Peer pressure or general life problems can often lead young people to take drugs or drink too much. Make sure you know how drugs and alcohol affect you, so you can make choices for yourself. 

Cigarettes

Only one in twenty young people in London smoke regularly and that number is going down year on year. Not surprising, as smoking is an expensive habit and is harmful to your health.

• Nicotine is highly-addictive: many people find it hard to give up smoking, even after years of trying.
• The long-term effects of smoking include cancer, emphysema (lung disease), and heart disease.
• If you’re a smoker and want help giving up, see your GP, or visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Smoking-(quitting)/Pages/Making-changes.aspx

Alcohol

Drinking is viewed as socially acceptable, but alcohol is still a drug and can be addictive.

• Binge drinking (drinking a lot in one session) doesn’t do your body any good. If you get drunk you may end up doing things you regret later, like having unprotected sex.
• If you drink heavily over a long period, this can cause liver damage, stomach cancer and heart disease.
• Alcohol can affect the way you look. If you drink too much, you’ll put on weight and it can cause you to age prematurely.

For more information about alcohol visit: www.drinkaware.co.uk/ 

Drugs

Drugs affect different people in different ways, however all drugs are potentially dangerous. Taking drugs can lead to mental health problems, loss of judgement and even death. 

• Skunk is much more powerful than cannabis. It can cause mental health problems, for example, it can lead to an increase in the risk of developing psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia.
• Solvents such as glue or lighter fluid can cause blackouts, heart problems and even instant death
• Speed (amphetamine) makes you feel feel wide awake, and chatty. It is addictive, can cause heart problems and can make you aggressive, paranoid and anxious. It can lead to longer-term mental health problems.
• Similarly, cocaine makes you feel alert and gives you an exaggerated sense of self-confidence. Like amphetamine, it can cause raised blood pressure, can potentially lead to heart failure and can cause anxiety and paranoia. It is extremely addictive.

For confidential information and advice on the effects of drugs visit:

 www.talktofrank.com

Is someone I know on drugs?

Tell-tale signs might include:

• aggression, mood-swings, acting out of character
• loss of appetite and steady weight loss
• unusual sleepiness and drowsiness
• loss of interest in school, hobbies, sport, friends
• neglecting personal appearance and hygiene
• lack of money and increasing involvement in crime, especially theft
• stains and smells: fingers, hands and clothing can become soiled and stained, while the smell of cigarette-smoke, cannabis and gas can linger for some time
• lying or secretiveness; drug users tend to be very closed off, reluctant to share information even with friends.

If you or someone you know is taking drugs and you would like help there is a list of help/support organisations in Hackney below.

Hackney Young People’s Substance Misuse Service 

Hackney Substance Misuse Team offers advice and information to young people whose lives are affected by alcohol or drug use.

Tel: 020 8356 7404

Open: Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm

LifeLine Project 

The first point of contact for advice and support in the community, Lifeline offers:

• advice and information for drug users

• counselling and support
• assistance in maintaining positive lifestyle changes, and support in education, training, employment, housing and finance. 

Unit 18 – 20 Tudor Grove, Hackney, London, E9 7QL. Tel: 020 8985 3757

The Off Centre offers free and confidential counselling, art therapy, advice and information and support for 13-25 year olds in Hackney. Their trained counsellors can help you with issues such as family problems, stress, bullying, bereavement, self-harm, depresssion and drug or alcohol problems.  Call in for an appointment at 25 - 27 Hackney Grove, E8 3NR, call 020 8986 4016 or visit www.offcentre.org.uk