Advice for parents

Signs of drug use

There are many possible signs that could suggest a child or young person in your care is taking drugs. These include changes in appearance, friends, interests, eating and sleeping habits, moods and openness.

However, it is important to realise that these signs are often a natural part of growing up, so a young person who is not using drugs could also show the same signs.

For more information about the signs to look for visit Talk to Frank

Talking to children or young people in your care

It is important to keep the lines of communication with children and young people open. Set aside time to talk when they ask you and listen to them. Ask open-ended questions to engage in a conversation rather than your dictating to them what they think.

Don’t try to hide the facts of the effects of drugs on a person. If you do not have the knowledge to answer their questions, research the area on the Internet. Maybe you could do this together.

The major pressure on children or young people to take drugs is often from their peers. Talk to them about how to deal with these situations, so they don’t feel they have to follow.

It will never be an easy conversation, but something as a parent or carer, you should do.

For more advice about how to discuss drugs visit Talk to Frank

Cannabis is no big deal?

Cannabis can cause long term problems, it:

• affects psychological development in young people
• can cause a higher than average risk of developing a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia
• can lead to a serious psychiatric illness
• damages concentration & motivation
• adversely affects your heart rate & blood pressure
• can damage fertility in men and women
• leads to dependency
• significantly increases the risk of lung cancer

Still think cannabis is no big deal?

Druglink are a charity working in partnership with the police to help people of all ages realise the potential dangers of drug abuse.

The scheme is a three hour educational programme exploring:

• The link between the possession of Cannabis and offending
• Stages of addiction
• Physical & psychological harms
• The impact on a person’s future life
• Legal consequences

The course aims to encourage attendees to reduce their Cannabis use or stop using it completely and assess the impact of their use through anonymous interactive questions, and also to view the impact it was having on their lives and those around them.

Druglink provide courses for both adults and young people.

 "Before the course I was unemployed and had no motivation to do anything, my life revolved around smoking. Since the course I have stopped smoking Cannabis and I have now got myself a full time job. It really sorted me out".

You can refer yourself onto the course, it costs £40 (correct 19/09/12)

To book your place or to find out more contact Druglink on 01923 271783 or email Druglink here.