Talk Turkey Training Talk Turkey Drug & Alcohol Training for professionals working with young people ‘What is Talk Turkey? WELCOME TO TALK TURKEY Settle down and make yourselves comfortable as this will take about an hour to complete - but it will be worth it! WHAT IS TALK TURKEY? IE you work with young people, Talk Turkey has been developed for you. This e-learning course will © Give you better understanding of drug & alcohol issues in society © Help you understand why young people drink or take drugs Tell you what you need to know about the drugs young people might take Help you take action, if a young person tells you about their drug or alcohol use or you have concerns about them, & © Give you the names and numbers you need to get expert advice locallyContext This slide is your guide to the 3 sections in this e-learning pack. Each section is colour coded to guide you through. These include 1. CONTEXT This will help you understand why young people take drugs & drink, what they take, and what makes some people more at risk than others for running into problems 2. FACT FILE We will take you through the substances most commonly used by young people 3.RECO.VER ‘We will show you some basic things you can do with a young person to engage them, talk about drugs, and if appropriate get some help ‘We know from current evidence that There are an estimated 332,000 problem drug users in England Class A drug use generates an estimated £15 4billion in crime and health costs each year Between a third anda half of all acquisitive crime is estimated to be drug related Around a quarter (24%) of young people aged 16-24 have used an illegal drug in the last year Less than half (45%) of 11-15 year olds have tried alcohol - falling from 61% in 2001 17% of young people (aged 11-15) have used an illegal drug in the last year - this has declined from 29% in 2001 Cannabis is the most commonly used drug by 11-15 year olds, followed by Volatile Substances (such as glue or gas) - with less than 1% using any other type of drug What is Substance Misuse? “Intoxication by or regular excessive consumption of and/or dependence on psychoactive substances, leading to social, psychological, physical or legal problems. It includes problematic use of both legal and illegal drugs (including alcohol when used in combination with other substances)."‘National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) What makes someone more at risk of misuse substances? The causes of substance misuse among individuals is highly complex and difficult to define However, there are number of ‘risk factors that could increase vulnerability to misuse drugs and/or alcohol. Also, these factors could negatively interact and exacerbate existing problems, resulting in deterioration and potential dependency. These include 1. Belonging to a ‘vulnerable! group 2. Social and cultural factors 3. Interpersonal and individual risk factors What is the difference between use and misuse of drugs or alcohol? "Drug Use" = the intake of a drug, Generally the term ‘use! means the consumption of a dug that does not cause any immediate harm to a person although it may still carry some risks of harm "Drug Misuse" =the use of drugs that causes harm to a person's health or lifestyle leading to dependence (addiction) to drugs or which leads to problematic or harmful behavior There are some factors which can prevent use becoming misuse. These "Protective Factors" include: Supportive family environment Good social support system Caring relationship with at least one adult Attending school or training In employment Positive temperament Other interests (excluding drugs or alcohol) How will I know if someone runs into trouble with drugs or alcohol? ‘Adverse impact on the person's judgement & decision-making Family or Social difficulties (¢.g. relationship, work, or financial problems) Experiencing unpleasant symptoms when stopping or reducing drug andlor alcohol use Injuries sustained while using drugs and/or alcohol (e.g. as a result of accidents or fights)‘Mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, & suicidal thoughts) Physical health problems (e.g. respiratory problems, overdose) Difficulty controlling the amount of time or money spent using drugs andlor alcohol or the quantity used Needing more of the same drug and/or alcohol to get the same effect But isn't using any drug a problem for young people? The type, frequency and route of adminstration plays a very important role in what constitutes harm. Some drugs like Heroin or Crack can lead quickly to harm and are difficult to limit the impacts of their use Similarly, alcohol and tobacco are seen to be less harmful as the concequences are often related to long-term use. However, these two substances are responsible for more harm and deaths than all the illegal drugs put together What drugs are we talking about? Drugs can be broadly divided into 3 categories, based on their main effects. They may act solely as one category of drug, but quite a few show effects from two categories at the same time. These are known as stimulant hallucinogens (e.g. ecstasy) or as depressant hallucinogens (e.g. cannabis) 1. Stimulants make you feel like you have lots of energy and confidence. They include cocaine, speed, ecstasy, and mephedrone 2. Depressants make you feel relaxed and chilled out. They include alcohol, tranquillisers, heroin and cannabis 3, Hallucinogens can make you view reality in distorted way and sometimes cause vivid hallucinations. They include LSD and magic mushrooms Let's find out why people do this >>> Why do adults drink alcohol and young people take drugs?