Drug and Alcohol Use
information for Young People
Problematic Drug and Alcohol Use
Drug or alcohol use can be problematic when substances are taken in amounts or in ways that are harmful to the individual, or to others around them. ISSU18 supports young people who are struggling with drug or alcohol use of their own, or that of a family member.
How might this affect me?
- If the problematic use affects you, you may notice changes in your own behaviour. You may find yourself behaving in ways you wouldnt normally, or doing things which are out of character for you.
- You may find that you experience changes in mood, poor influences, breakdowns in relationships with those important to you, or you may come to accidental or unintentional harm.
- Many substances can largely influence and alter the way we think, feel and act. You might find it harder to go to school, to work, you might lack motivation, or find it hard to concentrate.
- If this affects a parent/someone close with you, you may notice those changes in their behaviour. When people in our familes use drugs or alcohol it can trigger difficulties such as a lack of trust, feelings of anger and resentment, and sometimes means parents aren't able to look after us properly. This can lead to traumatic experiences or problems in the parent/child relationship (attachment).
What can I do to help myself?
Talk to someone you can trust and try to be honest about how substances are impacting on your life. There is help available to you and your family.
There are also many online self help resources available including:
When might a referral be appropriate?
A referral is appropriate if you are worried about your level of drug or alcohol use, or if someone else is concerned about you. It would also be appropriate if you have come to harm because of drinking or taking drugs whether you meant to do this, or not.
A referral is also appropriate where you, yourself may not take drugs or drink alcohol, butnyou are having difficulties because of a family members substance use.
What can I expect?
Following referral, you will likely be contacted by a member of the ISSU18 team.
The purpose of this call will be to have a brief conversation and if appropriate, an appointment will be arranged with you for full initial assessment.
This will be a more in depth discussion with you to try and understand your difficulties and how it is impacting on your life. We will work with you to try and understand why things might have got to this point.
Following this, we will work with you to create a plan to help you reduce and/or stop.
We know this may be frightening or difficult for you but we are here to help and wont judge you or your family.
Websites / Support Information
Cocaine Anonymous UK 0800 612 0225. Help and support for anyone who wants to stop using cocaine.
FRANK 0300 123 6600 Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.
Marijuana Anonymous 0300 124 0373 Help for anyone worried about cannabis use.
Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 Support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs.
Drug and Alcohol Use
information for Parents and Carers
How do I know if my child has a problematic drug and alcohol misuse?
- We may not like it, but for many young people using drugs or alcohol can be a part of normal development and experimenting or taking substances doesnt always mean they need to see a professional. Keeping open lines of communication with your child about these things is important.
- If you are worried try to have an open conversation with your child regarding the risks associated with drugs / alcohol. No one knows your child and their behaviours better than you.
- You may notice changes in their behaviour, in their daily routine, blood shot eyes/frequent unusual nose bleeds and changes in personality i.e. (irritable, angry or agitated.)
- If you yourself or another family member has difficulties with drugs or alcohol this may affect your child in lots of different ways. Even though you might have done your best to protect them from it that can be really hard. They may have had to spend time living with someone else. These things can be difficult and sometimes children need help to cope with their feelings about this.
How might this affect them?
- It may change the way the behave both within and out with the home.
- They may become disinterested in things they used to enjoy.
- Mood changes can become noticeable. Low mood, erratic behaviours and increased anxiety.
- Disengagement with school, peers and hobbies they used to enjoy.
- Getting into trouble more often.
- Doing things out with their character.
- Changes to their social circle.
- They may be worried about you, find it hard to be away from you, or they may be angry, distant or cut off.
When might a referral be appropriate?
If you are worried about your childs drug or alcohol use, or if they have come to harm due to substance use, then a referral may be appropriate.
If you think your child is struggling with feelings or emotions that are due to someone else’s substance use, then a referral may also be appropriate
If your child is over 12 or the referral relates to their own substance use, then your child’s consent must be gained prior to placing a referral.
What can I expect?
Once the referral has been received, a member of the ISSU18 team will be in contact to arrange an initial assessment appointment with you all.