Short messages on Alcohol/Drugs/substance use from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Alcohol is a huge dehydrator – it interferes with the brain and kidney communication making you wee more, which can lead to dehydration.
Be yourself – whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life has thrown at you. If things are tough, talk about it. Samaritans can be reached on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
If you have an adverse reaction to any drugs, seek medical attention immediately. Be honest with medical staff about what you have taken so they can best treat you. If you’re with friends/in a group, stick together and help each other out.
If the police find you in possession of a Legal High, they will treat you as if the drug is illegal – which often means arresting you. The drug will be analysed and if found to contain an illegal drug, you will be prosecuted. If it contains a legal drug, then there are no charges.
Long-term health risks for Legal Highs are unknown; they are new and haven’t been safety tested. They are totally unregulated, and 1 in 5 contains an illegal drug.
Legal Highs are drugs that have been created to mimic common drugs (like cannabis or MDMA), but are not illegal. A small change to the molecule of an illegal drug can make it “legal”.
Finding it hard to talk about how you are really feeling? Samaritans is a safe place to turn; it’s anonymous and confidential: 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
Sometimes the best support you can give someone is to refer them on to someone who can help them better than you.
If something is troubling you, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All chats are completely confidential. You can reach them on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
“Don’t do drugs, not because they are illegal – but because they will destroy part of you” – Sarah Jane Honeywell