‘Why do adults drink alcohol? To help with sleep 10 As areward To forget problems To help socialise wards All of these are correct because people will use drink for different reasons ‘Why do young people try drugs? To help with sleep 10 To forget problems As areward To help socialise wards All these answers are correct, because for the same reasons that adults use alcohol, young people will also try drugs. These two activities are not so different from each other EXERCISE 1: Why do adults drink and some young people take drugs? Drag each statement to the appropriate column below to indicate your choiceMitchel's Story Clip 1: Mitchel's Story JassetLibrary/4B (DED 3B -A42C-9005-8C0SESF03BC3BC3B/resources/Mitchels Story flv FACT FILE Section 2, FACT FILE Section 2. FACT FILE Downers (Depressants) “Ta- | Drug Type 1: Depressants Depressants (Downers) are drugs that inhibit the function of the Central Nervous System and are among the most widely used drugs in the world These drugs operate by affecting neurons in the Central Nervous System, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, relaxation, decreased inhibition, anesthesia, sleep, coma, and even death All depressants also have the potential to be addictive Drug Type 1: Depressants‘What do they do? THE EFFECTS OF DEPRESSANTS What do they do? They can: Calm you down Make you relaxed Reduce pain Block bad feelings Depress central nervous system Produce feelings of euphoria, warmth and contentment Reduce self control Solvents SOLVENTS (Glues & Gases) Solvents Information SOLVENGS J 4THE EFFECTS Solvents (volatile substances) are depressants, so they slow down your body's responses. The effects vary from person to person and depend on what has been inhaled Use of volatile substances can have a number of different effects # Users say it's like being drunk with dizziness, dreaminess, fits of the giggles, and that it can be difficult to think straight © People can experience vomiting and blackouts # Depending on the substance, it can leave a red rash around the mouth They can cause mood swings, aggressive behaviour and hallucinations e It can give people a ‘hangover’ afterwards, giving them severe headaches, feelings of depression and leaving them tired SOLVENTS THE RISKS Between 2000 and 2008, volatile solvent abuse killed more 10-15 year olds than all the illegal drugs combined They can kill the first time they are used. Here are the risks # Squirting gas products down the throat is a particularly dangerous way of taking the drug, It can make the throat swell so which affects breathing, it can slow down the heart and potentially cause aheart attack «Long-term abuse of solvents has been shown to damage the brain, muscles, liver and kidneys elt can be hard to get the amount right. Just enough will give the desired high — alittle too much can result in coma Unsteadiness, disorientation and fainting can all contribute to the risk of accidents which are implicated in a number of the deaths Many are flammable and there is a risk of bums and explosions, especially when combined with smoking WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? Typically the young person might look drunk with dizziness, dreaminess and go into fits of the giggles Depending on what they have taken and the frequency, most solvents and especially glues can leave ared rash around the mouth or nose Solvents can cause mood swings, aggressive behaviour and hallucinations Solvents can give users a ‘hangover' afterwards, giving them severe headaches, feelings ofdepression and leaving them tired ALCOHOL ALCOHOL Alcohol Information WHAT DOES IT DO? Although it is legal for those aged 18 and over to buy and drink alcohol, that doesn't mean it's any less powerful than other drugs Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your body's responses in all kinds of ways. Just enough can make you feel sociable, too much and you'll have a hangover the next day, and may not even remember what you got up to, and way too much alcohol in a single session could put you in a coma or even kill you ALCOHOL WHAT ARE THE RISKS? Drinking alcohol involves risks, and the risks are higher if you drink excessively on a single occasion or drink higher amounts regularly over time One drink too many can leave you feeling out of control ~ slurring words, losing balance and ‘vomiting Users are more likely