Advice and resources : Drugs and alcohol
How can we help
Anger and aggressive behaviour
Aggressive behaviour is when a child or young person reacts in a hostile way.
Learn moreHow can we help
Anger and aggressive behaviour
Aggressive behaviour is when a child or young person reacts in a hostile way.
Learn moreOverview
Misuse of substances - legal, illegal or even medicinal - can have a serious impact on a young person’s physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing, development and relationships. Any person’s substance misuse has a negative impact on those around them, so whether it is misuse by a parent or young person, it can negatively affect others in the family.
Whilst all substance misuse carries some risk, children and young people, whose brains and bodies are still developing, are more vulnerable to the risks and harms involved. Earlier use may be related to combinations of factors such as social surroundings, substance availability and personal characteristics.
What you might see
Misuse of substances is more likely if usage is common within a young person’s community, family or friendship group. Experimenting with substances most often starts during teenage years but can happen at a younger age if a child has access to them. A young person who displays risky or impulsive behaviour can also be at risk of experimenting with substances.
Risk factors for substance use may include:
- A family environment where substance use is normalised or common
- Experience of neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse; being in care or homeless
- Poor impulse control, thrill seeking behaviours and problems with behaviour and non-school attendance
- Mental health conditions, including conduct problems, ADHD, depression or anxiety
- A peer group where substance use occurs or is seen as being acceptable
How you can help
- Listen to the child or young person in a supportive, non-judgemental way
- Provide a positive family environment, relationships and a sense of belonging
- Encourage healthy hobbies and pastimes, and suggest ways to relieve tension without resorting to substance use, e.g. support sports clubs or groups based around their interests
- Talk to your child or young person about their relationships at home and/or at school. Bear in mind any risks to their safety and encourage honesty in responses
- Don’t overreact if you discover that your child or young person is using substances. Provide them with age-appropriate facts about the substance they’re using and reassure them that you’re there to help, not judge. Set a good example yourself
- Support them in finding more information or support if necessary
If the use of substances is having a negative impact on your child or young person’s life, there’s a lot of help and support they can get to cut down or stop. Do some research on the substances they’re taking to inform yourself and discuss with them the effect these may be having on their mind and body. Be aware that, as well as negatives, they may also discuss positive effects. If they find it difficult to talk to you, encourage them to talk it through with someone you and they trust.
When to ask for help
Seek professional help if you think your child or young person seems to be developing any dependency or if they’re using substances to try and numb or avoid tackling other difficulties, such as relationship problems, abuse, stress, depression or anxiety.
If the young person becomes very sick from using substances or drinking alcohol, access appropriate help. If the situation is severe or life threatening call an ambulance or go to the local accident and emergency department.
You can get more information, advice and help from the substance misuse team in your local area:
- Bracknell Forest (opens in new window)
- Wokingham (opens in new window)
- Reading (opens in new window) Support comes from Source
- Slough (opens in new window) Support comes from Turning Point
- West Berkshire (opens in new window) Supports comes from Via.org.uk
Self-help and other support
General help
- Talk to Frank: information on drugs and their effects
- The Mix: support and advice for under 25s on a range of issues
- Drugwise: evidence-based information on drugs, alcohol and tobacco
- NHS Livewell: information on drugs
- Addaction: Support with addiction issues
- Drug Science: independent scientific research into drugs
- Adfam: support groups for families dealing with drug abuse
- On my mind - information that has been coproduced with young people. It contains information, advice and resources to help young people support their own mental health, including signposting to sources of support in times of crisis and tools to help young people manage their own wellbeing. The free digital resources are designed for use by children and young people between the ages of 10 – 25.