DrugScope's work on young people tries to provide a sense of perspective on an emotive issue, which can generate more than its share of myth and misinformation. Most children and young people do not and will not use illegal drugs. More young people say they are offered illegal drugs than use them. Most young people who do use drugs will not become problematic drug users. Nor will they require specialist drugs services - as they will stop using with the help and support of their family or a trusted adult, such as a teacher or a youth worker.
At the same time, and despite indications that illegal drug use among young people may have stabilised (and indeed be falling), there is no room for complacency. We need specialist services for young people. But they have a comparatively small role to play in young people's interventions, where most of the investment needs to go into mainstream children's services (like schools and youth agencies) and on supporting families and strengthening communities.
Young people's drug and alcohol treatment at the crossroads
“Drugs is a way of life. That’s the way I see it. People not in employment sell drugs, people with bad experiences of life use drugs, there’s all different reasons why people use drugs. To me, I see drugs as a way of life. Everyone around me sells drugs or uses drugs.”
Service user, service for under-19s, Brixton
Young people’s drug and alcohol treatment at the crossroads: what it’s for, where it’s at and how to make it even better, published February 2010, considers the state of current provision for young people and young adults who need help for substance misuse problems. It follows on from our 2009 report into adult drug treatment. The report draws on feedback from over 150 professionals and young drug and alcohol service users. Key issues highlighted by our consultations included the growing range of drugs younger people are using (such as cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, ketamine and mephedrone) and services’ readiness to tackle a polydrug culture that includes substances that may be new to the scene. Transitions between under-18s and adult services were of significant concern, with many young adults of 18 or over unwilling or unable to get the help they need from adult services.
The report distils many of the views expressed during the consultation events in order to present practical recommendations to aid the development of future policy and practice.
You can find out more about the report here and you can download it here (PDF 1.3MB)
Digital copy (requires Adobe Flash player)
Drug Education
DrugScope believes we must be realistic about what drug education can and cannot do, and learn from the evidence. The most effective approaches provide young people with accurate and reliable information on the harms associated with drug use, encourage dialogue, support pupils who come forward for information and support and provide an opportunity to explore attitudes and develop decision-making skills.
