5. Working with over 30 schools across London and the South East
Six week programme of drugs awareness lessons
Assemblies
Workshops
Resources for students and teachers
Youth ambassadors
Working with over 30 schools across
London and the South East

6. Information and resources online for parents/carers
Workshops for parents and carers
“I found this session very informative – needed more time”
“It was really good to hear what the boys had been discussing to be able to back up the information”
“Thank you for taking the time to help us”

8. Young people and substance use

10. To socialise and fit in with friends
Peer pressure
Curiosity
Experimentation
To feel more confident
To relax
Escapism
To rebel
To help cope with stress or difficult emotions

12. Caffeine
Alcohol
Tobacco
Glue, gas, aerosols and solvents
Cannabis/ skunk
MDMA/ ecstasy
Cocaine, ketamine, various

13. How many 15 year-olds have been offered drugs?
How many have tried drugs once?

14. 11 year-olds: 15 year-olds: 9% have been offered drugs
6% have tried drugs once
4% in the last year
2% in the last month
15 year-olds:
49% have been offered drugs
24% have tried drugs once
19% in the last year
12% in the last month
HSCIC Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England 2014

15. Youth Ambassadors

16. Types of drug use Experimental
Dependant on many factors, e.g. access to drugs, friendship groups, current trends or fashion
Could go on to recreational drug use or stop once curiosity is satisfied
Main risk is that young people may not know about effects and how to keep safe 
Recreational
Usually a regular thing, i.e. every weekend and often a normalised part of social life
Users may feel that they have control over use and even if they use a lot (binge) dependency may not be present
Can apply to certain drugs and contexts, i.e. example MDMA/Ecstasy and rave/party culture.

17. Types of drug use Problematic/ Dependence
Prolonged and heavy use of a drug(s) over an extended period of time leading to a loss in control of use
Also known as addiction and may be physical or psychological
Often happens alone or in small groups and can causes emotional psychological and social problems.
Physical dependence - When the body adapts to a drug and cravings result in physical withdrawal symptoms Psychological dependence – habitual or emotional reliance on a drug resulting in cravings to which a person has become accustomed.

18. Drug Set Setting
What different things can make a situation risky?

19. Drug - things to do with the drug What drug has been taken
Drug - things to do with the drug What drug has been taken? Has the user mixed with other drugs? How pure is the drug? How strong is the drug? How has the drug been used, swallowed, smoked?

20. What are your expectations of the drug. How are you physically
What are your expectations of the drug? How are you physically? Any ill health or allergic reactions? How are you feeling at the time (excited, anxious, angry)?

21. Who are you with. What is the place you are in like
Who are you with? What is the place you are in like? Are you at risk of having an accident?

22. Drugs and The Law Class Drug Possession Supply A B C
cocaine and crack (a form of cocaine), ecstasy, heroin, LSD, methadone, methamphetamine (crystal meth), magic mushrooms containing ester of psilocin and any Class B drug which is injected
Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both B
Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (eg mephedrone, methoxetamine)
Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both C
Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines (diazepam), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), ketamine, piperazines (BZP)
Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both

23. Young people and peer pressure
“Studies have shown that teenagers only take risks when they are being watched by their peers. One study that placed teenagers in a driving simulator showed that if they were on their own or with an adult, then their accident rate was identical to an adult's. But place another teenager next to them, and the accident rate increased dramatically.“ TES 27 May 2016

24. Most don’t say yes, and of those that do, most don’t come to any long term harm.
Young people need:
Information, understanding and awareness
Life skills to navigate choices confidently and safely

25. Youth Ambassadors

26. How can I help & support my child?
Get informed – but don’t feel you have to know everything
Make and take opportunities for conversations about drugs and alcohol e.g. in news or TV programmes
Keep talking – keep the conversation open and two-way, try not to lecture, try to stay calm and keep an open mind
Be a good role model!
Seek professional help & advice if you or your child are worried, as some levels of substance misuse may require specialist interventions

27. Things to look out for
Truanting, declining grades, getting into trouble at school
Sudden changes in relationships, friends, favourite hangouts & hobbies.
Lack of motivation, inability to focus, lethargic or ‘spaced out’ appearance
Changes to physical appearance /personal grooming inc weight loss/gain
Borrowing or stealing of money, valuables, alcohol or prescription drugs
Frequent colds &/or nose bleeds
Changes to appetite or sleep patterns.
Red bloodshot eyes or unusually large/small pupils
Unusual smells on breath, body &/or clothing

28. Some practical suggestions:
Make sure they eat before they go out
Make sure phones are charged
Make sure emergency contact details are accessible on phones when locked
Try to collect friends’ parents’ contact details
Make sure a route home is planned and organised
Have an ‘escape plan’

29. www. talktofrank. com www. angelusfoundation. org

30. The Drug Conversation Dr Owen Bowden-Jones

31.
danielspargomabbsfoundation
dansgeneration
@dsmfoundation
@foundationdsm