image of various drugsDrugs

This covers a wide range of substances from medicines through to illicit drugs.

  • Some medicines are illegal to possess without a prescription (such as sleeping tablets)
  • Some medicines can be very dangerous if not taken as prescribed – especially if its not your medicine
  • Having or selling illicit drugs can get you into serious trouble
  • Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) illegal drugs fall into three classes A, B and C. Each class of drug carries different penalties for possession and supply.

To find out more about drugs and the dangers of using them, visit the Talk to Frank website.

image of girl lying on floor with a bottleAlcohol

Alcohol is a sedative drug. In small doses (a couple of units) it makes people relaxed and more sociable. The more people drink the more likely they are to behave badly – arguing and fighting.

  • A unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol.
  • A 500ml can of Stella lager contains 3.2 units.
  • A 500ml can of Carling contains 2.1 units.
  • A 3 litre bottle of strong cider contains 24 units.
  • A 70cl bottle of vodka contains 28 units.

Some facts:

  • Drinking too much in one go can lead to alcohol poisoning.
  • The amount needed varies from person to person. A bottle of vodka (28 units) can be enough to kill. 1000 young people under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital each year with alcohol poisoning.
  • The medically recommended number of units of alcohol per week is 14 units for women and 21 for men. It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy alcohol.
  • Alcohol affects young people more quickly than adults.
  • As a rule females can only safely drink half as much as men, so trying to keep up with the lads can be very dangerous.
  • Alcohol use is part of British culture but drinking too much, too often can lead to serious problems.

Visit the alcohol concern website to find out more.

image of various different solventsSolvents

Solvents are everyday products such as glue, aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, paint, petrol and butane gas. Methods of use vary from spraying directly into the mouth to sniffing and inhaling products from their container or from a plastic bag. Solvent abuse is very dangerous and can kill first time.

Breathing in gas or fumes to get high is VERY dangerous. It can kill on the first go.  It kills one person every week. Long term abuse can cause brain, liver and kidney damage.

The effects can feel similar to being drunk – feeling dizzy, giggly and dreamy or they may see or hear things which are not real, have feelings of depression or become drowsy.

Use of solvents can lead to mental health problems.

Who you can talk to:- the obvious people might be parents, a best friend, a teacher, youth worker or you could also call Re-Solv’s freephone national helpline 01785 810762, visit their website or call Childline 0800 1111.

image of someone smokingSmoking

The number of adults smoking has fallen but this does not appear to be the case amongst teenagers. In the UK a huge number of children start smoking every day. Smoking carries serious health risks.  Tobacco is a dangerous drug and smoking has been directly linked to lung cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses.

It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy cigarettes.

120,000 people die prematurely in the UK each year from smoking related diseases – lung and other cancers, heart disease, bronchitis and emphysema. About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit.

Doctors believe that one packet of cigarettes can be enough to get young people hooked.

On July 1st 2007, England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England smoke free. It ensures that we can all live in a healthier environment and people can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke.

If you feel you are having problems with drugs, alcohol or solvents you can contact the Young Persons’ Substance Misuse Team.