Teens and drugs

A drug is any substance that changes the way the mind and body work. Some drugs, such as alcohol are legal while others - such as heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and LSD - are illegal.

Legal drugs

Tobacco is the most widely used, most potentially dangerous drug available. Recent surveys have shown that almost a quarter of 15-year-olds smoke regularly, and 85% of teenagers who smoke become addicted. Teenagers are drinking more alcohol than before. About a third of teenagers aged 13-17 drink at least once a week. Alcopops (alcoholic fruit drinks) that often contain more alcohol than many adult drinks, are popular with young people.

Solvents

These are substances whose fumes teenagers deliberately breathe to get ‘high'. They include cigarette lighter refills, glues, aerosols and petrol. Sniffing is usually carried out by teenagers in groups. Most sniffers give up glue in favour of alcohol or other drugs when they can afford to.

Illegal drugs

Most teenagers come into contact with drugs and know where they can be obtained. Research shows that almost a third of 15-year-olds have tried an illegal drug at some point, usually cannabis. Thankfully, most teenagers who experiment with ‘soft' drugs (such as cannabis) do not move onto hard drugs (such as heroin) or become addicted. What's more, only a few young people use illegal drugs regularly.

Why do teenagers take drugs?

The reasons young people take drugs are often similar to the reasons adults drink and smoke. They're associated with relaxing with friends, listening to music or watching a video. In addition:

Teenagers like to experiment: some will try drugs just because they are curious and want to find out what the effects are. They may experiment with a range of drugs for a short time and then stop. They haven't become ‘addicted' or dependent, nor have they suffered any lasting effects.

The influence of peers is huge, so it may be easier for teenagers to have a go than to say no and look uncool. Teenagers like to rebel and kick out against parents' rules. Independence is part of growing up. Others want the thrill risk-taking brings.

Teenagers like to have a good time and may enjoy the effects that drugs bring. Many illegal drugs are as cheap, or cheaper than alcohol.

How can I stop my teenager taking drugs?

What you do is more important than anything you say. It will be much harder to persuade your teenager to avoid drugs if you regularly drink and smoke yourself, for example.

It is also important to talk to your son and daughter - adolescents might disguise it well, but most still see parents as a reassuring and trusted source of support and information. Many parents worry that talking to teenagers about drugs will put ideas into their heads, but if your son or daughter relies on friends for their information, they might not get all the facts. Government guidelines suggest that school education in these areas is most effective when it is reinforced by parents at home.

While you may not be able to prevent your teenager from experimenting with legal or illegal drugs completely, you can educate them as to the risks, effects and possible consequences, and ways of staying safe.

Smoking :teenagers are more likely to start smoking if their parents or their friends smoke. You can help your teenager by not smoking yourself. Explain the serious and long-term consequences of smoking cigarettes. If you have smoked cigarettes in the past, tell your children about it, and why you stopped.

Drinking : it doesn't work to forbid teenagers to drink, nor to turn a blind eye. Instead, let them see you drinking moderately and socially, and clearly explain your expectations of their use of alcohol. If you know they will have a drink, help them to drink wisely. Advise them to eat before drinking, and emphasise that they must never drink and drive, or allow themselves to be driven by someone who has been drinking or they even suspect has been drinking.

Solvents :your children should know the extreme and immediate dangers of ‘sniffing' volatile substances. There are between 70 and 150 deaths per year in the UK caused by suffocation, heart failure or choking on vomit. Some of these are in first-time users.

Illegal drugs :take opportunities to talk about drugs when the subject comes up on TV, in the newspapers, as part of another conversation or at your son or daughter's school. During the conversa-tion ask them what they know and listen to their answers. Using ‘scare stories' about drug use to frighten them is unlikely to make much impact, partic-ularly if your teenager already or knows people who are using drugs - the reality of their experience will make what you're saying seem exaggerated. Young people do discriminate between different drugs and perceived safety, so it's a good idea to find out more yourself before you embark on a conversation.

Try to give your teenagers strategies to deal with situations in advance. Many schools run drug awareness sessions which cover issues such as how to say ‘no' if they are offered drugs by friends, or when they have had enough to drink. You can back these up at home by open discussions - encourage your teenagers to think about what they would do if they were offered drugs, or how they would cope if a friend who had drunk too much offered them a lift.

How can I tell if my teenager is using illegal drugs?

It's not easy to spot when your teenager is developing a drug habit. The drug-associated equipment will be hidden away unless your teenager wants you to find it. A search of your son or daughter's bedroom will almost certainly lead to a breakdown in trust. The most likely signs of drug abuse are changes in behaviour, although all teenagers have mood swings and act unpredictably. Look for a persistent combination of:

What if my teenager is using illegal drugs?

Try to stay calm and think about the issues rationally. Get support and help. Use one of the parent helplines so that you have a chance to talk about how you feel before tackling your child about the issue.

Talk to your teenager. Explain that you know or suspect they are taking some form of illegal drugs and want to help. Talk to your family doctor to find out about support agencies.

If you are worried about your teenager's health, persuade him or her to contact a confidential help or support line or visit the family doctor. If you find a supply of the drug, either destroy it or take it to the police as soon as possible. If you do decide to take it to the police, phone the station first to let them know that you are on your way.

If you know that your child is using drugs, acknowledge that you may need help and support yourself. There are many local and national agencies and helplines which offer confidential support to parents of drug users.