to take part in risky behaviours e.g. unprotected sex, violence etc © Drinking above the lower-risk guidelines for regular drinking persistently over time causes illnesses such as high blood pressure, liver damage, stomach cancer, breast cancer and heartdisease Too much on a single occasion can lead to alcohol poisoning which could lead to a coma or death ALCOHOL WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? For some people, drinking gradually gets out of control and results either in regular binge-drinking, or in higher-risk drinking that puts them at particularly high risk of health harms. Waming signs include © Drinking leads to risky behaviour (sex, violence etc), leading to unwanted pregnancy or police involvement # Drinking or hangovers interfere with work, college, relationships or responsibilities e Increasing tolerance means more alcohol is required Alcohol is addictive and can lead to dependency. Signs of withdrawal include: Sweating, shaking, nausea and retching © High levels of anxiety, and some people can develop hallucinations or fits, or occasionally life-threatening delirious states ALCOHOL A drinkers story Clip 2: Jo's Story JassetLibrary/4B (DED 3B -A42C-9005-8COSESF03BC3B C3B/resources/thurrock edited flv ‘CANNARISWHAT DOES IT DO? Cannabis has a number of different effects. It is classed as a sedating and hallucinogenic dug Some of the effects include: Taking cannabis can make people feel chilled out, relaxed and happy, and they may get the giggles or become very talkative et can make you more aware of your senses, and the hallucinogenic effects can even give you a feeling of time slowing down et can make you feel very hungry — this is sometimes called “getting the munchies’ Some people have one or two drags on a joint and feel light-headed, faint and sick. This is sometimes called a ‘whitey’ # Cannabis may cause feelings of anxiety, suspicion, panic and paranoia CANNABIS CANNABIS WHAT ARE THE RISKS? Cannabis can cause feelings of anxiety, suspicion, panic and paranoia. It can affect the way the brain works. Regular, heavy use makes it difficult to learn and concentrate This is a potentially serious risk if you're young, when the brain is still developing. People who take alot of cannabis can also find they lack motivation A recent review of cannabis research published in the British Medical Journal found those driving under the influence of cannabis had nearly double the risk of a crash. Tobacco and cannabis share some of the same chemical ‘nasties’, so, like smoking tobacco, smoking cannabis can make asthma worse, can cause wheezing in people without asthma and can even lead to lung cancer.CANNABIS WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? ‘When the user has taken cannabis, usually by smoking it in a joint or reefer, they may appear: eTired © Absent and unsually slow © Dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes « Hungry or pretty keen to eat something to bring sugar levels up They may vomit if they have either mixed cannabis with alcohol or had a big hit (usually from a bong). This is called a ‘whitey’ Ibis not unsual for the user to experience problems around ‘paranoia’, if they are long term users and their consumption is increasing or they use stronger varieties of cannabis (in the form of skunk). Cannabis: A Paramedic's Perpective Clip 3: A Paramedic's view JassetLibrary/4B6DFD 3B -A42C-9005-8C0SE5F03B C3BC3B/resources/Paramedic - Cannabis and mental illness flvHeroin Information WHAT DOES IT DO? Heroin gives users a feeling of warmth and well-being, bigger doses can make people sleepy and very relaxed Ib also slows down the way the body works andis avery strong pain-killer. The first dose of heroin can bring about dizziness and vomiting The effects of heroin can last for a number of hours so it is important to be careful using any other drugs or alcohol in that time HEROIN WHAT ARE THE RISKS? © Overdoses can lead to coma and even death — as it can cause respiratory failure Tolerance can fluctuate, Users may have built some tolerance, but if they stop using for just for a few days, the tolerance will rapidly drop ~ and they risk an overdose if they take the previous higher high dose © Mixing with other drugs, including alcohol, an overdose is more likely There's also a risk of death due to inhaling vomit — because heroin both sedates and reduces the coughing reflex © The risks of sharing needles, syringes and other equipment puts the user at risk of serious infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS HEROIN WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? Users may exhibit a number of signs and symptoms. However, not all users will react to the drug in the same way. Signs include: # Behavioral changes « Hyperactivity followed by fatigue # Disorientation «Lying or deceptive behaviour© Slurred speech (when using) e Track marks on arms or legs «Rapid weight loss # Scabs or bruises due to picking at the skin HEROIN Question about depressants ‘What