| Many Parents worry about their child becoming involved with drugs.
Although there are many stories in the Media about drugs leading to addiction, crime and death, it is important to remember that:
For MOST young people illegal drug taking is NOT a part of normal life.
MOST people who try drugs DO NOT continue using them.
Types of drug use
Experimental, Recreational or Problematic.
Why people use drugs:
Young people will use drugs for different reasons. The first step to
supporting someone and enabling them to do something about their
drug use is understanding why they are using in the first place:
Experimenting
For social/peer approval
For fun and relaxation
To cope – or black out problems
Boredom
Because drugs are socially acceptable
(ie tobacco and alcohol to name but a few)
Drug education
Many schools teach their pupils about drugs. Drug education should
be factual and informative, the aim being to provide young people with
enough information for them to make informed life choices.
Speak to your child’s teacher to find out what they are teaching in
each year group
Talking to my child about drugs
Be prepared. Find out about drugs.
(the facts not the myths)
Be calm. Easier said than done sometimes but try not to shout. Don’t
let the discussion become an argument.
Be open. Listen to what your child has to say.
(Listen more than you talk)
Don’t judge. Try not to be shocked by stories your child might tell
you.
Pros and cons. Why are they using drugs? What do they consider the
risks to be? How do you see their drug use affecting them or family
relationships?
Who can I go to for help?
There are many services to support your child
www.talktofrank.com has a
directory of services in your local area
In Reading, Source Young people’s Drug and Alcohol Service, will work
with anyone under 18 years old who has any problems at all with their
drug or alcohol use.
Source also provides support to parents
Call 0118 901 5666 or email source@reading.gov.uk
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