DRUGS

You can find trusted information on a wide range of drug related topics at http://www.talktofrank.com/

Below you will find some frequently asked questions, each link will take you to the relevant page on ‘Talk to Frank’. You will also find contact details below for DELTA, young people’s Drug and Alcohol Service which provides information, advice and support to young people who are using drugs and/or alcohol in North Lincolnshire.

What are Drugs?

A drug is something that will affect the way that young people behave, think and feel.
It is important to remember that not all drugs are illegal. However drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamine, cocaine and heroin are illegal and these drugs can be dangerous to take.Some drugs can only be given out by doctors, like tranquilisers and painkillers. It is also important to remember that prescriptions are for that named person only and must never be shared. Care should always be taken with Over The Counter Medicines, ensuring that the instructions are carefully read on the packaging: one example is checking whether Paracetamol is included as taking more than one product with Paracetamol in them can be dangerous.
Drugs affect lots of people’s lives. Even legal drugs can be dangerous when people become dependent on them, including alcohol or tobacco.

What is Drug Misuse?

Drug misuse often refers to the use of a drug for purposes for which it was not intended or using a drug in excessive quantities. The consequence of this is that the drug use tends to have more control over their daily lives and what should be seen as important e.g. school, college and employment can become less so. This can lead a person to experience social, psychological, physical or legal problems related to regular drug use.

What are the different types of drugs?

Drugs come in many forms, including colours, pills/tablets, powders, liquids. Some may be well packaged, others wrapped in Clingfilm or tin foil. Individuals can experience differing effects, including falling asleep to wide awake and alert. However the message is we can never predict the exact effect, or know the outcome. Our advice is if the individual is not sure what the substance is, best to leave it alone and walk away.

How do I talk to my child about drugs?

It can be difficult to talk about drugs with your kids. Use these tips to help you talk openly with your child.

1. Don’t panic. Wait until you’re calm before discussing it with them, and show them love and concern rather than anger.

2. Do your homework about drugs. Make sure you know enough about drugs to talk to your child in an informed way.

3. Pick a good time to have the conversation such as a mealtime. It may help to do it when the subject comes up during TV programmes or in the news. It’s often easier to have a conversation side-by-side, such as when you’re driving in the car, washing up together or preparing food.

4. Let them know your values. It’s important for your children to know where you stand on drug taking. Be clear about your opinions on drugs and let them know your boundaries. For example, you may say that you don’t want any drugs in the house.

5. Avoid scare tactics. Teenage children often know more about drugs than you do, so there’s no point in saying, “Smoking cannabis will kill you”. Pointing out that cannabis can cause mental health problems, especially if you start smoking it in your teens, may be more of a deterrent.

6. Know your child’s friends. Get to know your child’s friends. Invite them to the house and take an interest in what’s going on in their lives. If you have good reason to think your child’s friends are involved in drugs, you may need to support your child to find new friends.

7. Let them know you’re always there for them. If your child knows you’re there for them whatever, they’re more likely to be honest with you. They won’t just tell you what they think you want to hear.

8. Listen as well as talk. Don’t preach or make assumptions about what your child does. Let them tell you about their experiences, and try to listen without judging.

9. Don’t give up. Don’t be put off talking if they argue, get embarrassed or storm off. Parents’ opinions matter to their children. Go back to the subject when they’re calmer.

10. Let them be responsible for their actions. You’re trying to help your child make good choices in life about drugs. But only they can say no to drugs. Make sure they know you support them, but it’s up to them to make positive decisions.

11. Be realistic. Lots of teenagers experiment with drugs. But only a small proportion of those who experiment will develop a drug problem.

Self-care and management tips? (ways of coping)

If the young person has taken something and starts to feel unwell you should seek medical help for them urgently by calling for an ambulance 999. Make sure they are in the recovery position. Another tip is to try to find out what they have taken so you can pass this information on to the medical staff.

Support for yourself and Services available?
(who to refer to)

DELTA young people’s Drug and Alcohol Service provides information, advice and support to young people who are using drugs and/or alcohol. DELTA will not tell you what to do. However we will make sure you are fully aware of the risks and dangers of drug and alcohol use, and encourage you to keep safe. The service can help you to cut down or stop using drugs. You can if you wish self-refer in to our service, though depending on your age we may need permission for your parent carer.

Telephone: 01724 298528
Address: 22-24 Cole Street
Scunthorpe
DN15 6QS

Relevant pages

Relevant links

The Talk to Frank service provides information about drugs, and advice for drug users, parents and carers. Find support near you.
Helpline number: 0300 123 66 00

Adfam has local groups for families affected by drugs and alcohol. Find a support group near you. It also has a range of information for the families of drug users.

DrugFam offers phone and email support to people affected by other people’s drug or alcohol misuse. Email office@drugfam.co.uk or phone the helpline on 0300 888 3853.

Families Anonymous
Families Anonymous is based on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous. It runs local support groups for family and friends of people with a drug problem.
Helpline number: 0845 1200 660

School nursing. Email rdash.northlincschildrenscaregroup@nhs.net