do depressant drugs do to the body and mind? ‘Make you see and hear things Make you feel really alert Interfere with the brain and slow things down Do nothing 5 6 7 8 Depressants (or downers) like Cannabis or Alcohol affect the the way the brain works, impair decision making and coordination Uppers (Stimulants) Drug Type 2: STIMULANTSSTIMULANTS ("Uppers") are drugs that stimulate the Central Nervous System. These substances tend to increase alertness and physical activity They include Amphetamines, Cocaine, Crack and some inhalants like Amyl or Butyl Nitrites Caffeine (present in tea, coffee and many soft drinks) is also a mild stimulant drug Drug Type 2: STIMULANTS ‘What do they do? STIMULANTS: WHAT DO THEY DO? Generally, simulants (like speed or cocaine) produce some of the following effects © A fecling of well being, euphoria Sense of abundant energy e Increased self confidence « Hyperactivity © A suppression of appetite © Heightened awareness ECSTASY Ecstasy InformationECSTASY WHAT DOES IT DO? Ecstasy makes users feel energised, alert and alive — and on its own, it's not a drug that makes people violent. It can also have other effects Ecstasy makes people feel ‘in tune’ with their surroundings, and can make music and colours more intense © Users often have temporary feelings of love and affection for the people they're with and for the strangers around them @ Short-term effects of use can include anxiety, panic attacks, confused episodes, paranoia and even psychosis © Physical side effects can include dilated pupils, a tingling feeling, tightening of the jaw muscles, raised body temperature and the heart beating faster ECSTASY WHAT ARE THE RISKS? # The comedown from Ecstasy can make people feel lethargic and depressed ¢ Using Ecstasy has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems © Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have avery dangerous reaction to the drug «Ecstasy affects the body's temperature control. Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere, like a club, increases the chances of overheating and dehydration. Users should take regular breaks from the dance floor © However, drinking too much can also be dangerous. Ecstasy can cause the body to release a hormone which stops it making urine, Drink too quickly and it affects your body's salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough waterWHAT ARE THE SIGNS? «Ecstasy makes people feel ‘in tune’ with their surroundings, and can make music and colours more intense Users often have temporary feelings of love and affection for the people they're with and for the strangers around them © Short-term effects of use can include anxiety, panic attacks, confused episodes, paranoia and even psychosis # Lots of people feel really chatty on Ecstasy © Physical side effects can include dilated pupils, a tingling feeling, tightening of the jaw muscles, raised body temperature and the heart beating faster Amphetamines AMPHETAMINES (Speed) Amphetamine Information WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? © Speed makes people feel wide awake, excited and chatty © People take it because it gives them the energy to do things for hours without getting tired, things like dancing, talking, and going out et can make people overactive, agitated or even acutely psychotic ©The high is generally followed by along slow comedown, making you feel really irritable and depressed # Speed puts a strain on your heart ~ some users have died from overdoses SPEEDWHAT ARE THE RISKS? Taking ‘speed’ does involve risks, which includes «Depending on how much you've taken, it can be difficult to relax or sleep ©The ‘comedown’, which can last a number of days, can make users feel really lethargic and down, and you can develop difficulty concentrating and with learning # Speed puts a strain on your heart, so it's definitely not advisable for people with high blood pressure or a heart condition — users have died from overdoses, © Mixing speed with anti-depressants or alcohol has been known to kill # Taking a lot of speed, alongside its effects on diet and sleep, can give your immune system a battering — so you could get more colds, flu and sore throats ¢ Speed can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression and paranoia SPEED WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? © Overuse can cause anxiety, panic attacks, irritability and aggressive behaviour, as well as weight loss and illness # Regular use can bring on a state of intense paranoia — feeling terrified of things around you « Depending on how amphetamines are taken, it can damage the nasal lining, gums or stomach et can also make your jaw feel tight, which can make you grind your teeth and chew constantly © Amphetamines can reduce your sexual sensitivity and performance ©The comedown can cause aches and pains, hunger, tiredness, depression and loss of self-esteem SPEED Cocaine InformationWHAT DOES IT DO? Taking cocaine makes users feel on top of the world, wide-awake, confident