HealthInfo Canterbury
Drug information for parents & caregivers
Young people are curious about new things – and that includes drugs.
Some drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco, are legal while others, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, are illegal. Drugs can cause both short-term and long-term problems especially to young people whose brains are still developing. Read more about commonly abused drugs including their side effects, risks and ways to be safer.
Most young people will come into contact with drugs at some point and will have to make a decision about using them. Although most will decide against taking drugs it's important as parents and caregivers to support the young person and help them make safe decisions.
Talking to them is the key to preventing problems. Read more for some tips about how to have a conversation with your teenager about drugs.
If you are worried a young person might be taking drugs, or know they are and don't know what to do about it, the websites below offer information and advice to help you.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Alcohol Drug Helpline – Concerned others
Here you'll find advice and support about what you can do, and how to look after yourself if someone else's drug taking is affecting you. There's also an A-Z on alcohol and other drugs, a free phone helpline, culturally specific resources and a local treatment service directory.
- The Level – Supporting someone else?
Information for family and friends concerned about someone's drug taking. It includes advice on how to care for yourself, sorting out if there is a problem, helping the person with the problem, and dealing with challenging behaviour. It includes video interviews with people who have used drugs, plus their friends and family.
- Family Lives
This UK website helps parents understand the facts about drugs, along with providing tips on how to talk to your teenager about drugs.
- NZ Drug Foundation
Website offering tools and advice for people who use drugs, their whānau/family and people who care about them.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021.
SourcesReview key: HIDYT-53199
