Introduction
Who uses drugs?
Many young people smoke, drink alcohol and drugs, they may try. Can it for fun because they are curious, or be like their friends. Some are experimenting with a feeling of intoxication.

Risks and dangers
Street using drugs or alcohol, can you feel good, but it may harm your health. Here are some basic facts:

It is dangerous to mix drugs and alcohol. Each of them can increase the effects of other substances such as ecstasy and alcohol can lead to dehydration (overheating) and cause unconsciousness and death.
Can not be sure what is in the drug buy. This could include what the seller says. Some traders may be mixed with other substances or you can get a higher dose than you’re used to, which can be fatal.
Serious infections such as HIV and hepatitis can be spread through sharing needles or “equipment”.
Accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after drinking and drug use.
Drug can lead to serious mental illness such as psychosis or depression and health problems and overdoses.

How do you know if your child is using drugs?
Occasional use can be very difficult to detect. If someone is using regularly, their behavior often changes. Look for symptoms such as:

unexplained moodiness
behavior that is “by definition”
loss of interest in school or friends
unexplained losses of money, clothing or
unusual smell, silver foil.

Remember that none of these ensures that your child is using drugs.

What can parents do?
General
Pay attention to what your child is doing, including school work, friends and leisure time.
For more information on the effects of alcohol and drugs (see www.talktofrank.com/).
Listen to what your child says about alcohol and drugs and talk about it with them.
Encourage your child to be informed and responsible about drugs and alcohol.
Talk to other parents, friends or teachers about drugs – facts and your fears.

If your child uses
By …
sure the facts (www.talktofrank.com)
remain calm.

Do …
give up on them
to get into long discussions or arguments when they are drunk, stoned or high
blame – you lose their trust.

Where to get help
You can talk confidentially to their general practitioner or practice nurse. They can provide information and advice on local support and processing facilities. Other helpful agencies include:

voluntary counseling centers
teachers and school nurses
Youth and community workers
drug and alcohol agencies
child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS)
social workers
police.

Reference
Carr, A. (ed.) (2000) ‘What Work with children and adolescents? ” – Critical review of psychological interventions to children, adolescents and their families. London: Brunner-Routledge.
Rutter, M. & Taylor, E. (eds.) (2002) ‘Child and adolescent psychiatry’ (4th EDN). London: Blackwell.
Scott, A., Shaw, M. & Joughin, C. (2001) ‘Finding the evidence’ – Gateway to literature for children and youth mental health (2nd edn). London: Gaskell.