and on top of their game — but some people are over-confident on it and so may take very careless risks. Its effect is much like speed (amphetamines), but is usually stronger and doesn't last as long. It can also have other effects «Raising the body's temperature Making the heart beat faster «Reducing feelings of hunger © After a big night on cocaine, it's not unusual for people to feel like they've got the flu COCAINE, COCAINE, WHAT ARE THE RISKS? ‘There are many serious risks with taking cocaine, which include # Cocaine users have died from overdoses. High doses can raise the body's temperature, cause convulsions and heart failure, Risk of overdosing increases if cocaine is mixed with other drugs or alcohol © Over time, snorting cocaine will seriously damage the cartilage in your nose that separates the nostrils, and it is not unknown for heavy users to lose their cartilage and end up with just one really big nostril and a mis-shapen nose © Cocaine is highly risky for anybody with high blood pressure or a heart condition, Even perfectly healthy, young people can have ait or heart attack after taking too much Using cocaine alot makes people feel depressed and run down, It can lead to serious problems with anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks # Cocaine can bring previous mental health problems to the surface COCAINE,WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? © A regular cocaine user might suffer from nose bleeds # Occasional use could lead to disrupted sleep patterns, appetite loss, fatigue, restlessness, anxiety and paranoia, This means the user would present with exhaustion and weight loss © During use, cocaine increases adrenaline and this can cause restlessness, extreme paranoia and aggression Question about stimulants ‘What is the main effect of stimulants? Slows you down Makes you want to sit back and relax Makes you see things Makes you alert and full of energy oI Haw Stimulants like cocaine and speed make you feel highly alert, talkative and full of energy Trips (Hallucinogens) Drug Type 3: = HALLUCINOGENSHALLUCINOGENS ("Trips") are a group of drugs that work on the brain to affect the senses and cause hallucinations - seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or touching things that do not exist Hallucinogens are sometimes called psychedelic drugs, trips, magic mushrooms, LSD or acid. Drug Type 3: HALLUCINOGENS ‘What do they do? HALLUCINOGENS: WHAT DO THEY DO? Hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs are drugs that alter a person's perception of reality by distorting their experience of sight, sound, taste and touch. These drugs are either synthetically manufactured or derived from plants. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), PCP (phencyclidine, or ‘angel dust’), ketamine and ‘magic mushrooms’ are all hallucinogenic drugs. Cannabis, ecstasy and other drugs may also have a hallucinogenic effect LsD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) LsD LSD InformationWHAT DOES IT DO? A good trip can make users feel relaxed and happy, with pleasant hallucinations. A bad trip can make you feel agitated and confused, with unpleasant and scary hallucinations © A trip can appear to involve a speeding up and slowing down of time and movements, while colour, sound and objects can get distorted LSD can cause unpleasant, frightening or scary hallucinations and distortions of your senses — and these effects can be unpredictable © Trips can feed off your imagination and may heighten amood you're already in. So if you're ina bad mood, feeling worried or depressed, LSD may just make these feelings worse LsD WHAT ARE THE RISKS? Taking LSD does involve risks, which include: # If you panic or don't feel safe and comfortable with the people you're with and where you're taking LSD, the trip can be confusing and sometimes very scary # Good trips can be pleasant and amusing, but bad trips can be terrifying Flashbacks sometimes happen. This is when part of the ‘trip’ is re-lived after the original experience, Flashbacks usually occur within weeks of taking LSD, but can be experienced months or occasionally even years later People have been known to harm themselves during a bad trip, So people in a bad mood, feeling depressed or worried should avoid taking acid LSD could have serious, longer-term implications for somebody who has a history of mental health problems LsD WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? ©The signs of someone under the influence of hallucinogens can be obvious, with the user reporting vivid, usually visual, "hallucinations" that the user is aware are not real They can also experience distorted perceptions of time, distance, or gravity © Long-term problems around LSD misuse are usually related to poor mental health or whether the drug has prompted a mental health problemLSD has low toxicity and is not physically addictive LsD Magic Mushrooms MAGIC MUSHROOMS @silocybe semilanceata or ‘liberty cap' mushroom) ‘What