As a schools worker within the YZUP team for 6 years now, the one thing that never ceases to surprise me is the level of knowledge, or at least information young people have access to regarding drugs and alcohol. Names of drugs, myths around specific substances and comments such as "I've heard of this drug but I don't really know what it is" is a regular story that we are privy to when attending PSHE lessons/tutor periods in secondary schools. Often the teachers expressions are the most entertaining as their faces suggest "I don't even know what that is so how have they heard of it!"
Young people report that their sources of information are a combination of YouTube videos, song lyrics, social media posts and conversations between peers.
With the rise of social media, streaming services and individual and personal access to these platforms we should be aware that access to information is instantaneous. Young people report that their sources of information are a combination of YouTube videos, song lyrics, social media posts and conversations between peers. This can be a really positive thing but can also lead to inconsistent messages and perceptions that require guidance and reassurance. One message we share within all of our sessions with young people in schools is to ensure that they get their information from reliable sources as not everything they read/hear or see is correct or a true reflection of what is going on in the world of young people and drugs and alcohol.
As adults it is important that we are available to support young people to navigate their way through these tangled webs of information. Equally important, is having the confidence to ask them what drugs they think are available to young people and what they think about young people using drugs and alcohol. Developing this skill in a professional capacity has been one of the things i am most proud of. It's not necessary to be an expert in the field of drugs and alcohol but what is necessary is being interested in the world and experiences of young people. When I ask young people why I might be asking these questions they often say it's because i'm nosy! However the truth is, although sometimes it doesn't seem that long ago since I was a young person (some denial going on there!) a lot has changed in the world of drugs and alcohol; the availability and accessibility of substances is a constantly moving scenario and one that is a big part of my job and that I struggle to keep up with.
A lot has changed in the world of drugs and alcohol; the availability and accessibility of substances is a constantly moving scenario.
The experts I rely upon are the young people I come into contact with. Facts, stats and research has a place and backs up the information I share with young people. However the starting point has to be the young people who in various ways are experiencing and forming their own views and opinions of drug and alcohol use. Although initially some young people can seem shocked that I am asking them to talk openly about drugs and alcohol, it is evident that when they are given the safe space and opportunity to talk freely about their views and opinions, the building of trust and positive relationships occurs.
It's not always easy to find the right time to instigate these conversations. Within my experience supporting young people who are using substances and want to make changes to their use on a one to one basis, the car has always been a successful environment for conversations: facing forward side by side relieves some of the intensity of facing one another and enables a more natural dialogue to occur. Allowing young people to lead the way with the conversation (sometimes hiding your expressions of shock!) is also a way to enable them to have ownership over the conversation you are having.
The main thing to be confident about is that talking to young people about drugs and alcohol doesn't mean they are going to go and use them! However, what it does do is mean, is that if and when situations arise they will be prepared to make more informed choices and the risk of potential risk of harm may be reduced. They are also more likely to come back and have further conversations with you when they need to.
The main thing to be confident about is that talking to young people about drugs and alcohol doesn't mean they are going to go and use them!
Another good tip is accessing websites together to look up reliable factual and objective harm reduction information. Allow discussions to be born from what you are reading. The Talk to Frank, Drugs and Me and Young Minds websites are a good starting point.
I know we've heard this phrase many times throughout the challenging times we are experiencing currently; but try to use the opportunity we currently have to pick a time where things feel a little more relaxed and give it a go, take the plunge and start talking to your young person!
Remember the YZUP service is available to any young person aged 11-18 who may require support with their own substance use or a family members substance use and the wider We are With You Team offer free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs and mental health to adults. Further information can be found at the We Are With You website.