Drugs: what are the risks?

What do you know about drugs? Research shows that children who feel they can talk to their parents about drugs will put off, or avoid, taking them more than those who do not.

What are the risks?

There are risks and your child may not have thought of all of them. When you calmly talk through the situation with your child, you could mention these points:

  • the user can never be sure of exactly what they are taking
  • what is bought is unlikely to be pure and your child won't know what it has been mixed with
  • not knowing the strength of what has been bought could lead to accidental overdose
  • your child can't be sure what effect a drug will have, even if they have taken it before
  • it is often extremely dangerous to mix different drugs and this includes taking a drug and drinking alcohol
  • if needles, syringes or other injecting equipment are shared, there is a serious risk of dangerous infections being spread - such as HIV and hepatitis and injecting can also damage veins.

What to do in an emergency?

Amphetamines (speed), cannabis, ecstasy, LSD and magic mushrooms can sometimes make the user feel tense and panicky.

If this happens:

  • calm your child and be reassuring - try not to let them see if you feel scared or worried
  • explain that the feelings will pass
  • encourage them to settle in a quiet, dimly lit room
  • if they start breathing very quickly, tell them to take long, slow breaths.

Heroin, tranquillisers and misuse of gases, glues and aerosols can make the user feel very drowsy.

If this happens:

  • calm your child and be reassuring
  • don't frighten or startle them, or let them exert themselves
  • never give coffee to rouse them
  • if symptoms persist, lie them on their side in the recovery position, so their tongue cannot fall back and prevent breathing
  • call an ambulance if they don't start to become more alert.

Talking about drugs

If a young child brings up the subject, ask gently what they know about 'drugs'. Tell them they can come to you whenever they have questions about drugs and you will answer. Tell them to let you know if anyone ever offers them drugs.

When they reach secondary school, what your child's friends think, do and say, becomes more important to them. Don't try to be 'cool' when you discuss drugs with them. This is a quick way to lose their trust.

Helpful organisations

Several national organisations can provide help and information on drugs and drug abuse:

National Drugs Helpline (includes alcohol)

National Drugs Helpline offers free and confidential advice. It is available in 120 different languages and a translator can be provided. The number is - 0800 77 66 00.

Talk to Frank

The Talk to Frank website has masses of information on how to deal with drugs and can refer you to local drugs services.

Release

Release provides a helpline on drug use and legal issues Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Telephone 020 7729 9904.

Drugsalcohol.info

Drugsalcohol.info is a Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland website in support of the Northern Ireland Drugs and Alcohol Campaign. It provides a searchable database with contact information.

Local services

Your GP can refer you to local drugs counselling agencies. Your child’s school should have a policy on drug education and managing drug-related incidents. The Community Liaison Department of your local police may be able to answer your questions about the local drug scene, and the law.

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