There are lots of different reasons why adolescents might use substances.
Whatever the reason, there are laws around the use of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol and they can have a negative effect on your child’s mental and physical health, so it’s important to know the facts and be aware of the risks.
It can be difficult knowing how and when to start a conversation about drugs but young people who can talk openly with their parents about this are less likely to try drugs at a young age.
Research also shows that if young people do develop a problem with drugs or alcohol, family support can make a big difference to helping them deal with it..
Alcohol & Drug Use
Why do adolescent children drink or take drugs?
There are many possible reasons why young people might use substances and understanding these may help when talking to your child about drugs and alcohol. Young people may use drugs and/or alcohol to:
· ‘Fit in’ or appear popular.
· Have a new experience or find out what it feels like.
· Help cope with difficult thoughts, feelings or circumstances.
· Feel more relaxed, confident or sociable.
Resources
NHS information and advice on alcohol.
NHS information includes risks of drug taking and an overview of common drugs.
The Safe4Me website provides Information, advice and support for parents on drugs, legal highs, alcohol and county lines.
DrugWise provides evidence-based information on drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Rethink Your Drink is a website providing information and tips on cutting down on alcohol.
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK. It is known to directly cause seven out of 10 cases of lung cancer and puts you at risk of at least 50 other serious health conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke and pneumonia. For young people who have just started smoking, the health impacts may not at first be apparent. However, as well as the obvious risk of long-term addiction, young smokers are also more susceptible to coughs, shortness of breath and wheeziness. They are more likely to be absent from school with illness and need to find money to purchase this.
Finding out that your young person smokes may be a shock. Parents might feel angry or upset. However, it is important that the subject is approached in a calm and supportive way. It is very likely that the young person will quit soon and even if they don’t stop immediately, talking about the effects and different ways to quit will help for the future.
The ‘My School Aged Child Smokes’ factsheet talks about how to discuss smoking with a young person.
Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking – however, it is not risk-free. Vaping is not for children and young people, whose developing lungs and brains are more sensitive to its effects. Substances such as Nicotine and THC can be added to vapes, at times, without the knowledge or consent of the child.
It’s important for young people to know the facts about vaping so they can make an informed choice. Young people can find out more on the FRANK website
