Information » Health » Substance Misuse
There are many reasons why people use substances. Some experiment while others use them as a way of coping with difficulties. However, the substances themselves often become the difficulty whereas the original problem could have been solved or become easier over time.
Legal substances such as alcohol or tobacco, or illegal ones such as cannabis, ecstasy or cocaine can seriously affect your life, causing long-term damage or even death. When it gets out of control, the substance usually begins to control the user. The more of a substance a person uses, the more tolerance they build up so they need more to get the same effect. Aside from the cost, every area of a person's life can be affected, from health through to relationships, school or work.
Some illegal substances can have a serious impact on your mental health. Some can be physically addictive, while others cause a psychological addiction with the user thinking that they need to use the substance to feel okay. Sometimes this is why people might not want to stop using substances or find that it is much harder to stop than they thought.
The following pages and linked sites will give you detailed information about a range of substances, detailing their effects and whether they are legal or illegal. Use the information to find out as much as you can to make your own decisions and never feel that you have to do something to fit in with a crowd.
Organisations
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Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Dan - the all Wales drug and alcohol helpline Tel . 0800 6335588
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the site
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www.teenagehealthfreak.com
suitable for 14 to 16 year olds, go to the section on drugs and alcohol to get information and advice.
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www.talktofrank.com
with information on: Drugs: a full and detailed A to Z listing Where to get help: free phone helpline 0800 776600 open 24 hours Email help address frank@talktofrank.com For the hearing impaired there is a text number 0800 917 8765 Local help Free information leaflets
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Need To Know
provides information for 14 to 16 year olds, go to the section on drugs to get information and advice. There is also information specifically for your parents and teachers.
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release
suitable for 16 to 25 year olds it has information and advice with a telephone help line 0845 450 0215 (open 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, Monday-Friday).
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wired in
offers practical advice for substance misusers and their families.
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BBC The Surgery
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Meic
Information, advice and support for your life. Free. Confidential. For you.