does it do? WHAT DO THEY DO? Magic mushrooms can give you a good trip, making you feel confident, relaxed and in good spirits ~ or they can give you areally scary bad trip. They can also have other effects ¢ Magic mushrooms can distort colours, sounds and objects © Some people can feel more emotionally sensitive or more creative or feel enlightened © They can also speed up and slow down your sense of time and movement «Sometimes, magic mushrooms can make you feel disoriented, tired or sick and can give you stomach pains or diarrhoea MAGIC MUSHROOMS MAGIC MUSHROOMSWHAT ARE THE RISKS? © There are many different types of mushroom in the UK and some, like the fly agaric, are so poisonous that they can kill you. That means the biggest danger to your health when taking magic mushrooms is eating a poisonous mushroom by mistake © They could give you a bad trip. These are seriously frightening and unsettling © Your perception of your body and the world around you can be distorted, which means you may be at risk because you're not in complete control of what you're doing MAGIC MUSHROOMS WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? The signs of someone under the influence is obvious, with the user reporting vivid, usually visual, "hallucinations" that the user is aware are not real and distorted perceptions of time distance or gravity #Longterm problems around Magic Mushrooms misuse are usually related to poor mental health or whether the drug has prompted a mental health problem Magic Mushrooms are not phyisically addictive Question about hallucinogens IE you were to take LSD or Magic Mushrooms, what would it be like? Itwould be a few glasses of wine, relaxing Iwould feel really energised and in the mood for clubbing It would alter the way I see or imagine things It wouldn't do anything at all 5 6 7 8 LSD and Magic Mushrooms are hallucinogenic drugs. It would alter what you see and hear. Taking these together would be a challenging experience (see Hunter $ Thompson for more details)LEGAL HIGHS ‘You might have heard about Legal Highs from colleagues, young people and the press This small section gives you a brief introduction to Legal Highs, but as this industry produces so many substances which are then classified as illegal it is difficult to keep this section updated Itis worth checking out the Talk to Frank’ website for the latest on Legal Highs, their effects, and the risks ‘The main thing to know is that just because they are legal, it does not mean they are safe WHAT ARE LEGAL HIGHS? “Legal Highs’ are substances which produce the same, or similar effects, to drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, but are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are however, considered illegal under current medicines legislation to sell, supply or advertise for “human consumption”. To get round this sellers refer to them as research chemicals, plant food, bath crystals or pond cleaner. ‘An example of this is mephedrone. The substance was created in alab to mimic the effects of cocaine or ecstasy, but it had a slightly different chemical structure to both of these drugs so that it would not fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Subsequently the government passed legislation so that mephedrone became a controlled substance meaning it's now illegal to possess, give away or sell There are certain key facts common to all Legal Highs + Just because a drug is legal to possess, it doesn't mean it's safe + It is becoming increasingly clear that Legal Highs are far from harmless and can have similar health risks to drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and speed + Risks of ‘legal highs' can include reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states,coma, seizures, and death + These risks are increased if used with alcohol or other drugs +ltis likely that drugs sold as a Legal High may actually contain one or more substances that are actually illegal to posses. What you may think is a legal high that you can't get in trouble for having, could be something completely different, and in fact a Class B drug Match the Drugs ss EXERCISE 2: Match the drugs with their effects! Drugs The Effects Model answer Your answer Cannabis, Cocaine LsD Alcohol Solvents Ecstasy Glazed eyes, slowed reactions, giggly and likes some jelly tots Talkative, loud and maybe aggressive Seeing and hearing things which may or may not be there Slowed reactions, slurring words and might want another for the road Rash around the nose or mouth, seemingly drunk or ‘stoned’ then sober quickly Alert with lots of energy. A disco biscuitguareemecmcs | 4 is a SECTION3: RE.C.O.VER In this final section, we will show you an easy to remember process to help a young person, should they tell you about their drug or alochol use The RE.C.O.VER process will help you identify a young person at risk, engage them and then get them the support they might need REACT REACT eI you think someone may have a drug and/or alcohol problem