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Alcohol, Drugs & Cigarettes
As if teenagers don't have enough to worry about without the added pressures of Alcohol, Drugs & Cigarettes. This section deals with all these issues and provides links to alternative sources of help and guidance.
DRUGS
Who uses drugs?
A lot of young people smoke, drink alcohol and try legal and illegal drugs. Most do it for reasons of curiosity, experimentation, in search of fun, peer pressure or a desire to follow the “in crowd.”
Risks and dangers
You may hold strict conservative, anti drug and alcohol views about the use of drugs by youn people. Or be laissez-faire and more laid back about it: whatever your take there are very many risks and dangers of associated with using drugs or alcohol that can cause not only short term but also long-lasting damage to your child’s health. Here are some of the basic facts:
§ It is dangerous to mix drugs and alcohol. They each may increase the effects of the other substance, e.g. ecstasy and alcohol can lead to dehydration (overheating), and cause coma and death.
§ You cannot know for sure what is in the drugs that are bought. They do not come with a list of ingredients and dealers are by their nature untrustworthy and can mix substances to increases profits that can prove to be fatal.
§ Serious infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, can be spread by sharing needles or `equipment'.
§ Accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after drinking and drug use.
§ Using drugs can lead to serious mental illness such as psychosis or depression, and to health problems and overdoses.
How do you know if your child is using drugs?
Occasional use can be very difficult to detect. If someone is using on a regular basis, their behaviour often changes. Look for signs such as:
§ unexplained moodiness
§ behaviour that is `out of character'
§ loss of interest in school or friends
§ unexplained loss of clothes or money
§ unusual smells,
§ evidence of drug using paraphenlia such as silver foil, cigarette papers, pipes or needles.
Remember, none of these guarantees that your child is using drugs.
What can parents do?
In general:
§ Pay attention to what your child is doing, including school work, friends and leisure time.
§ Learn about the effects of alcohol and drugs (see www.talktofrank.com/).
§ Listen to what your child says about alcohol and drugs and talk about it with them.
§ Encourage your child to be informed and responsible about drugs and alcohol.
§ Talk to other parents, friends or teachers about drugs - the facts and your fears.
If your child is using make sure of your facts (why not refer to our links below) and stay calm.
Don’t
- give up on them
- get into long debates or arguments when they are drunk, stoned or high
- blame them - you may lose their confidence.
Where to get help
§ Your child’s teachers: List of Schools
§ Health Visitors
§ Guernsey police
Websites of use
If you wish to contribute to this article please contact us. Or share advice and experience in anonymity on the Guernsey Grapevine.
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