Drugs and alcohol

They may do it because their friends do it, or out of curiosity, or just 'for a laugh', to get away from their normal lives for a while. All parents will have their own ideas about what it is acceptable for their child to do, and will have different ways of handling this issue.

However, excessive drinking or use of drugs causes health problems and can get young people into dangerous situations. It might be a way for a young person who is having problems to cover up their feelings, or deal with difficult situations.

They may go to great lengths to hide what they are doing, and it may start to affect all areas of their lives. Excessive use can be associated with or contribute to serious mental health problems in young people.

Cannabis and psychosis

Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug amongst 11-24 yr olds, and its use has increased significantly in the last few years.

There are lots of reports in the media about the possible effects this has on young people's brains, an organ that is still growing and developing in the teenage years.

Some research suggests that young people who regularly use a significant amount of cannabis are more likely to have a mental disorder and may be at risk of developing or triggering a serious mental illness, such as psychosis.

This could be due to stronger types of cannabis being available, but the research is not conclusive.

Useful websites

Alcoholics Anonymous (teenage pages)
Talk to Frank (Government drugs advice)
Know Cannabis
Sane
Royal College of Psychiatrists