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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

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021.

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