Drugs and you

A drug is a chemical which changes your mood and the way that you feel.

There are two types of drugs; those that are legal, like a drug that was given to you by a doctor as medication and those that are illegal, such as heroin or ecstasy.

Even legal drugs or prescribed medication can prove dangerous if misused. For example, Mephedrone (Meow Meow), a legal drug used as a plant fertiliser, has been blamed for some teenage deaths after its purpose was misused with the user looking for a 'legal high'.

This website contains further information about illegal drugs in the 'You and the law' section.

Besides getting in trouble with the police, there are other risks in getting involved with drugs, these include:

• Damage to your health - physically and mentally 
• Paranoia or confusion as to your surroundings or those around you leading to accidents or falling out with family and friends
• Missing out on school or college work
• Life of crime to fund drug addiction 
• Owing money to drug dealers who may become violent or dangerous if you can’t pay.

Some teenagers pay the ultimate price for drug misuse - their lives! It is not worth the risk.  

Norfolk Police supports the Government’s 10 year drugs strategy “Protecting Families and Communities” published in February 2008. This aims ‘to reduce the harm that drugs cause to society, to communities, individuals and their families’.

We also support the recently created “Matthew Project Under 18 Service” - a dedicated multi-agency team of drug and alcohol workers who work together to help young people under 18 in Norfolk.

Although the number of young people in Norfolk found in possession of drugs is low, there have been cases where children as young as 12 have been reprimanded for offences of supplying cannabis.

 

Getting help?

If you know someone who is taking drugs, talking to them would be a good place to start. Drugs can be a sensitive topic to bring up, so it is worth pointing out to them that you value your friendship and that you're always available if they want to talk about it.

Try to look at websites together or to point them in the direction of useful sites like talktofrank.com for advice and support.

You could help in a practical way as well, by helping to keep them away from situations or places which might be encouraging or enticing to them to take drugs.

Just remember you're not alone in these matters, and local groups like the Matthew Project are available.