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Talking to your child about the dangers of drugs

It’s never too early to educate your child about the dangers of drugs. You should encourage discussion about them and make sure your child knows to tell you if they’re ever offered anything.

• Information about the specific risks associated with different drugs Opens new window

Signs that your child may be using drugs

Possible signs of drug use can include changes in your child’s:

• appearance
• choice of friends
• interests
• eating and sleeping habits
• mood
• openness with you

However, all these can be a natural part of growing up and a young person who is not using drugs could show the same changes. If you have suspicions, speak to your child but don’t jump to any conclusions.

What to do if your child is taking drugs

If you do find out your child is taking drugs, your natural reaction may be to panic. However, it’s important you stay calm, talk to them and reassure them. You should:

• let them explain in their own words what they've done
• avoid asking them why they've taken drugs as it will make them defensive
• not get hung up on blame
• let them know exactly how you feel about the situation

If your child does have a drug problem it’s important for them to know that you will be there for them. This could be in the form of answering simple questions or helping them through the difficult process of kicking the habit. Let them know you trust them, but at the same time feel free to show disappointment if this trust is broken. More information and advice is available from Talk to FRANK.

Talk to FRANK

Talk to FRANK is the national drugs helpline offering free, confidential information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or text a question on 82111. The cost of sending a text to FRANK is the same as a standard text message, which will depend on your network tariff. Information and advice is also available via the website.

• Talk to FRANK Opens new window

Getting help from local services and your child’s school

Your GP can refer you to local drugs counselling agencies. Your child’s school should have a policy on drug education and managing drug-related incidents. The Community Liaison Department of your local police force will be able to answer your questions about the local drug scene and the law.

• Drugs and crime (crime and justice section)

What to do in case of an emergency

If you find your child is having a bad reaction to something they’ve taken, there are things you can do to help. You should always try to calm them and be reassuring.

Drugs can be loosely put into two groups – 'stimulants' and 'depressants'.

If your child has taken a 'stimulant'

If your child has taken amphetamines (speed), cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, LSD (acid) or magic mushrooms, they might feel tense and panicky. If this happens you should:

• calm them down and be reassuring - try not to let them see if you feel scared or worried
• explain that the feelings will pass
• encourage them to settle in a quiet, dimly lit room
• tell them to take long, slow breaths if they start breathing very quickly

If your child has taken a 'depressant'

If your child has taken heroin or tranquillisers, or misused gases, glues or aerosols, they might start to feel very drowsy. If this happens you should:

• try not to frighten or startle them, or let them exert themselves
• never give them coffee or other caffeine-based products to wake them up
• lie them on their side in the recovery position if the symptoms persist, so their tongue can't fall back and prevent breathing
• call an ambulance if they don't start to become more alert

More useful links

• Adfam - supporting families affected by drug abuse Opens new window

• Release - drugs, the law and human rights Opens new window

• Parentchannel.tv (information videos for parents) Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Parents contacts