Drugs and alcohol

As children grow into teenagers, they begin to explore their independence, form new friendships, and face increasing social pressures. One of the most important areas where parents and carers can offer guidance is around drugs and alcohol. This guide provides practical advice to help you support your child in making safe, informed choices.

Get informed

Research shows that when young people have questions about drugs and/or alcohol, the first place they go for information is to their parents or carers.

The world in which our young people are growing up is very different from when we as parents grew up:

• social media is everywhere and young people have access to a stream of information 24/7, information that is not fact-checked, consistent or even accurate
• the internet provides a wealth of information for curious minds, and it is not always easy to understand whether information is factual, or opinion-based
• social norms are continuously changing.  Young people live in a world where they are exposed to drugs and/or alcohol in a way that just didn’t happen even 15 or 20 years ago, whether it is in the street, social media or within films. Substances of all kinds are much more accessible and in many ways, drug taking has lost the stigma it once had.

Most young people don’t use drugs and alcohol to excess and having open and honest conversations with young people does not encourage them to try or take drugs and alcohol.  Giving young people accurate information or practical strategies – “what would you do if…” - helps them to make informed decisions, to keep themselves and their friends safe.  It's not just about your young person, if one of their friends is in difficulty, your son or daughter having the right knowledge can change the outcome - knowing how much to take, what not to mix, and what to do in emergencies are just some of the things that can save lives and reduce harm. 

Drugs and Me Toolkit for Parents

The Drugs and Me website offers parents a practical guide for helping you talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol. From getting clued up on the facts to how to approach the subject of drugs with your young person.

Drugs and Me Website

The DSM Foundation

Talking to your child about drugs and alcohol can be difficult for many parents but is vital, and not just once but on an ongoing basis. The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation have some tips to help make those conversations work.

Parents - The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation

Talk to FRANK

For honest and useful advice for parents and guardians check out the FRANK website. It covers all the primary facts you need to know as well as a handy A-Z guide explaining more about the types of drugs being used.

FRANK website