Information for Young People
Worried About: A Friend? - Someone You Know? - Yourself?
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)
What To Do If You Are Concerned About Someone?
- 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
- Be a good friend
- Talk to them & Listen to them
- Offer advice where you can
- Tell them where they can get help and advice - school, parents, carers, guardians, doctors, DECCA etc.
What About The Law?
The law can be really confusing when it comes to drugs and alcohol.
We have legal drugs - this means they can be used but usually there is an age restriction in place. And we have illegal drugs - this means they are not allowed to be used for any reason and possession or supply can lead to criminal convictions and time in prison.
Legal Drugs (to know about)
Alcohol
- Can only be sold to over 18's
- Adults can receive up to a £5,000 fine buying for under 18's
- Licensed premises can receive up to a £20,000 fine for serving under 18's
Tobacco
- Can only be sold to over 18's
- Adults can receive up to a £5,000 fine buying for under 18's
- Licensed premises can receive up to a £20,000 fine for serving under 18's
ENDS / Vapes
- Can only be sold to over 18's
- Adults can receive up to a £5,000 fine buying for under 18's
- Licensed premises can receive up to a £20,000 fine for serving under 18's
Illegal Drugs
Class A
Some Class A drugs - Cocaine, Ecstasy, Heroin, LSD
- Possession - Up to 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine
- Supply - Up to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine
Class B
Some Class B drugs - Amphetamine, Cannabis, Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Possession - Up to 5 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine
- Supply - Up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine
Class C
Some Class C drugs - Anabolic Steroids, Khat, Nitrous Oxide
- Possession - Up to 2 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine
- Supply - Up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine
Other Laws To Consider
False ID
Using a false ID - whether it is a proper fake or someone else's ID can result in up to 10 years in prison
Spiking
Giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing is classed as spiking. This can result in up to years in prison
Drink / Drug Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including some prescription drugs) is illegal.
Both can come up to 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban
Are you worried about your drug or alcohol use? Want some help and support?
Get in touch