A recent survey found that 45% of 11-35 year-olds had taken at least one drug; the highest usage was amongst the 16-22 age group. It doesn’t matter how bright they are, which school they attend or what kind of background they are from. All children are tempted to try drugs at least once in their life. When it comes to the subject of drugs, some parents panic, refusing to acknowledge there may be a problem. This often results in the belief that it if they ignore it, it will go away. However it is difficult to give hard and fast rules about drugs use, as there are many factors to be considered. Each child is different and has a different reaction depending on their state of mind at the time, the type of drugs used, the amount taken and the company in which they are taken.

Reason children try

• Some try out of curiosity and to feel the ‘high’ that drugs give.
• The associated ‘buzz’ of doing something illegal or dangerous.
• Peer pressure to join in.
• To escape from problems at home or at school.
• As an act of rebellion against their parents.
• It appears to be the fashionable thing to do.
• Boredom.
• Some children and young people see it as a way of gaining self-esteem.
• Some types of drugs are cheap.

• There are many kinds of drugs. Tobacco is a legal drug but cannabis and cocaine are not. Drugs also include solvents like glue and butane gas.
• Different drugs affect people in different ways and some of the effects are more dangerous than others.
• Although no drugs are totally safe, some are used in safer ways than others. Injecting drugs can be more dangerous than sniffing or smoking.
• The side effects cannot be determined beforehand for any user. Mixing drugs is very dangerous.
• Because each individual’s reasons for drug taking varies, their responses to help will vary also.
• Parents react in different ways to their children’s drug use. Some appear to be tolerant depending on the type of drug used, others are totally opposed.

What parents can do

• If your children feel that you are available to them and interested in their views, they are more likely to confide in you.
• Try to keep them well-informed and don’t make it a taboo subject.
• Talk to them about their feelings on all subjects, including drugs.
• Take your children seriously and respect them by not judging them.
• Be firm about your views but don’t be aggressive.
• Set an example over the way you use tobacco and alcohol. Research has shown that it does send signals for good or bad.
• Be honest about your own drug-taking in the past.
• Encourage your children to invite their friends home. Friends can sometimes be an indication of what is going on in your child’s life.
• Show your children that you care. Reinforce the knowledge that you love them.

• Don’t ever be tempted to bully your children.
• Remember how it felt to be lectured, so don’t lecture them.
• Being sanctimonious doesn’t help your child.
• Avoid trying scare tactics with shock horror stories. They don’t work.
• Do explain that it’s illegal and can lead to trouble.
• Explain that drugs can affect their health now and in the future.

• Mood swings from happy and alert to sullen and moody.
• Unusual aggression and irritability.
• Loss of interest in sport, hobbies and friends.
• Loss of appetite.
• Furtive behaviour and evidence of telling lies.
• Unexplained loss of money or belongings.
• Unusual smell in the house.
• Unexplained marks on the body.

• Be realistic. Your child may require more help than you can provide.
• There are agencies and helpgroups who will be able to advise.
• If the drug taking has become a regular thing they may not be able to stop immediately. Support gradual improvement and be aware that slip-ups may occur.
• Don’t blame yourself. Drug taking is often a passing phase and not always the result of major psychological problems.

What to do in an emergency

• Don’t panic. Dial 999 for an ambulance.
• Make sure they have plenty of air.
• If they are drowsy, talk to them to keep them awake.
• If they have collapsed, turn them on their side.
• Do not leave them alone, as there is danger of suffocation if they vomit.
• Give any drugs or solvents found at the scene to the ambulance crew.

• Amphetamines are known by a variety of names, most common being speed, billy and whiz. They come in tablet and capsule form but are mostly sold as off-white powder squares in plastic wrapping. It can be taken orally, snorted and injected. It affects people by making them more alert and confident but once the effect wears off they can become anxious and restless. May disrupt sleep and prolonged use can cause mental health problems in the future.
• Cannabis is known as dope, hash, blow, weed, skunk (an extra strong version) or grass. Resin is made from compressing the sticky compound found in the flower tops and the ‘grass’ is the dried leafy parts. It may also come in the form of oil. Usually sold in quantities of an eighth (of an ounce) upwards it is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked. Grass may be smoked on its own and can also be brewed into tea or added to food. Its effect is to relax the user making them more talkative and giggly. Cannabis is currently believed not to be physically addictive. However, it affects concentration and slows reflexes. Occasional or sporadic use is not believed to have serious side effects. However, prolonged, long-term or very heavy use may damage the lungs, lead to paranoia and short-term memory loss.
• Cocaine is known as coke, charlie or snow. A white powder that is processed from the leaf of the cocoa plant and often mixed with other substances. It is usually sniffed or snorted; long-term use damages the lining of the nose. The effects are short-lived, up to 30 minutes, making the person feel more alert, friendly and confident. High dosages have the opposite effect – making people anxious and paranoid. Cocaine can be physically addictive.

• Crack is often called rock or wash and it is a form of cocaine that has been processed for smoking. It can be pinkish, yellow or waxy white in colour. It is most commonly smoked through a water pipe and but homemade pipes are often made with aluminum foil, drinks cans or glass bottles. A potent stimulant offering an immense high, which lasts only minutes. It is highly physically addictive and prolonged use can cause extreme paranoia, mood swings and violence.
• Ecstasy is most commonly known as E but is also referred to as doves or disco. Sold in tablet and capsule form in many shapes and sizes. Many have a motif of a smiley face on one side. It makes the user feel energetic for many hours and users often refer to being ‘loved up’. High doses lead to paranoia and panic, and regular use may lead to psychological dependence and depression. Associated deaths are usually linked to dehydration.
• Heroin is also known as H, horse, smack or skag. It is processed from the dried milk of the opium poppy and is usually off-white to brown in colour. It is mixed with other substances like talc or dust. It can be injected or smoked (known as ‘chasing the dragon’) with or without tobacco. It slows physical and mental awareness and blocks out pain. It makes the user drowsy and the effects last for several hours. Heroin is very physically and mentally addictive.
• LSD is commonly called Acid, tabs or trips. A solution of lysergic acid diethylamide and is commonly impregnated onto small squares of blotting paper and is taken orally. LSD is a hallucinogenic that works on distorting the senses. Sight and sound are intensified and the effects can last for up to 12 hours. For some it is an enjoyable, mind-expanding experience, for others it can be frightening with accompanying panic attacks. Users often experience flashbacks for a time after the initial ‘trip’.

Drugline 0800 776600
Provides a telephone advice and counselling service.

Families Anonymous 0207 498 4680
Supports families and friends of drug users via a network of self-help groups who meet regularly.

Narcotics Anonymous 0207 730 0009
Offers help to anyone who wants to give up drugs through regular meetings of recovering addicts.