PARENTS/CARERS - WHAT CAN I DO?

It is natural to worry about a child, friend or relative becoming involved with drugs or misusing alcohol. There are many scare stories in the media about drugs and binge drinking. However, it’s important to remember that most young people who experiment with drugs as they are growing up do not continue to use them long term.

It is important that you are able to speak to your child, friend or relative about drugs and alcohol. Many families or carers find this difficult as they worry this may result in an argument, or that they do not know enough to have these kind of conversations.

Similarly, young people may find talking about their drug or alcohol use difficult because they worry that they may be accused of doing drugs, or that they will be in serious trouble if they admit to having tried drugs.

You may find it useful to learn as much as possible about drugs and alcohol usage before you talk to either your child, friend or family member. You could do this by reading lots of leaflets, visiting the national advice line FRANK on www.talktofrank.com or calling them on 0800 77 66 00. It might be helpful to look at the leaflets together with your child, friend or family, which might make them less likely to feel they are being told what to do. If you let them know your main worry is that they are safe and healthy it might make talking about it all easier for both of you.

You don’t have to go feel as though you are on your own. For more information on services that may be able to help please click here