Parental Drug and Alcohol Awareness Workshop

1. Drug & Alcohol Awareness Parental Drug and Alcohol Awareness Workshop Vanessa Rogers DRUG EDUCATION CONSULTANT

2. Workshop aims Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Increased awareness about alcohol, cannabis and Novel Psychoactive Substances (legal highs) • Information about the law and associated risks of misusing drugs • Informal advice on how to have a positive conversation with children about drugs and alcohol • Where to go for additional information, support and advice in Hertfordshire.

3. What is a drug? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • A drug is any chemical you take that affects the way your body and / or mind works. The three drugs we are looking at in this workshop are – • Alcohol • Cannabis • Novel Psychoactive Substances (legal highs)

4. The basics Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Not all drugs are ‘bad’ or ‘dangerous’. • Illegal drugs are classified based on harm to self and others. • The legal status of NPS can change swiftly. • Even legal drugs can present a risk to health and safety. • Some drugs are controlled by age. • Some can be bought ‘over-the-counter’. • Prescription drugs can be dangerous if misused.

5. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Is the legislation that sets out illegal drugs as Class A, B or C • This is broadly based on harm to the user or to society. • The class affects the penalty for an offence involving the drug. • Drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act are illegal to buy, possess, produce, give away or sell.

6. Offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act • Possession of a controlled drug. • Possession with intent to supply another person. • Production, cultivation or manufacture of controlled drugs. • Supplying another person with a controlled drug. • Offering to supply another person with a controlled drug. • Import or export of controlled drugs. • Allowing premises to be used for the consumption, supply or production of any controlled drug.

7. Other classifications Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Medicines Act 1968 covers prescription drugs and medicines sold over the counter. • Legal highs - often sold as ‘plant food’, ‘pond cleaner, ‘research chemicals’ or ‘bath salts’. • The Home Secretary can invoke a temporary class drug order (an instant ban) lasting up to 12 months. • Supply of drugs under these orders is illegal. Possession is not always an offence, but the drugs may be seized and disposed of.

8. #myth1 Drug & Alcohol Awareness All young people try drugs. FALSE • Myths about the number of young people trying drugs can be perpetuated by stereotypes, media and peer perceptions. • This matters because perceptions of ‘social norms’ can shape behaviour.

9. Hertfordshire facts Drug & Alcohol Awareness • 25% of secondary aged pupils in Hertfordshire said that they had an alcoholic drink in the last week (Health Related Behaviour Survey, 2012) • 11% of secondary aged pupils in Hertfordshire said they had taken some form of illegal drug (Health Related Behaviour Survey, 2012)

10. National statistics 2014 Drug & Alcohol Awareness • 38% of 11 to 15 year olds had tried alcohol at least once and 8% had got drunk in the last week. • Majority were given alcohol by family or friends. • 86% of those living with a non-drinker don’t drink. • 15% of 11-15 year olds had taken drugs; 6% in the last month. • Cannabis is the most popular illegal drug. • Only 26% say they have never been offered drugs.

11. #myth2 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Only people with problems take drugs. FALSE • Whilst it is true that some things can influence individual decisions, anyone might take drugs – regardless of gender, age, ethnicity and social background.

12. Exercise 1: Why? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Why might someone choose to take drugs, drink alcohol or smoke tobacco, despite adverse health warnings?

13. Reasons for use Drug & Alcohol Awareness to unwind after a stressful day …. to feel euphoric … for fun … to feel nothing … to celebrate …to experiment …to rebel to feel more confident … to work longer hours … why not? … to enhance performance … to be sociable … to fit in … to prevent / stop boredom … to alleviate emotional pain ... other health problems … peer pressure ... experience … to aid relaxation … to help creativity … because it is a habit … to satisfy cravings … to avoid withdrawal symptoms … to make it easier to express feelings … to help lose weight … because it’s there … escapism … a hobby … it’s cheap . . it helps concentration … to experience an altered state … because it’s Friday … because it’s Saturday … just because ..

14. Alcohol Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Most common drug in the UK. • Widely available. • Socially acceptable. • Relatively cheap.

15. Alcohol- the world’s oldest drug? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • British teenagers are near the top of an international league for binge-drinking and drink related problems. • Central nervous system depressant that impairs the brain & judgment. • Dangerous drug; accidents whilst intoxicated, overdose; even death. • Short and long term health risks

16. UK Chief Medical Officers’ Alcohol Review Guidelines • Drinking any alcohol carries health risks. • Men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. • This guideline changed from daily units in January 2016 following research that indicated previously unknown health risks.

17. Factors that influence the effects of alcohol • age • gender • experience • physical condition • how you feel • amount of food eaten • other drugs or medicines taken

18. #myth3 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Ways to sober up: • Coffee • Drinking water • A cold shower FALSE: • Only time sobers you up. • The liver processes alcohol at a rate of about one unit per hour.

19. Cannabis Cannabis …Pot …Bud …Marijuana … Skunk ... Weed …Blow … Dope .. Green …Ganja ... Hash Drug & Alcohol Awareness

20. #myth4 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Cannabis is harmless FALSE: • Increased risk of mouth and lung cancer and other lung conditions. • Can increase likelihood of psychosis. • Risk of road traffic accidents whilst driving under the influence. • Impaired judgement leading to increased risk of poor decision making.

21. Cannabis Quiztrue or false? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Cannabis is the widest used illegal drug in the UK. • Most cannabis is imported into the UK. • Smoking cannabis leads to mental health problems. • If you are caught in possession of cannabis you will only receive a caution. • The maximum for supplying cannabis is five years in prison.

