There are many reasons why someone might choose to take drugs or alcohol. This may include;
- For recreation purposes;
- To celebrate a special occasion
- To help cope with their problems by blocking out their thoughts and feelings. This is only ever short-term and the effects of alcohol and other drugs can make feelings and emotions worse.
It is important to know that help and support is available for you if you are using drugs or alcohol and would like support. If you are a loved one impacted by someone else’s substance use (drugs and/or alcohol) family support is available for you.
Find reliable information on drugs and alcohol, including risks, safer choices, and where to get help. For trusted advice, local services, and confidential support in Northern Ireland, visit:
Access Youth Engagement Services available throughout Northern Ireland:
Youth engagement services
The Public Health Agency has funded Youth Engagement Service across Northern Ireland to cater for the health improvement needs of children and young people aged 11-25 years old.
This follows the piloting of a number of models across Northern Ireland.
What is Youth Engagement Service?
Youth Engagement Service provides a youth friendly, holistic health and well-being service. These services are hubs where young people have opportunities to socialise in an alcohol and drug-free environment. Young people can also get advice and support on a range of issues from relevant services both on-site and off-site with the support of staff of the Youth Engagement Service.
There are currently eight Youth Engagement Services across Northern Ireland:
Ballymena
N-GAGE, Start 360, 2-6 Wellington Street, BT43 6AE
028 25689356
Email: ngage@start360.org
Facebook: ngageballymena
http://start360.org/
Banbridge
Futureproof Inc Ltd, Youth Engagement Service, 15a Commercial Road, Banbridge BT32 3ES
028 40624511
Email: craigreact@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Loft-Banbridge/380819195396083?sk=info&ref=page_internal
Bangor
Extern/North Down YMCA, 10-12 High Street, Bangor, BT20 5AY
028 9145 4290
http://www.extern.org/
Belfast
Extern, 5-7 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6EA
028 9032 5786
www.extern.org/
Carrickfergus
The Health Hub, Carrick YMCA, 30-34 Irish Quarter West,
028 93355890
www.carrickymca.org/health_hub.html
Derry/Londonderry
North West Youth Services, 12-14 The Diamond, City Centre BT48 6HW
02871 291704
www.nwys.ie
Enniskillen
The Find Centre, 27 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen BT74 7BW
028 66325559
www.thefindcentre.com/
Newry
Youth Advice, Support and Information Point (YASIP), The Magnet Young Adult Centre,
81A Hill St, Newry
028 30252214
www.facebook.com/yasip.magnetoss
Access One Stop Shops evaluation here: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/one-stop-shop-evaluations
Drugs and alcohol resources
You, your child and alcohol is a booklet that offers parents advice and guidance on how to discuss alcohol with their child and encourages them to think about how their relationship with alcohol can influence their children.
This leaflet incorporates the current advice on low risk drinking from the four UK Chief Medical Officers.
This leaflet provides information on the risks of taking two or more drugs at the same time. This can include alcohol, over-the-counter medication or prescription drugs, and illegal or illicit drugs.
This leaflet provides advice and guidance for parents on how to approach the issue of illegal drugs with their children.
This leaflet provides information and guidance for parents who want to talk about vaping with their child.
This factsheet explains what vaping is and outlines the law which regulates the contents and sale of vapes. It considers the reasons why young people vape and why parents should be concerned.
This leaflet outlines the risks associated with vapes containing synthetic cannabinoids.
f you're concerned about your own or someone else's drinking, speak to your GP, who may refer you to a specialist agency.
There are a range of services available across Northern Ireland that provide advice and support.