A drug is a chemical or substance that you ingest which alters your mental or physical state.  

There are risks involved in taking any kind of drug. Even prescribed drugs from your doctor or painkillers bought in a shop/chemist can have side effects which  you should be aware of before taking them.  Illegal drugs can be dangerous.  The effects on individuals are often unknown and you can never trust that you are taking  the drug you believe it to be. Many times illegal drugs are mixed with other unknown substances and you never know exactly how they will affect you.  Drugs can also be addictive - and recreational use can easily and quickly turn into a life time of dependency. 

The following organisations provide support and advice with anything  drug related:      

• Childline – Drugs

• Talk to Frank

• The Bridge Project 

• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/

Alcohol

Many people drink alcohol and in sensible amounts it's usually fine, but  drinking to excess can be physically and psychologically harmful. 

Regularly drinking large amounts can cause relational problems and may make working or studying difficult. 

If someone you care about is drinking too much, this can affect you too.

Don't forget, it is illegal to buy alcohol under the age of 18.

Below are some support agencies that can help if you or someone you know has problem drinking. 

• Childline – alcohol

• Alcohol concern – Alcohol Change UK

• https://thebridgeproject.org.uk/

• https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services

Smoking cigarettes or Cannabis can be addictive and quitting can be really difficult. But there's lots of help out there if you want to quit smoking or want to help a friend or family member stop.

Starting to smoke when you are a young teenager can lead to a life long habit as cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive. 

Smoking is responsible for many illnesses and diseases: cancers, heart disease, lung disorders and dental problems.

Smoking also costs a small fortune, to date a pack of 20 cigarettes costs £10!  Think what you could do with that money instead. 

• 10 self-help tips to stop smoking - NHS

• Childline – Smoking

• Smokefree NHS

• https://smokefree.gov/

What is vaping?

Vaping is when you use a small, handheld device (like e-cigarettes, vape pens or mods) to inhale a mist of nicotine and flavoring (e-liquid). It’s similar to smoking a cigarette, but vaping heats tiny particles out of a liquid rather than burning tobacco.

Is vaping worse than cigarettes?

Vaping is often thought of as safer than cigarette smoking, but vaping causes health problems, too. Both vaping and smoking are addictive and bring potentially dangerous chemicals into your body. The levels of many of these chemicals is higher when you burn tobacco. Vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know what kind of long-term damage it might cause.