22. Cannabis & the Law Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Cannabis is an illegal substance under class B of the Misuse of Drugs Act. • Possession: up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. • Supply and/or production: up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

23. Cannabis Facts Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Cannabis is a depressant and hallucinogenic drug. • Looks like dried leaves, buds and flowers or a black/brown block of resin. • The mind-altering ingredient is THC. • Levels of THC can vary from 2% to 20%. • ‘Skunk’ contains higher levels of THC so is stronger.

24. Cannabis use Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Often smoked with tobacco or inhaled in other ways. • Distinctive smell that clings to hair and clothes. • Effects: relaxation, increased senses, slowing of thoughts, time seems to pass more slowly, sometimes mild hallucinogenic effects.

25. Novel Psychoactive Substances Drug & Alcohol Awareness • 6% of young people say they have been offered them, but only 2.2% say they have tried them. • Associated with live music festivals. • Can be bought in ‘head shops’ or online. • Commonly known as ‘legal highs’. • Often used with other drugs (alcohol). • Untested and potentially dangerous.

26. Legal Highs – Facts Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Legal Highs are substances that mimic the effects of illegal drugs but are not (at present) covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. • Some mimic heroin, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, temazepam), LSD. • Can range from herbal extracts that contain caffeine to highly toxic synthetic chemicals. • New ones on the market all the time.

27. #myth5 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Legal means safe. FALSE • Few, if any, have been tested for toxicity and can have serious adverse effects. • Some contain illegal substances. • As they are designed to mimic illegal drugs, the same risks are likely to apply.

28. Legal Highs – information Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Depressant: relaxant, sedating, mimic opiod-like drugs (and alcohol) • Hallucinogen: mimic LSD-type drugs • Stimulant: mimic substances like cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines • Dissociative: feeling of detachment, separation of mind and body, like ketamine. • Synthetic Cannabinoids: not derived from cannabis plant, downer-type drug with psychedelic properties.

29. What’s the problem? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • ‘Legal’ suggests safe and not very strong, which could encourage more users. • You can’t be sure what’s in it. • Laws change quickly so it may have illegal components. • No long term health research done yet. • Cheaper than the real drug, making it more affordable.

30. Nitrous oxide Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Laughing gas • NOS • Whippits

31. Nitrous oxide Drug & Alcohol Awareness • A naturally occurring clear, sweet smelling gas that is produced synthetically for sale. • Very popular at the moment. • Has a long medical history as a mild anesthetic. • Currently legal and widely available to buy. • Difficult to legislate for as it has a legitimate purpose.

32. Nitrous oxide effects Drug & Alcohol Awareness • NOS causes giddiness, a dreamy or floating sensation, and a pain-free state. • Inhaling it produces a short high. • This can pose serious risks to the brain and body when it’s used outside of a medical setting. • Inhaling can result in a lack of oxygen to the brain. • Tolerance builds up, can be addictive.

33. Nitrous oxide and the law

34. #myth6 Drug & Alcohol Awareness You can tell if someone uses drugs. FALSE • It can be easy to miss potential indicators. • You cannot know everything your child does when they aren’t with you. • You cannot tell just by looking at someone.

35. Potential indicators Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Secrecy and unexplained need for extra money • Moody and uncommunicative • Drugs paraphernalia • Distinctive odour (skunk and cannabis) • Change in appetite (‘munchies’) • Impaired coordination, concentration, and memory • Slowed speech, constant cough, chronic sore throat • General disinterest and lack of motivation • Red or bloodshot eyes (often masked by eye drops) • Impaired tracking and visual distance • Delayed decision making and distortions in time estimation.

36. #myth7 Drug & Alcohol Awareness You must be an expert to talk about drugs. FALSE • You don’t need to be a drug expert to talk to your child about making sensible choices. • Learn about alcohol units and basic drugs information. • Go to www.talktofrank.com to find out more.

37. What can parents do? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Start talking about it early. • Role-model sensible decision-making. • Don’t scare children with exaggerated horror stories, find time to talk e.g. at family meals. • Use things like soap opera storylines as a prompt. • Discuss your values and attitudes. • Be prepared to set clear rules. • Trust them and let them know they have your support.

38. Comments from young people • “I’ve had the ‘drugs talk’ from my parents - only it was more like a threat than a talk.” • “My parents told me if I do drugs they will chuck me out.” • “I’d like to speak with my mum but it’s too embarrassing.” • “My dad says drugs are different since his day.”

39. What should I say? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Remind your child that, despite media stories, taking drugs is not the norm and most young people don’t think it is. • Don’t echo messages in the media that over-hype drug use and can reinforce the idea that ‘everyone’s doing it’. • Take the opportunity for everyday conversations.

40. What can I do if I’m worried? Drug & Alcohol Awareness • If you are worried get help and support. • Don’t make accusations. • Especially if you think someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Don’t make threats or hasty decisions. • Wait to talk it through. • Make it clear it’s the behaviour you don’t like, not the person.

41. In short, Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Find out • Keep talking and listening • Tell them your values and boundaries • Avoid shock tactics • Get to know their friends • Let them know you’re always there for them • Remind them they are responsible for their actions • Ask for help and support if you need it

42. Information and support Drug & Alcohol Awareness • FRANK • www.talktofrank.com 2. Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Service for Hertfordshire (A-DASH) • A-DASH@nhs.net 3. Parental Drug Awareness Service (PDAS) • 01707 393934 4. Drinkline • 0800 917 8282