Drugs are a constant source of worry to parents. Our guide will help you tackle the problem.
1. Use news items to open up conversations about drugs.
2. Don't tell shock-horror stories (they lose impact as the child gets older).
3. Keep reminding them that drugs are illegal, can kill and that many schools now expel first-time drug-users.
4. Set a good example, don't get drunk in front of them and give up smoking!
- Next: Find out more about cannabis
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
Other names
Marijuana, draw, blow, weed, puff, hash, ganja, spliff, wacky backy.
What it looks like and how it's taken
A solid, dark lump called 'resin'; leaves, stalks and seeds called 'grass' or a sticky, dark oil. Cannabis can be rolled (usually with tobacco) in a joint, smoked on its own in a pipe or eaten in food.
The effects of cannabis
Users feel relaxed and talkative. Cooking the drug then eating it makes the effects more intense. May bring on a craving for food.
The health risks
It impairs concentration and can leave people paranoid and lacking in motivation. Smoking joints over a long period of time can lead to respiratory disorders.
Legal status
Controversially downgraded to Class C
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
Other names
E, doves, XTC, disco biscuits, echoes, hug drug, burgers, fantasy. Chemical name: MDMA (currently many tablets contain MDEA, MDA, MBDB).
What it looks like and how it's taken
Ecstasy usually comes as flat round tablets in different sizes and colours (but often white), which usually have small motifs embossed on them. Occasionally it may come as a capsule, which can be yellow, pink or clear and very rarely as powder or in liquid form. Ecstasy is usually swallowed, but can be snorted, smoked or injected.
The effects
Users feel alert and in tune with their surroundings. Sound, colour and emotions seem much more intense and users may dance for hours. The effects can last anything from three to six hours.
The health risks
Can leave users feeling tired and depressed for days. Risk of overheating and dehydration, liver and kidney problems. Some experts are concerned that use of ecstasy can lead to brain damage, causing depression in later life.
Legal status
Class A. Other drugs similar to ecstasy are also illegal and class A.
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
Other names
Coke, charlie, gak, C.
Crack (a smokeable form of cocaine): rock wash, stone.
What it looks like and how it's taken
Cocaine: white powder that is snorted up the nose, sometimes dissolved and injected.
Crack: small crystals which are smoked.
The effects
A sense of wellbeing and confidence. Effects last roughly 30 minutes. Users are left craving more crack, which has the same effect as cocaine but a more intense and shorter high.
The health risks
Cocaine and crack are addictive and leave users feeling tired and depressed for days. Can cause chest pain and heart problems. Heavy use can cause convulsions.
Legal status
Class A.
- Read more about amphetamines
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
Other names
Speed, whizz, uppers, amph, billy, sulphate.
What it looks like and how it's taken
A grey or white powder that can be snorted, swallowed, smoked, injected or dissolved in a drink; or tablets which are swallowed.
The effects
Excitement, the mind races and users feel confident and energetic.
The health risks
Some users become tense and anxious and are left feeling tired and depressed for days. High doses may cause hallucinations. Regular long-term use puts a strain on the heart.
Legal status
Class B (but class A if prepared for injection).
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
Other names
Smack, brown, horse, gear, junk, H, jack, scag.
What it looks like and how it's taken
Brownish-white powder which is smoked, snorted or dissolved and injected.
The effects
Small doses give the user a sense of warmth and wellbeing. Larger doses can make them feel drowsy and relaxed.
The health risks
Heroin is addictive (even when smoked). Users who form a habit may end up taking the drug just to feel normal. Excessive amounts can result in overdose, coma and death.
Legal status
Class A.
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens