HealthInfo Canterbury
Drug information for teens & young adults
Drugs are any substances that, when taken (either by inhaling, swallowing or injecting) enter your bloodstream and change the way your body works. Some drugs are legal such as alcohol and tobacco. Others are illegal such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin. Medical cannabis is legal but only if a doctor prescribed it for you to use. Taking prescription medicines not prescribed for you is also illegal.
Drugs work on the brain and affect your ability to make safe decisions.
Any drug can be harmful. They can have short term harmful effects as well as cause long term problems especially to young people whose brains are still developing.
Even though some drugs are illegal, some people still choose to take drugs. Knowing the facts about drugs and how they might affect you can help you to make better decisions about whether to use them. It can also help to reduce any harm drugs cause you. Read more about commonly abused drugs, including their side effects and risks, and ways to be safer.
Problems with drugs
If you're worried that you might have a problem with drugs, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor has to keep all information about your medical care confidential, and is a good person to see because they know you best. But if you'd prefer to see another doctor, you can see a doctor for free at 298 Youth Health, phone (03) 943‑9298.
You can also contact the Community Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS). CYMHS is free for youths aged 13 to 18 who may have mental health or alcohol and drug issues. The service provides short-term intervention, which includes assessment, treatment and support. It also coordinates and supports youth and their families or referrer to get longer term treatment if needed. Young people can refer themselves to the service. A GP, counsellor, teacher or parent can also refer you. This can be by phone on (03) 358‑2690 or using the online referral form. CYMHS can also provide information about other services and treatment available in the community.
Phone and helplines
It may be easier to talk to someone anonymously first, or if you're worried that someone else may has a drug problem. Try one of these helplines for advice and support:
Youthline
Youthline is an organisation that works with young people and provides a number of services.
Freephone 0800‑376-633 (any time) or free txt 234 to speak to a counsellor.
You can also chat online using the webchat between 10 am and 10 pm, 7 days a week.
Email any time. Counsellors aim to respond to emails within 24 hours.
Alcohol Drug Youth Helpline
The Youth Helpline has dedicated people experienced in working through issues with young people. They offer free, confidential support and guidance.
Freephone 0800‑787‑YTH (0800‑787‑984), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Free TXT 8681 and a counsellor will txt you back for a confidential conversation
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Alcohol Drug Helpline
You'll find an A-Z of information on alcohol and other drugs, specific support for young people, stories, FAQs and more. There are also sections all about cannabis and party pills, what they do, and what the risks are.
- Ask Aunty Dee
Aunty Dee can help you solve problems with issues like bullying, depression, drinking, grief and sex. The website is designed for young Pasifika people, but it can help all young people.
- HealthEd
- Cannabis and your health
Information about the possible effects of cannabis on health, including when cannabis is used with other drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.Youthline - Alcohol
- Dance party goers – what U should know
Information on keeping safe and healthy at dance parties. Includes advice on drugs, heat stroke, alcohol and safe sex.
- Cannabis and your health
- Ministry of Health – Psychoactive substances regulation
In 2014 the law on synthetic drugs changed. You can read more about the law change here.
- The Level
Information about drugs, including how to be safer when using drugs, how to make changes to your drug habits and advice about where to go for help.
- Youthhealthtalk.org – Drugs and alcohol
Video interviews with young people about their experiences and opinions of drugs and alcohol. This is a British site, so some of the services they talk about might not be available in New Zealand.
- Youthline
This section has articles about drugs such as synthetic cannabis, meth and ecstasy, as well as alcohol. There's also a phone line – 0800‑376‑633.
On the next page: Drug information for parents and caregivers
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021.
Sources
Review key: HIDYT-53199
