Drug problems — under 16s

The following script provides information for young people on where to get help and information about drugs, whether you are concerned for yourself, a friend or member of your family. There is also information on the government’s planned changes in the law with regard to cannabis.

A drug is any chemical that can change how you feel physically and mentally. Different drugs have different effects on your mind and body. Some drugs taken in moderation can be pretty harmless and fun, but others - including legal drugs such as alcohol or nicotine in cigarettes - can have devastating effects on the lives of users and those around them.

If you are worried about a friend or someone in your family taking drugs, it is important that you talk to them about it. Try not to accuse them or get upset, but instead try to establish whether or not there is a problem and, if so, how you can work on it together.

Many recreational drugs - that is, drugs that are taken for fun rather than for medical reasons - are illegal. But the government’s attitude to cannabis is changing and the police in many parts of Britain no longer arrest people for possessing small amounts of the drug. Selling cannabis continues to be illegal.

If you are caught with any drugs by the police, ask to speak to a solicitor and get good legal advice. If you don't know a solicitor, you can ask the police to arrange for you to see the duty solicitor.

For information and advice on anything to do with drugs, you can ring the National Drugs Helpline on freephone 0800 77 66 00 (24 hours a day). There’s a wealth of information and the option to e-mail confidential questions www.nationaldrugshelpline.co.uk.

Lifeline booklets 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 e-mail them at publications@lifeline.org.uk. There is useful information on their website at www.lifeline.org.uk.

Release runs a helpline offering advice and information on a range of drug-related subjects, including health, welfare and legal rights. There is also a specialist young person’s legal adviser, who can refer you to local solicitors and other agencies for further support. Call Release on 020 7603 8654 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-10pm, weekends 8am-12 midnight). More facts and support are available on their website at www.release.org.uk.

Adfam runs a helpline for families and friends of drug users offering information and details of local support services. Call them on 020 7928 8900 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10am-5pm).

Families Anonymous runs groups for families and friends of drug users based on the 12-step programme used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Contact them on 0845 12 00 660 (any day 1pm-4pm and 6pm to 10.30pm). Their website is at www.famanon.org.uk.

Other websites for young people include:

Trashed is an NHS-run drug information site for young people aged 16 to 25: www.trashed.co.uk.

Connexions is a new guidance, advice and support service for young people at www.connexions.gov.uk/index.cfm?CategoryID=11.

Mind, Body & Soul is a health website for 14 to 16 year olds at www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk.

D-2K is an interactive drugs site for 14 to16 year olds at www.d-2k.co.uk.

This message has been prepared and is updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.