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The increased risk from drugs
Young people have always experimented with drugs and alcohol, but in recent years there have been a number of additional dangers.
These include:
- Increased strength
- New psychoactive substances
- Increased availability
Additional dangers associated with drugs & alcohol
New psychoactive substances
There has been an explosion of new substances available to young people, such as e-cigarettes, energy drinks and novel psychoactive substances (NPS) – formerly known as ‘legal highs’. Synthetic cannabinoids, such as Spice, are especially dangerous.
In addition, there has been a worrying rise in the use of prescription drugs, such as benzodiazepines and cognitive enhancers, or ‘smart drugs’ such as methylphenidate, which are used to improve academic performance.
High strength drugs
High strength cannabis - ‘skunk’ - is widely available, and has higher levels of the psychoactive substance THC, which increases risk of developing a psychological addiction.
Drugs such as ecstasy pills and MDMA are also being sold at higher strength (or increased purity), which increases risk of long term side effects and even death.
Drugs and alcohol are more readily available
Psychoactive substances have become more easily accessible in recent years.
For example, young people obtain drugs at festivals, parties and in clubs, through friends or dealers their own age and online.
What kind of drug and alcohol education works?
Providing facts & dispelling myths
Research has shown that approaches to drug and alcohol education that rely on ‘shock tactics’ or moralising don’t work.
More effective approaches include:
- Providing up to date facts and dispelling myths
- Exploring young people’s attitudes and beliefs about psychoactive substances
- Teaching life skills, such as how to resist peer pressure
My approach
I endeavor to find out as much as possible about
- What young people are using
- Why they are using
- How they are obtaining substances
It is important to understand the level of perceived risk and disapproval associated with different substances, because these factors will influence the choices that young people make.
I am also experienced in working directly with young people who use substances using a motivational interviewing approach.From my work with young people, I know that they are keen to learn about the science behind substance use. For example, how drugs affect the brain - both in the short and long term - and what causes addiction.
I also facilitate discussion and debate around the moral and legal status of psychoactive substances.
