Understanding more about drugs?

The most important thing to know is that there are no safe drugs.  All drugs can have very serious psychiatric and medical effects and can lead to death, either by direct (such as cardiac or respiratory arrest) or indirect (such as confusion leading to accidents) cause.

Drugs may also not be pure, but may be mixed with more powerful or dangerous drugs or substances.  Combinations of drugs can be very dangerous in itself. 

Sometimes the dose or strength is much higher or stronger than anticipated, which can be fatal instantly.

Using needles and 'equipment' can lead to HIV and Hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C can be just as fatal as HIV).

Overdoses (often accidental) and premature death is extremely common in young people who use drugs.

Why do people use drugs?

This is a difficult question to answer.  Some people use drugs to medicate themselves.  They cope with anxiety, anger, depression or hearing voices (psychosis) by taking drugs.  This often has a snow ball effect; it may help in the short term, but in the long term the problem usually gets much worse, because most drugs are linked to serious mental illness.

Children also often use drugs to escape life; some children with traumatic life stories cannot tolerate being 'awake' in their lives and use drugs to detach and escape from reality and their emotions.  Some children and young people are introduced to drugs by their family or parents.

There are many reasons why young people use drugs.  It is important not to stereotype or give up on young people who use drugs; they often present with significant distress and impairment and they have often experienced more trauma in their short lives than most adults.  They are often extremely vulnerable and in significant need of support and help.

When to suspect drug/alcohol use?

Unexplained behaviour
Behaviour that is 'out of character'
Bizarre behaviour
Aggressive/defiant behaviour
Unexplained loss of money or possessions
Unexplained increase in money/possessions
Mood changes
Anxiety, irritable, moody, 'on edge'
Very relaxed, sleepy, 'in a zone'
Paranoia and abnormal beliefs
Abnormal sensations
Sleep changes
Appetite changes
Weight loss
Unusual smells, powders, empty bags
Keeping secrets and not telling the truth
Red eyes, shakiness
Puncture marks and bruises on arms, neck, legs, feet or stomach
Nose bleeds and frequent sniffing
Deteriorating health and infections
New and often older friends
Functional impairment
Poor self care
Deterioration in work/school work
Loss of interests in favourite activities or hobbies and friendships

What to do when you suspect drug/alcohol use?

This is often the beginning of a very difficult path.  The most important thing is to be firm and to refuse to give up on the person you are concerned about.  It is important to know that when you speak to someone with an alcohol or drug use problem, that you are not speaking to the person, but that you are speaking to the substance, so reasoning may be unhelpful and confronting someone who is intoxicated is most certainly often unhelpful and dangerous. 

Safety should always come first, not just the safety of the patient, but also the safety of his or her loved ones, family and carers.  Do not tolerate abuse and get professional help (from Mental Health teams, your GP, the local Emergency Department or the Police) immediately if you feel there are safety issues present for you and your family.

People who suffer with drug or alcohol abuse should have and need to take an active role in their treatment, but safety and capacity to make decisions are key components to consider.  Speak to a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regarding these issues. 

As a parent, you have the right and obligation to make decisions regarding your child's health (when they are of a certain age).

Inform yourself as best you can.

Do not turn a blind eye, because it is easier.  Denial cannot help your child.

Talk to your child and take the time to listen before acting.  Don't debate or argue with someone who is addicted.

No two children, young people or adults are the same and no two people using drugs or alcohol to cope are the same; it is important to keep an open mind and to evaluate each case and associated risk on an individual basis.

Talk to your GP, they can give you advice on local support and treatment facilities.  Some CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) teams offer specialist treatment for children who present with drug and alcohol problems.

If a person is at immediate high risk to themselves or others, e.g. running in front of cars or appears to be convulsing -
please phone 999 immediately, so that the Police or medical staff / Ambulance can offer support.  If mental health problems are suspected (likely) then the person will be taken to a place of safety for a medical and mental health assessment.

See Helpful Links for more support. 

Factors indicating very high risk?

Young age
Taking drugs with older peers
Taking drugs with more experienced peers
Sexual exploitation (can be very common)
Risky sexual behaviour
Offending behaviour
Mental health problems
Physical problems
Pregnancy
Breast feeding
Caring for babies or children
Driving
Behaviour around roads/railways
Amount and frequency of use
Injecting
Direct inhalation
Poly-substance use (using more than one)
Administration by other people
Suicidal thoughts (ideas), intent or plans
Previous self harm or suicidal ideas or act

It is important to note that all young people using drugs are at very high risk.

If you are worried about
a child, young person or individual,
-thinking about harming themselves,
-harming themselves,
-thinking about ending their life,
-planning to end their life,
-planning to harm someone else,
-doing poorly; feeling very sad, angry, anxious or confused
-struggling to function, with significant distress
-with worrying medical symptoms or problems,
please contact your GP or speak to a doctor at the Emergency Department/
Accident and Emergency at your local hospital immediately.

As mentioned earlier, if a person is at immediate high risk to themselves or others, e.g. running in front of cars or appears to be convulsing - 
please phone 999 immediately, so that the Police or medical staff / Ambulance can offer support.  If mental health problems are suspected (likely) then the person will be taken to a place of safety for a medical and mental health assessment.