HealthInfo Canterbury
Drug use in youth
Any drug can hurt you, even cannabis. So can legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco.
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.
Psychoactive drugs are drugs that affect your mind – like party pills and synthetic cannabis, and some prescription medicines. Synthetic psychoactive drugs are drugs that are made in laboratories. They are then put into or onto, a carrier (like paper, dried plant leaf or into a pill).
In 2014 the law on synthetic drugs changed. You can read more about the law change here.
Sometimes it helps to find out what experiences other young people have had with drugs, and the decisions they've made. You might like to watch some of the videos on Youthhealthtalk.org to find out about other people's experiences.
If you're worried that you might have a problem with drugs, it could be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Your usual doctor has to keep all information about your medical care private, 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.
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 them. This can be by phone or using the online referral form. CYMHS can also provide information about other services and treatment available in the community.
Coming off drugs
If you have been using any drugs regularly and then stop, you may have withdrawal symptoms. This leaflet gives advice about what withdrawal symptoms you can expect, and where you can get help.
Phone and helplines
It may be easier to talk to someone anonymously first, or you may be worried that someone else may has a drug problem. Try one of these helplines for advice and support:
Youthline
Freephone 0800‑376-633 (any time) or free txt 234 to speak to a counsellor.
Email talk@youthline.co.nz any time. Counsellors aim to respond to emails within 24 hours, so if you need help immediately it's better to phone, txt, or use the online chat.
Alcohol Drug Youth Helpline
Freephone: 0800‑787‑YTH (0800‑787‑984), 10 am to 10 pm, any day
Free TXT: send ADH to 8681 and a counsellor will txt you back.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Pot Help
This site is all about cannabis, and giving it up. It has video interviews with people who have quit, or with partners of users, a test to check what your pot use means for you, support for cutting down or giving up, an online treatment programme, and advice about where to go for help.
- Youthline.co.nz – Drugs and alcohol
This section has articles about drugs such as synthetic cannabis, meth and ecstasy, as well as alcohol. There's also an 0800 phone line.
- 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 Pacific people, but it can help all young people.
On the next page: Drug information for parents and caregivers
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2017. Last updated October 2018.
Sources
Review key: HIDYT-53199
