Young People Coping with Drug Problems

This message provides information for young people experimenting with drugs, those with a more longstanding problem and the friends or family members who care about them. There's also information on the government changes in law regarding cannabis. Please note that freephone numbers may be charged for by some mobile phone services.

A drug is any chemical which can change how you feel physically and mentally. Many recreational drugs - that is, drugs which are taken for fun rather than for medical reasons - are illegal. The supply and possession of cannabis are illegal, with penalties for supplying at a maximum of 14 years. The maximum prison sentence for possession is two years, though if you're under 18 and it's a first offence you will normally be arrested and given a warning or reprimand.

Drugs make you do stupid things, but because it relaxes you it makes you feel you're in control when you're not. Many young people who use cannabis suffer paranoia or blackouts.

Heroin is highly addictive. Over time, effects of heroin on the brain cause 'craving' and a strong desire to keep on using. As tolerance builds users have to take more just to get the same effects and even more just to feel 'normal' or avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

If you're caught with any drugs by the police, make sure you speak to a solicitor before talking to the police. If you don't know a solicitor, you can ask the police to see the duty solicitor.

It's very dangerous to take drugs prescribed for someone else. Many, such as hyperactivity drugs, can have serious side effects for the intended user that could have result in life threatening complications for someone not meant to take them and not being monitored.

The drugs helpline FRANK can give young people information and support on any issues to do with drugs. Their helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day on 0800 77 66 00. You can e-mail your problem to frank@talktofrank.com. You can also check out their website at www.talktofrank.com. There's also a text service for the hard of hearing on 0800 917 8765.

The organisation Re-Solv runs a free helpline for anyone concerned about solvent or volatile substance abuse problems. You can call in confidence on 01785 810762 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm). Or check out their website at www.re-solv.org.

Release offers support and information for people with drug problems, including prescription drugs. They provide the Release Drug Helpline 0845 4500 215 (Monday - Friday 11am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm) and the Release Legal Helpline which advises on issues of drugs and the law on 0845 4500 215 (Mondays - Fridays 11am-1pm). You can also email ask@release.org.uk or check out their informative website at www.release.org.uk.

It is now illegal to sell tobacco products to people under the age of 18. This change includes cigarettes, cigars, tobacco for roll your own and pipes as well as rolling papers.

Quitline helps smokers who want to stop and people trying to remain as ex-smokers. Call 0800 00 22 00 (free, 9am - 9pm every day). You can also email stopsmoking@quit.org.uk or check out website www.quit.org.uk which has a very good section for young people.

Get Connected is a free helpline and email service helping young people find the best support whatever their problem. It's especially good for anyone thinking of running away or leaving home, or for anyone who has left home already. Call 0808 808 4994 (everyday 1pm-11pm) this number is offered free by the main mobile phone operators. The email address is help@getconnected.org.uk or check out the website at www.getconnected.org.uk.

Lifeline produces booklets which give advice, information and support for young drug users and their friends and families. To order copies call 0161 839 2075 or write to Lifeline Publications, 39-41 Thomas Street, Manchester M1 4NA. You can also email them at publications@lifeline.org.uk. Some information can also be downloaded from their website at www.lifeline.org.uk.

Adfam provides support for the families and friends of drug users, offering information on drugs, the criminal justice system and local support groups. Go to their website www.adfam.org.uk.

You can get more information on drugs, the complexities of the law, ways to help yourself or someone else to stay clean by logging on to www.channel4.com/health

This message has been prepared and updated regularly by New Media at Channel 4.

Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.