Insight, the service for young people affected by drug
and/or alcohol issues. 
If you want to talk to someone professional about your drug
and/or alcohol use, or some else’s, Insight will be able to provide
you with free, confidential advice and support where you need
it.
For more information call 0208 960 6114.
The following services are free:
- drug and alcohol intervention for young
people and families
- drop in (advice and information)
- herbal teas/beverages
- telephone and internet access
- complementary therapies including,
shiatsu, acupuncture and Indian head massage
Contact
Insight to ask for further information.
Did you know…
Scientifically, a drug is any substance, other than food, which is
taken to change the way of the body or the mind.
(Source: Health Information site, 2007)
Some drugs are legal, such as caffeine, alcohol or tobacco;
others are illegal such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin. Because of
this, there are drugs in society that might appear to be acceptable
and others that certainly do not.
Everyone seems to have their own opinion about drugs. We don’t
want to tell you what to do and not to do, but we want to help you
find out about the facts. Then you can make up your own mind.
Who uses drugs and why?
There are many reasons why people use drugs:
- people are curious about the effects
- people say they are feeling bad and want to escape from
reality
- often, young people are introduced to drugs by their
friends.
Different drugs have different effects. The fact is that drugs are
addictive and after using a drug several times you may become
dependant on it in some way, maybe physically, or psychologically.
It is best not to take that risk.
Know the Law on drugs
Most drugs are illegal, and by buying them, using them, or
giving them to someone else, you are committing an
offence. You might be stopped, arrested or charged with a criminal
offence, which may lead to a criminal record.
Illegal substances, or drugs, are placed into categories by UK
law. The three main categories are Class A, B and C.
The higher the category, the more ‘serious’ the drug is
deemed to be, and the greater the sentence received if you are
convicted.
The main points to remember are - it is an offence:
- to unlawfully possess a controlled drug
- to possess a controlled drug with intent to supply it
- to unlawfully supply (sell, give, share) a controlled drug
- to allow premises you occupy or manage to be used for the
smoking or use of drugs
Please remember that it is also an offence to give drugs to your
friends, or use drugs in your home. It is not only you that might
get charged.
Keep yourself safe
There are various things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Please take a look at these websites to give you more information
on drugs, their effects and where to get help.
- Talk to Frank.com can tell you a
lot about the various drugs, their effects and how to get help for
you, a friend or family
- if you are concerned about alcohol in particular then The
Truth About Booze is a website worth looking at
- you can also contact
Childline for advice or just to talk about drugs, alcohol and
tobacco.