Background

Young people in Britain are consuming more drugs and alcohol than any other country in Western Europe. There appears to be a clearly opposing dilemma: the perception of drugs being seen to be 'cool' and part of the youth culture, as opposed to the condemnation that surrounds addiction and the physical, social and emotional trauma it often involves.

Whether it be alcohol or the very many varieties of drug abuse, some of the big questions to consider relate to why young people feel the need to be part of this scene in the first instance, and what can be done to support and alleviate some of the impact on individuals, on families, and society at large, as a result of escalating addiction problems.

The NHS and other front line services face these challenges on a day to day basis. Limited services and support provision do exist, but struggle to cope, and often do not have the means or budget to take on and support the number people faced with addiction problems. Many are simply turned away.

Key Issue 1: Alcohol and Binge Drinking

What are recommended safe limits?
For men no more than 3 units in any one day (or 21 units per week).
For women no more than 2 units in any one day (or 14 units per week).

What constitutes binge drinking?
The term binge drinking is used to describe the habit of those who drink twice or more the recommended daily unit intake. In general, the more alcohol consumed above the designated limits, the more harmful and detrimental to health alcohol is likely to be.

What are the problems with drinking too much?
There are health risks associated with alcohol misuse. Many people choose to drink heavily, and often, and are not 'addicted' to alcohol and do not progress to become dependant on alcohol. To reduce or indeed to stop drinking would not be a problem if they made the choice to do so. However, for many people, drinking regularly and heavily becomes a habit – a way of life – and heavy drinking does carry health risk.

Unplanned and unprotected sex
(after binge drinking), about 1 in 7 16–24 year olds have had unprotected sex, with 1 in 10 not being able to remember if they've had sex at all.

Violence and personal injury
Attacks, crime, beatings, fights, accidents and death are some outcomes of being uncontrolled due to the influence of alcohol. These are linked to the fact that people lose inhibitions and become much more susceptible to engaging in risk taking behaviours. Criminal proceedings and police involvement often ensue.

Alcohol dependency (alcoholism)
Social isolation, loss of family and friends, difficulty holding down job, internal organ functioning and coronary heart disease, sickness, mental health problems may all be involved.

The problem of denial
Some people who are heavy drinkers, or who become dependent on alcohol, often deny that there is a problem. The sort of thoughts that people deceive themselves with include: 'I can cope fine', or 'I'm only drinking what all my friends drink, or 'I can stop anytime I choose to. Coming to terms with the fact that you may have a problem, and seeking help when needed, is often the biggest step to sorting the problem.

Seeking help
Help and treatment is available if individuals find it difficult, or cannot, cut down drinking to safe limits. Counselling and support from a GP, nurse, or specialist counsellor is often all that is required. A 'detoxification' type treatment may be advised if alcohol dependency is apparent. Referral for specialist help may be best for some people. Check with your GP or website sources for guidance and referral pathways.

Key Issue 2: Recreational Drugs

What are recreational drugs?
Drugs include a wide variety of substances with a psychoactive effect. These range from caffeine and tobacco to heroin. Drugs have been used since the beginning of civilisation and will most likely be used until the end of it. They have become an integral part of human culture. What is important is that people understand drugs, make informed choices and are aware of the effects of drugs. Support, advice and information are therefore important as each drug has different effects on the individual, different qualities and also different dangers. As with all things in life, drugs can be used and abused. Recreational drug use is the use of drugs for leisure or pleasure. The term is often strongly associated with the use of ecstasy and other 'dance' type drugs, and therefore infers that drug use has become part of an individual's lifestyle, even if drugs are only used occasionally. Some of the most commonly used and popular drugs include: tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.

What are the stats?
4.5 million people are estimated to use recreational drugs every year in the UK.
The most popular illegal drug used by 11 to 15 years olds in 2005 was cannabis. 1 in 3 men aged between 16 and 24 years smoke cannabis, mostly citing the fact that it helps them to chill out and relax.
900,000 people have taken cocaine or ecstasy within the last year.

What are the effects of drug abuse?
Drugs affect different people in different ways. As in the 'Big Debate' programme many users do not feel it will adversely affect them in the shorter term, but, what of longer term and more consistent usage? Initially many drug users feel the 'high', the euphoria and a sense of relaxation, but initial feelings are rarely revisited. Thereafter, and over periods of time, behavioural changes become apparent. Serious mental health issues such as paranoiac and schizophrenic traits and tendencies become significant; sickness, vomiting and disorders often follow; confidence diminishes, social and economical isolation, reliance and hopelessness ensue.

Safety Tips
Don't use drugs to assist in your job. If you really need coffee every morning , re-address your sleep pattern schedule.
Don't use drugs whilst driving places. When using drugs socially, organise a lift or taxi home.
Don't use recreational drugs when alone. If something happens, people around can help.
Don't use drugs just to feel 'human'. This is a common comment heard from addicts who then struggle to stop.
Seek advice and support. Many drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, interact with other drugs. Talk with your doctor or support service.
Don't mix drugs. Especially those of a concentrated nature such as caffeine, mixed drinks, heroin, prescription drugs, and cocaine.
Seek help. If someone you know becomes ill, has convulsions, or is in difficulty, seek emergency help, whatever the drugs are.
Don't share syringes or needles. They can spread infections, including HIV and Hepatitis.

Key Issue 3: Is Tough Love the Answer?

One and a half million families in Britain are affected by a loved one's drug problems. Families and loved ones are at the forefront, struggling and worrying as they watch someone close to them fall into an ever spiraling downwards state and become addicted to drugs. There are many dilemmas that they face, but often cannot cope with the scale of the situation and have no option but to 'let their loved one go' as addiction not only destroys their own lives but the lives of those closest to them.