Many of the young people we work with want to know more about drugs and alcohol. However much willpower you seem to think you have, it quite often leads to problems. Initially lots of you think that you have your drug or alcohol use 'sorted', but experience tells us that these things can be very addictive and may soon start to control you.

Commonly used drugs
People use all sorts of substances, both legal and illegal. The obviously illegal drugs are things like cannabis (weed), speed (amphetamines), ecstasy (Es), cocaine (Coke) and heroin. Many legal substances are also harmful and addictive - cigarettes, alcohol, glue, petrol and aerosols. Society's favourite drugs are alcohol and tobacco, both strongly addictive and misused by millions. A few medicines, such as tranquillisers, can also be addictive.

Why do it?:

• you may worry that if you don't take drugs, you will be 'uncool' and won't fit in
• drugs can make you feel good for a while. Just experimenting with a drug may make you want to try again ... and again
• you find that taking a particular drug makes you feel confident, and may help you to face a difficult situation. After a while, you need the drug to face that situation every time
• if you're unhappy, stressed, or lonely, you are more likely to turn to drugs to forget your problems
• if you find that you're using a drug or alcohol more and more often, be careful - this is the first step to becoming dependent on it
• if you hang out with people who use a lot of drugs, you probably will too

Fact: Alcohol & Tobacco use is legal. However:

• it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy alcohol and Tobacco
• it is illegal to supply someone under the age of 18 with alcohol
• it is an offence to give a child under the age of five alcohol
• 16 year olds can drink beer or cider (but not spirits) in a pub if they are having a meal

Risks and dangers
Using street drugs or alcohol might make you feel good, but they can damage your health. Here are some of the basic facts:

• dehydration (overheating) can cause coma and death
• you cannot know for sure what is in the drug you buy. It might not contain what the dealer says it does. Some dealers might mix it with other substances or you may get a higher dose of a drug than you are used to, which can be fatal
• serious infections such as HIV and hepatitis can be spread by sharing needles and associated paraphenalia
• accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after drinking and drug use
• using drugs can lead to serious mental illness such as psychosis or depression, and to health problems and overdoses

Signs that you're hooked:

• do you think about drugs or alcohol everyday?
• is it hard to say 'no' when they are offered?
• would you drink/take drugs alone?
• does taking drugs get in the way of the rest of your life?

If the answer to these questions is 'yes', you may be hooked.

The most common sign that you have a drug problem is the feeling the drug gives you suddenly, it's not a choice that feels under your control. Soon, you'll find yourself having to take drugs more and more to get the same effect. Then, you'll find that you can't cope without it and that you've got a habit, although you'll find yourself saying 'It's not that I need it but ...'

How to get help

There are different ways of getting help. Think about talking to someone you trust:

• a close friend
• your youthworker
• your parents or a family member
• a family friend
• a school nurse
• a teacher/school mentor
• your GP or practice nurse, who can refer you on to relevant services, and will be able to offer you advice and support
• a local drug project

See your local area telephone book or ask for the address from your health centre.