Research shows that children will put off or avoid taking drugs if they feel they can talk to their parents about the subject.

What are the risks?

There are risks. And your child may not have thought of all of them. When you calmly talk through the situation with your child, you could outline the following possible dangers:

• the user can never be sure of exactly what they are taking
• what is bought is unlikely to be pure, and your child won't know what it has been mixed with
• not knowing the strength of what has been bought could lead to accidental overdose
• your child can't be sure what effect a drug will have, even if they have taken it before
• it is often extremely dangerous to mix different drugs, and this includes taking a drug and drinking alcohol
• if needles, syringes or other injecting equipment are shared there is a serious risk of dangerous infections being spread, such as HIV and hepatitis B or C, and injecting can also damage veins

What to do in an emergency

Amphetamines (speed), cannabis, ecstasy, LSD and magic mushrooms can sometimes make the user feel tense and panicky. If this happens:

• calm your child and be reassuring - try not to let them see if you feel scared or worried
• explain that the feelings will pass
• encourage them to settle in a quiet, dimly lit room
• if they start breathing very quickly, tell them to take long, slow breaths

Heroin, tranquillisers and misuse of gases, glues and aerosols can make the user feel very drowsy. If this happens:

• calm your child and be reassuring
• don't frighten or startle them, or let them exert themselves
• never give coffee to rouse them
• if symptoms persist, lie them on their side in the recovery position, so their tongue cannot fall back and prevent breathing
• call an ambulance if they don't start to become more alert

Talking about drugs

If a young child brings up the subject, ask gently what they know about 'drugs'. Tell them they can come to you whenever they have questions about drugs and you will answer. Tell them to let you know if anyone ever offers them drugs.

When they reach secondary school, what your child's friends think, do and say becomes more important to them. Don't try to be 'cool' when you discuss drugs with them. This is a quick way to lose their trust.

Helpful organisations

Several national organisations can provide help and information on drugs and drug abuse:

Talk to frank

Talk to Frank offers free and confidential advice about drugs, all day, every day, to anyone: children, parents or just the curious. The helpline is available in 120 different languages and a translator will be available if necessary, telephone 0800 77 66 00. The website has masses of information and tips on how to deal with drugs and can refer you to local drugs services.

Release

Release provides a helpline offering advice on drug use and legal issues Monday to Friday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. Telephone 020 7729 9904

Adfam

Adfam national supports family groups working with communities throughout the UK, telephone 020 7928 8898. The Adfam website, provides a searchable database with contact information for local support groups. 

Local services

Locally, your GP can refer you to local drugs counselling agencies. Your child’s school should have a policy on drug education and managing drug-related incidents. The Community Liaison Department of your local police may be able to answer your questions about the local drug scene, and the law.