Alcohol
Drinking alcohol and getting drunk affects the way you think and feel. Alcohol can affect you even in small amounts. Decisions can be harder to make. And we think we can do more than if we’re sober. It’s one of the reasons so many serious accidents happen after people have been drinking lots of alcohol.
Drugs
A drug is a chemical that you take into your body, which changes the way you feel and act. Some drugs are prescribed by a doctor for illnesses. But when people talk about drugs they usually mean drugs that are illegal or unsafe. There are always risks involved when taking any kind of drug. Some drugs can be unsafe and could make you very ill.
Peer Pressure
There are lots of reasons why people take drugs or drink. Some people try alcohol or drugs because friends are doing it or to look popular in front of people. Some people think alcohol or drugs can help them forget about feeling sad or hopeless, problems at home or problems at school. And some people may like the thought of doing something dangerous or illegal.
Know the facts
Getting More Help
Talking to family and friends about your worries can help you feel more supported. You might want to talk to someone outside the family like a GP, teacher or mentor at school, or even a friend’s parent. Choose someone you trust and if you find it difficult to talk about how you are feeling, you could write them a letter or send them a text. Support is also available through Childline, Compass Phoenix and Recovery College Online.
Childline
Childline provides a free and confidential telephone service for children and young people up to the age of 19.
Visit Childline website Call 0800 1111
BUZZ US
Compass Phoenix offers a confidential text messaging service, called BUZZ US, to young people aged 11-18 across North Yorkshire.
Visit Compass Phoenix website Call 07520 631168
Recovery College Online
The Recovery College Online provides a range of online educational courses and resources to people with mental illness.
Visit Recovery College Online websiteGetting Urgent Help
If you’ve seriously injured yourself or taken an overdose call 999 or get immediate medical advice from NHS 111.
If you are in a crisis and feel like you can’t cope, speak to somebody straight away. Search below for help or see the Urgent Help page for contact details for the North Yorkshire single point of access Crisis Service.
Things you might find useful
Drug and Alcohol Support Service
If you are a young person who lives in North Yorkshire aged 10-18, or 19-24 with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) and need support around drugs or alcohol, Humankind has a free, friendly and confidential service. Please submit the referral form to [email protected].
Visit Humankind Call 01723 330730
Rise Above
Exploring the issues on your mind – smoking, drugs, drinking, sex. Provides advice and tips on making better decisions that are right for you.
Visit Rise Above website
Friendly, confidential advice about drugs
Learn the facts about drugs, read real life stories and access helplines.
Visit Talk to Frank website Call 0300 123 6600
Support for people worried about someone with a drinking problem
Receive help and support for teenage friends and relatives of alcoholics. Teens can come together to share experiences to find effective ways to cope with problems.
Visit Al-Anon website Call 0800 0086 811
Adfam - Families, Drugs and Alcohol
Improving life for families affected by drugs and alcohol
Visit the Adfam website