Alcohol & Drugs
Young people experiment with alcohol and drugs for a number of reasons.
This may be due to peer pressure, to experiment or to lesson the feelings associated with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. While attitudes towards drugs and alcohol among young people are changing, they are still a major health concern.
Risk associated with alcohol and drugs
Interferes with adolescent brain development, affection, memory, reactions, learning ability and attention span
Can severely damage developing organs such as the lungs, brain and liver
Affects ability to make decisions and judge situations, leading to risky behaviour such as unprotected sex
Increased risk of heavier, harmful use during adulthood
Alcohol and Drugs in Young People
NHS Digital’s Smoking, Drinking and Drugs Use among Young People in England Survey 2018 noted
Talk to Frank
Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law, plus information and advice for parents on how to talk about drugs with their children.
Resources for Schools on Drugs and Alcohol
While parents need to play a critical role in educating their children about drugs and alcohol use, schools can play a vital role is supporting this learning. Engaging students in drug education activities assists them to make healthy and safe choices, identify risky situations and develop strategies to prepare them for challenging situations such as peer pressure at an early age.
Drink Aware
Information, tools and advice to help people make better choices about their drinking
targeted Youth Service
The Bracknell Forest Youth Service provides preventive teaching and support that compliments substance misuse education delivered in schools with the aim to reduce harm from substance misuse, delay age of use and to ensure early identification of young people at risk.
Workshops include Alcohol Awareness, Drugs – Know the score and Staying safe while partying.
Stay in touch
Get the latest information on case studies, blogs and more.