and this is manifested in social, psychological and health problems, then you may be in the best position to help # Approaching someone experiencing problems around drugs and/or alcohol is challenging and requires sensitivity © Before speaking to the person, reflect on their situation, organise your thoughts and decide what ‘you want to say «Be aware that the person may react negatively when approached, They may not consider their drug and/or alcohol use a problem © Be prepared to be rejected and do not challenge the person, ‘leave the door open’ENGAGE Listen and give them space to talk # Engage the person in discussing how they are feeling # Listen to the person without judging them as weak or deficient in anyway @ These problems are not due to weakness or laziness - the person is trying to cope Don't be critical of them and be too directive © Don't express your frustration at the person for having such symptoms «Don't give glib advice such as ‘pull yourself together’ or ‘cheer up! Communicate COMMUNICATE # Stay calm and reasonable © Ask the person about their drug/alcohol use rather than make assumptions about their use © When the person finishes talking, repeat back what you have heard them say and allow them to clarify any misunderstandings Focus the conversation on the person's behaviour rather than their character Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements (e.g, “I feel worried/angry/frustrated when you instead of “You make me feel worried/angry/frustrated...") © Stick to the point (Le. focus on the person's drug/alcohol use) and do not get drawn into arguments or discussions about other issues Do not criticise the person's drug/alcohol use © Do not call the person an “addict” or use other negative labels Offer AdviceOFFER ADVICE © General advice and information on drugs/alcohol # Provision of drug/alcohol literature Names and contact details of local specialist services © National contact numbers that specialise in substance misuse + Use your local Screening Tool Verify what you have heard © Ibis useful to take notes when talking to someone about their drug and/or alcohol problem (with their permission). Also, you can use the Local Screening Tool to verify the information you have heard © Once the person has finished discussing their position, it is very productive to review and verify what has been said, This will help to work out the next step in collaboration It is important that the person feels listened to, is positively regarded and is involved in the decision making process . Encourage self helpEncourage self help strategies, like o Keep alog or diary of drug and/or alcohol use, to identify if you might be increasing use Reduce drug and/or alcohol use # Body Holiday (give yourself time off drugs or alcohol) @ Socialise with people who don't use drugs or safely use alcohol # Don't use drugs and/or alcohol when you are feeling upset, angry or depressed # Avoid high risk situations to use drugs and/or alcohol use Reinforce positives, reassure and refer Reinforce the positives, reassure and refer © Once you have taken the first 6 steps, it is important that you reinforce the positives in the persons life, reassure and (where appropriate) refer into treatment, e Ibis advisable to consult with services prior to referral to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate Remember, the person may only require Harm Reduction or someone to talk too R.E.C.O.V.E.R Recap a R.E.C.0.V.ER‘We know you have taken alot on board over the past hour, so just to recap React Engage Communicate Offer advice Verify what you've heard Encourage self help Reassure and refer A mothers perspective Clip 4: A Mother's story JassetLibrary/4B (DED 3B -A42C-9005-8C0SESF03BC3BC3B/resources/Tanet flv ‘What do you think? ms ‘Which behaviour is absolute proof of drug use? Displaying paranoia Being moody Ontburts of anger Changes in personality Secretiveness ‘UncommunicativeBeing isrational None of the above Unfortunately, there are quite a few ‘signs’ of general teenage behaviour which could be seen as ‘signs’ of drug use. It's important that you use your intuition and communication skills to find out if someone has a problem or not - they may need your help Communication Tips COMMUNICATION TIPS We know you are highly skilled communicators but these tips will help you talk to young people experiencing problems around drugs and/or alcohol Stay calm and reasonable ‘Ask the person about their drug/alcohol use rather than make assumptions about their use When the person finishes talking, repeat back what you have heard them say and allow them to clarify any misunderstandings Focus the conversation on the person's behaviour rather than their character Stick to the point (ie. focus on the person's drug/alcohol use) and do not get drawn into arguments or discussions about other issues Do not criticise the person's drug/aclohol use Do not call the person an “addict” or use other negative labels Managing Difficult