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BeSmart

Alcohol & drugs

Why do young people drink or take drugs?

  • To distract from difficult thoughts or feelings, or to try to make these feelings go away.
  • To see what it feels like.
  • Because they feel like they should, or they feel pressure to do it.
  • To feel more confident or able to talk to people.
  • To fit in with a group or appear popular because they believe others are doing it.

The effects of substances

‘Drugs’ come in lots of different forms – some can be helpful to us, although usually these are prescribed by our doctor or bought from a pharmacist. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs (both legal and illegal) can be very harmful if misused and young people risk finding themselves in trouble with the law if found in possession or attempting to purchase substances if they are not supposed to have them.

Drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs can have a significant negative impact on the mental and physical health of young people especially as the teenage brain and body undergo a large amount of development as young people go through adolescence. The use of substances during this time can impact this development and lead to sometimes severe detrimental effects on both the body and brain.

Action for Children can offer one-to-one support for those who are actively using substances or at risk of using them. They also work with 13-25-year-olds in the Bailiwick who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Contact them for support at 01481 700218 or email guernsey@actionforchildren.org.uk

Keeping safe on a night out

  • Always go out with your phone fully charged.
  • Go out with friends and stick together and if possible travel home with them.
  • Try not to give out too much information to new acquaintances.
  • Watch your drink being poured and do not leave it unattended.
  • Think twice before accepting drinks from someone you don’t know very well.
  • Stay in control of drinking – you are much more vulnerable when you are drunk.
For more information check out YoungMinds website:
www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/drugs-and-alcohol/