1. Drug and Alcohol Use in Young People
Warm Welcome to all

2. Who are we????
Compass is a National Charity, aimed at improving the wellbeing of clients engaged in services such as; sexual health, substance misuse, EIS, mental health and nursing services.
In Milton Keynes we offer a substance misuse service including;
Targeted interventions
Specialist interventions .
2 mins = 12 mins

3. Meet the team;

4. Aims of session:
Trends of children and young peoples (C&YP) drug and alcohol use in Milton Keynes
2. Signs and symptoms of C&YP drug and alcohol use
3. How to ask difficult questions
4. Referral routes

5. Trends in Milton Keynes
Cannabis Alcohol Novel Psychoactive Substances Mephedrone

6. Who may identify the concern with you?
Mum
Dad
Guardian
Grandparent
Family friend
Aunt
Uncle
Brother
Sister
Foster career
Reception staff
C/YP friend
The C/YP themselves
GP time is short and pressure is high.

7. Stimulant drugs Drugs including; Forms of substance MDMA/Ecstasy
Cocaine
Caffeine – Energy drinks
Mephedrone
Amphetamine
NPS – such as power, gocaine etc.
Forms of substance
Fine white – yellow powder
Crystal powder
Tablets
Liquid

8. Symptoms of a stimulant
Feeling euphoric
Bounds of energy
Very talkative
Wanting to be close
Gurning
Sweaty
Twitchy
May be paranoid/aggressive
Parent discussing child talking to them as intoxicated

9. Depressant drugs Drugs including; Alcohol Solvents Opioids GBL / GHB
Benzodiazepams
Forms of substance
Liquid
Aerosols
Brown powder
Tablets

10. Symptoms of a depressant
Increased confidence
Unsteady and uncoordinated
Slurred speech
Nausea and vomiting
Deep breathing
Wanting to sleep
In and out of consciousness
Heightened emotional states

11. Hallucinogen drugs Forms of substance Dried mushrooms
Pictured sugar paper
Silver canisters
Dried cannabis leaves
Resin
Cannabis oil
Dried plant matter sprayed with cannabinoid substance
Drugs include;
Magic Mushrooms
LSD
NOS
Ketamine
Cannabis
NPS - Cannabinoids

12. Symptoms of a hallucinogen
Munchies
Distorted realities
Grandiose
Paranoid
Anxious/scared
Bewildered
Wanting to touch
10 mins 1. 05– 11.05

13. How to have the difficult conversations...
Ask parents / guardians to leave the room – Young people are normally more honest when their parent is out of the room
Confidentiality – Share clear guidance with the young person and their parents about your confidentiality policies so they know what may happen if they share
Ensure to remain composed – The majority of young people do not use drugs however those who do, may have started from a very young age and tried a mixture of different substances
Avoid the use of jargon – C&YP will not tell you if they do not understand

14. How to have the difficult conversations continued…
Rapport – Some young people are nervous about speaking to someone in authority. Help them to build professional rapport with you by asking C&YP about what they do with their friends, where they spend their time etc. This will give you signs that they may be using but also develop the rapport.
Questions -Ask open questions such as ‘how do you feel about that? This way the other person will feel more able to share.
Be patient and listen to what they have to say– the more you listen the more comfortable the other person will feel. The young person should do at least 50% of the talking.

15. How to have the difficult conversation continued……
Honesty – Give the young person examples of information which is concerning you and this is why you want to talk because you are concerned.
Referring / Signposting – Be clear about the compass referral routes, what we offer and how we work with C&YP, this will make them feel safer with the process. You could also call us while the patient is with you to make the referral…

16. Compass referral
Referral can be made over the phone / via post / via Egress switch account
On receiving referral we will contact the client within 24 hours
Assessment will be offered within 5 working days
Any C/YP who has used drugs or alcohol can be referred. We also work with C&YP at risk of using, e.g. if their friends are using
We deliver CBT, MI, BSFT sessions with young people for as long as is needed to support them to meet their goals
We see young people at school, at home, in the community – in a place they feel safe to meet
Compass work in a holistic way, it is never just DRUGS or ALCOHOL.

17. Any Questions?

18. Compass Simply call us on Patients under 18 - 01908 691911
Patients 18 or above –