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School, drugs and alcohol
Research suggests that taking too many drugs and/or drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis may reduce a person's ability and interest in learning....
Here young people share their advice to other young people about drugs and alcohol. They wanted to tell others what they had learnt – sometimes through difficult personal experiences.
Young people couldn’t stress enough the importance of recognising that when under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol you are very vulnerable indeed. They said make sure that you are with friends you trust and look out for each other.
‘Once you are in a hole don’t keep digging’ Mary Ann
Young people stressed that personal problems can’t be fixed with drugs and alcohol. People described how their problems were still there, waiting for them when they were no longer high or drunk. Some found that drugs and alcohol made life more difficult.
If friends are drinking and doing drugs but you don’t want to, remember that you can say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol. Some young people found that friends respected them more for refusing drink or drugs. If you have a good relationship with your parents, talk to them about the pressures you face. Being around other drug users can make it difficult for people who want to stop using drugs.
Find out about drugs for yourself from a reliable source before you do anything. There are lots of organisations that can provide you with all the (confidential) information and advice you need (see our resources section for further information).
Some young people we spoke to deeply regret the fact that they hadn’t done their best at school because of their use of drugs and/or alcohol. Having goals and doing things they really enjoy has helped them to turn their lives around.
Research suggests that taking too many drugs and/or drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis may reduce a person's ability and interest in learning....
We asked young people what parents can do about their teenagers drinking or taking drugs. The answers given included: Don't ignore the fact that young...