Drugs and Substance abuse
Using
substances changes the way people feel, think &
behave – they have a psychoactive effect. There
are a vast number of substances that can be used to
do this & when discussing issues around substance
use we need to bear in mind not only the substance but
also the circumstances & personality of the person
involved & the context of the substance use.
There are
many dimensions to substance use/ misuse – health,
social, criminal justice etc. - & it is essential
to be aware that there are great differences in people’s
attitudes toward it. All have a voice in the ongoing
debate around it. It is as well then to gather information
from various sources but to remember each source has
its own agenda. People must draw their own conclusions
& make their own decisions around them.
Useful links
Talk
to Frank http://talktofrank.com
Contains information and where to find help on drugs
for young people.
Department of Health http://www.doh.gov.uk/
These pages are operated by the Department of Health.
They are intended primarily as a resource for a wide
range of professionals and managers to help in the
delivery of drug prevention and treatment services.
Some of the information will also be of interest to
parents, young people and students.
Wired
for health http://www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk
Aimed at teachers and anyone delivering health education
in schools. It contains a range of information, resources
and links on many subjects including substance misuse,
alcohol and mental health. It also supports the Healthy
Schools Programme and lists government guidance and
policies
DrugScope http://www.drugscope.org.uk
DrugScope is one of the UK's leading centres of expertise
on drugs. They aim is to inform policy development
and reduce drug-related risk. They provide quality
drug information, promote effective responses to drug
taking, undertake research at local, national and
international levels, advise on policy-making, encourage
informed debate and speak for their member bodies
working on the ground.
National Drugs Helpline http://www.ndh.org.uk
Accurate information and advice on drugs.
AA. Alcoholics Anonymous. http://www.aa-berkshire.org.uk
Thames valley region. Full list of local meetings
and support.
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