SituationsMANAGING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS ‘What if the person is resistant or unwilling to change? If the person does not want to reduce or stop their drug and/or alcohol use you cannot make them change. It is important that you maintain a good relationship with the person as you may eventually be able to have a beneficial effect on their use. Let the person know you are available to talkin the future. If the person is unwilling to change Don't use negative or manipulative approaches Don't try to control them Don't use drugs andlor alcohol with them Don't cover up or make excuses for them Don't deny their basic needs Such as lecturing or making them feel guilty, as these are unlikely to promote change and encourage conflict By bribing, nagging, threatening or crying This may encourage use and undermine the seriousness of the situation Colluding in their situation could get you into trouble and prevent them getting help Like food and shelter. This may result in further problems to the young person and reduce the likelihood of getting help or keeping safe A view from the Police 4 Clip 5: A Police Officer's view JassetLibrary/4B6DED 3B -A42C-9005-8C0SE5F03B C3BC3B/resources/Police lady - Medium flv ‘What would you do?{i an hi) mad Case Study 1: WHAT WOULD YOU DO? You have been concemed about Steve (aged 15) for a while, they seem to have changed quite a bit They used to be chatty, approachable and took care of themselves. Recently, you have noticed this change. They are not really communicating anymore and you have been told they are not sleeping and are easily frightened. Over to you, what do you do? Do nothing, teenagers are moody and like that anyway Confront them to find out what is wrong, with all the evidence you've gained from others Refer them to a service, who may be able to help without telling them Let them know you're worried about them and that they can talk to you anytime ‘Use your intuition, if you think something is wrong then you are probably right Confrontation could lead to problems, especially if they are paranoid or anxious Assuming you know what they need would undermine the trust you have between you. It's easier to just ask the young person It's important to open the door the young person, that they can approach you and tell you what's happening Case Study 2: WHAT DO YOU DO? Sonia (aged 14) has been through some difficult times over the past year. Over the past 6 months, there seems to be plenty happening. What do you do about the signs you have noticed? THE SIGNS YOU HAVE NOTICED WHAT DO THESE SIGNS MEAN? Model answer ‘Your answer Extreme change in behaviour, she used to be positive and upbeat, Now, this change in character is concerning Bloodshot eyes, heavy cough and sleepy ‘Mood swings, easily annoyed and uncommunicative Seek advice from colleagues or make contact with EYPDAS for advice [details coming up in a minute]Talk to her about your concems for their health, She could be going through a tough time, which may have nothing to do with drugs. Have a chat. WHAT DO THESE CASE STUDIES TEACH US? Both of these case studies, while relatively simple, in real life are not so easy to solve. If you think there is something wrong with the young person, you are probably right However, they may or may not be involved with drugs or alcohol. By having a good relationship with them, increases the likelihood they will ask you for support. It is crucial you are prepared, understand what drugs are and what they do, then help them to help themselves Remember, there are experts in your local area who can help Next steps WHERE TO GET HELP You will probably have some more questions or need some expert advice, please find below useful links and contact numbers to find out more Ineed some expert advice Ive spoken with a young person and they want help Isuspect a young person I know is using but I need more information just want to ask a question Call CHOICES, they can give you specialist advice, Their contact number is 08444 991 323 It's probably a good idea to have a chat with someone at CHOICES, here's the number 08444 991 323. Also, they can send you a referral form It's probably a good idea to have a look at the www talktofrank com and find out a bit more about drugs and the effects Why not text CHOICES on 80800, they can call you back Message from MitchelClip 6: Mitchel's message to young people JassetLibrary/4B (DED 3B -A42C-9005-8COSESF03B C3B C3B/resources/Message from Mitchel flv More information ewww. talktofrank.com ewww.erowid.org http://www.urban75.com. http://www.thesite.org http://www .eypdas.org.uk http://www drinksm arter.or: http://www drinksmarter.org/handy-tools CLICK HERE to give your feedback, get a pdf of the handouts and get sent a certificate for successfully completing Talk Turkey Professional WELL DONE! http://www. surveymonkey.com/s/7KRNP6G MORE STUFF Your leaming doesn't have to stop here. If this has made you want to know more about drugs and alcohol, why not try some of these websites