website, or you can ask for the address from your health centre.
Most of the websites below offer telephone advice or email contact:
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NHS Direct can provide help and advice on any aspect of drug and alcohol use. Tel. 0845 4647 -
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