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Help & Support

Substance Misuse in Moray - Advice for Parents & Young People

FOREWORD

One of the four main aims of The Moray Community Safety Partnership for the period 2005 - 2008 is to reduce substance misuse amongst our young people in the community.

The Partnership are concerned about the increasing incidence of under-age drinking. The number of young people involved in under-age drinking has been rising steadily during the previous three years, as has the number of young people who go into hospital as a result of alcohol abuse. Also identified has been an increase in drug use by young people under 15, and a higher-than average use of heroin by 20- to 24-year-olds. A recent analysis of community-care clients showed that 10% of this older age group were receiving care as a direct result of problems relating to long-term alcohol abuse. The hope is that by targeting young people now, the Partnership can work towards preventing this type of problem in later life, will give young people alternative choices and improve access to treatment services and develop a range of effective prevention measures.

This leaflet is designed to provide further advice and assistance to parents and young people concerned about substance misuse in Moray.

ABUSE OF ALCOHOL - FACTS ABOUT DRINKING ALCOHOL

According to government guidelines, a healthy adult man can drink up to three to four units of alcohol and a healthy adult woman up to two to three units per day (unless she is pregnant). There is no known "safe" level at which children can drink. There is approximately one unit in each of the following: half a pint of ordinary strength beer, one small glass of wine, one pub measure of spirits.

Binge drinking can be dangerous so it is not a good idea to save up a week's worth of units of alcohol and drink them at the weekend.

There is no way of sobering up more quickly. Black coffee, cold showers and fresh air might make people feel less sleepy but it won't help their body to get rid of the alcohol more quickly.

Mixing alcohol and other drugs, whether illegal or prescribed medicines, can be dangerous and even fatal.

The law

• It is illegal to give alcohol to a child under the age of five, even at home, except on the orders of a doctor.
• Children under 14 are not allowed in a bar during opening hours unless the bar has been granted a children's certificate.
• Young people aged 14-17 may be in a bar but they must not buy, be bought or drink alcohol.
• Young people aged 16-17 may buy or be bought beer, cider or perry in a separate eating area with a meal.
• It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol from an off-licence.

Contacts

Some useful contacts for people worried about their drinking or that of a friend or member of their family include:

Alcoholics Anonymous
Telephone: 01904 644026 or 24 hour helpline on 08457697555 - There  is also an alcohol and advisory service available on 01224573887
Website: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

Alcohol Concern
Telephone: 020 7928 7377
Website: http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/

Parentline Plus
Telephone: 0808 800 2222

SOLVENT ABUSE

Young people abusing solvents use ordinary household products like cigarette lighter refills, aerosols, glue, petrol and other products to get high.

Statistics show that three times more young people die from solvent abuse than illegal drugs. Nearly 300 people have died from abusing solvents in the last four years. In a high proportion of cases, the young person has died from his or her first attempt at solvent abuse.

Signs that someone might be abusing solvents include:

• A chemical smell on their breath or clothing
• Empty containers left where they have spent time on their own or with friends
• Acting like they are drunk for a short period of time

It may be possible that young people who are repeatedly abusing solvents may have problems they are trying to avoid which need to be solved.

There is a National Freephone Helpline number for people who would like help to stop abusing solvents or adults who are worried about their children. The number is 0808 800 2345.

Further advice is available from Re-Solv, a national charity dedicated to the prevention of solvent and volatile substance abuse.

Re-Solv provides a parents' guide to talking to children suspected of abusing solvents and a video for young people.

To contact Re-Solv, telephone 01785 817885 or visit their website:

DRUGS ADVICE FOR PARENTS

Possible signs of drug use can include changes in appearance, friends, interests, eating and sleeping habits, moods and openness. The difficulty is that these signs are very often a natural part of growing up, so a young person who is not using drugs could show the same changes. You may panic and become very emotional if you suspect your child is using drugs, but you might find the following advice helpful:

• Try not to accuse your child as this will probably start a row; and if you are wrong, your relationship with them could be damaged.
• Try to find a time when you feel able to discuss the situation without interruptions.
• Don't try to discuss their drug use with them while you believe they are under the influence of a drug.
• Decide how you want to react if your child tells you that they have used drugs.
• Ask them to talk about their views and try to listen with respect to what they say.
• If you suspect that your child is lying to you about their drug use, try not to get angry.
• Show them your main concern is for their heath and well-being. Make sure they know that you will be there to help them through any difficulties they come across.
• Make clear to them what behaviour is acceptable to you, and what you won't tolerate.
• Try not to threaten them with punishment - this might seem to offer a quick solution, but it's unlikely to give the results you are looking for.
• Make sure they understand that they are responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow.

For details of local help call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00  or Know The Score on 0800 587 587 9

DRUGS ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

How can I stop taking cannabis? Choose a date and time when you are going to stop, try to get plenty of support from friends and don't hang out with people who are using cannabis. You can also go to a local drugs agency to get advice and support.
 

How will I feel if I stop taking cannabis?  There are no physical withdrawal symptoms(unless you have become addicted to tobacco) and if you have only been using for a short time there should be no problem stopping. If you have been using for a long time, there could be psychological symptoms and counselling may be helpful. Your local drug agency will offer advice and support.

My friends are bullying me at school to take drugs, what can I do ?

It may be helpful to talk to an adult - someone who you find it easy to talk to and trust, whether that's a relative, friend or teacher. You could try speaking to your friends about the dangers of drugs and making them aware of the risks involved, but if your friends still persist maybe you should think about changing your friends. If they can't respect your choice not to take drugs, then you have to ask yourself whether you really want them as friends!

How can I get my friend, brother or sister to stop taking drugs? Stick by them rather than turn your back on them. Listen to them and how they say they feel. Try not to get angry but talk to them about their health and well-being. Suggest what they might do but don't go on about it. If they want, offer to go with them if they go for help.

For details of local help call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or Know The Score on 0800 587 587 9