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While it’s common for young people to want to try new things, using drugs can affect their lives long term. As such, it’s important to have open, honest and on-going conversations about the risks and consequences of using drugs.
It’s normal for young people to want to experiment, try new things, and push the boundaries. Unfortunately, using drugs – especially at a young age – can seriously affect people's lives. Young people’s brains are still developing, so they are at risk of accidents and injuries, becoming addicted, and having problems with learning and memory.
If young people know about the negative effects of using drugs, and have positive relationships at school and with friends and family, they are less likely to try them. It’s important to have open, honest, and on-going conversations about the risks and consequences of using drugs. Sharing the right information will help young people to make good choices.
If a young person is using drugs, you might notice:
Talking openly about drug use will mean young people get the right information and can make safe choices.
If a young person you know is using drugs, ask them about it.
Confidential Helpline: 0800 787 797 or free text adh to 234
The Alcohol and Drug Helpline offers confidential information, insight and support on any problem, issue or query people have about their own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking.
WellTrust aims to help young people reach their full potential as contributing members of the community, free from the negative effects of alcohol and drug use, by providing quality drug education and intervention services.
PotHelp is a drug information and online support resource for people who are concerned about how pot use is affecting their lives.
Altered high youth service works in the wider Auckland region to help young people with concerns about their own, or someone else’s, alcohol or drug use. They provide interventions to reduce the harm from alcohol or drug use and help young people stop using alcohol and/or drugs.
The Buzzed website shares stories about the impacts of alcohol and other drugs, to help people start talking about making positive changes.
The Drug Foundation provides factual knowledge and education about drugs to reduce risks to the individual and the community.
Confidential Helpline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Youthline provides free phone, text, and email counselling support. Its website has great information for youth dealing with challenging situations including information on drug use.
A collection of personal stories about being affected by someone else’s problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, from Matua Raḵi.