Information for Parents & Guardians

Concerned About Your Child?

Are you concerned your child may have started using alcohol or drugs? Drugs and alcohol can come with a list of signs and symptoms, some more obvious than others. For more specific drug or alcohol related signs and symptoms please see the information tab. Below is a list of signs and symptoms which COULD be a sign of drug or alcohol use?

• Change in behaviour / personality
• Change in psychical health
• Change in mental state / health
• Smelling of certain drugs or alcohol
• Change in speech
• Change in appearance
• Change in hygiene
• Missing periods (from home or school)
• Being late more often
• Change in friendship groups
• Wanting to be alone more
• Being secretive
• Less money than usual / More money than usual
• Loss of belongings / New belongings
• Drug paraphernalia (stuff used to take drugs)

Please keep in mind that these signs and symptoms can be a sign of other things too. As your children grow up, they will change in all sorts of ways including becoming moody, personality changes and wanting to do different things. But you know your child and can spot any major changes. If you have concerns talk with your child and ask them questions, making sure not to accuse them of drinking or using drugs.

What To Do If You Are Concerned About Your Child?

• Do not jump to conclusions some signs and symptoms may be related to other issues or just changes nothing to do with drugs or alcohol
• Do not accuse them of using drugs or alcohol
• Talk to them & Listen to them
• Offer advice where you can
• Tell them where they can get help and advice - school, doctors, DECCA etc.

What To Do If Your Child Tells You About Another Young Person Using Alcohol or drugs?

• Don't panic
• Find out the facts
• If they use a nickname, find out what that nickname is for
• Explain the risks and harm to your child
• If you have concerns that there is drug dealing happening inform the local police (101)
• Try to talk to the school, raise your concerns and they may be able to help.

What Do I Need To Know About The Law?

• Alcohol, Tobacco and Vapes cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
• Proxy purchasing rules apply for alcohol, tobacco and vapes. Adults caught buying age restricted products for under 18's can receive a fine of up to £5,000 (Licensed premises caught selling to under 18's can receive a fine of up to £20,000).
• Giving alcohol to a child under 5 is illegal.
• Alcohol can be brought for someone 16 or 17 if having a meal in a restaurant / pub. It is upto the manager / landlord of that premises.
• Drink / drug driving is illegal. Both can come up to 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine and adriving ban.
• Smoking tobacco in a car with someone under 18 present is illegal can result in a fine.
• Some drugs are illegal and cover much harsher sentences
  • - Class A's (Cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy etc.)
    Possession up to 7 years imprisonment / Supply up to life in prison
  • - Class B's (Cannabis, THC, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Amphetamine etc.)
    Possession up to 5 years / Supply up to 14 years
  • - Class C's (NOS, Khat, Anabolic Steroids etc.)
    Possession up to 2 years imprisonment / Supply up to 14 years imprisonment