People drink or use drugs for all sorts of reasons. Here you will find the facts about alcohol and drugs, how they can affect your mental health, and where to go if you ever need support.
What to do if you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol
If you’re worried about your use, you don’t have to handle it alone. Talk to someone you trust – like a friend, family member, teacher, or counsellor.
If it’s affecting your daily life, speak to your GP. It might feel scary, but they won’t judge you – and it’s the first step to getting help.
Quitting can feel impossible, but with the right support, you can build a happier, healthier life without drugs or alcohol. Learn how to speak to your GP.
What actually is a drug?
A drug is any substance – like a pill, liquid, or powder – that changes the way you think, feel, or behave. Alcohol counts as a drug too.
Some drugs are legal, like painkillers you get from the doctor or buy in a shop. But when people talk about “drugs,” they usually mean illegal ones, or drugs people take to get a buzz rather than for medical reasons. These are sometimes called “recreational drugs.”
Why do people drink or take drugs?
There are lots of reasons why someone might drink or take drugs.
It could be to fit in, deal with peer pressure, or just curiosity. Some people like the confidence it gives them, or use it as a way to escape tough thoughts or feelings.
Whatever the reason, using alcohol or drugs doesn’t make you a bad person. But there are laws around them, and they can have a negative impact on your body and mind. That’s why it’s important to know the facts and understand the risks.
When you’re on drugs, there’s always a risk. They affect everyone differently, and it’s hard to know exactly what you’re taking and where it’s come from.
What are the laws around drugs and alcohol?
Recreational drugs (drugs that people take for non-medical purposes) fit into three main groups:
You can legally buy alcohol, cigarettes, or vapes once you’re 18.If you’re 16 or 17, you’re not allowed to buy alcohol yourself – but you can drink beer, wine, or cider with a meal if you’re out with an adult.
These are against the law to have, use or give to other people.
Some drugs are used as medicines and can only be given to you with a doctor’s prescription. It’s against the law to have or use them if they weren’t prescribed for you. It’s also illegal to give or sell them to someone else.If your doctor prescribes you a controlled drug, they’ll let you know.
Taking illegal drugs can give you a criminal record. This is serious – it can affect your future, including getting certain jobs, training, or even travelling abroad.
If you’re under 18, it’s against the law to buy (or even try to buy) alcohol. It’s also illegal to drink in places like pubs, bars, restaurants, or clubs without an adult. Breaking these laws can have long-term consequences
Will I get in trouble if tell someone I have had drugs or alcohol under age?
What you tell a doctor or healthcare professional is private. They’ll only share it if you’re in serious danger, and they’ll try to talk to you first.
If you’re under 16 and at risk of abuse or harm, they have to act to keep you safe.
But if you admit to drinking underage or using drugs, they won’t call the police. Doctors are there to help you, not get you in trouble.
How can drugs and alcohol affect my mental health?
Drugs and alcohol can affect your mental health in lots of different ways. It depends on things like what you’ve taken, how much, how often, how you’re feeling at the time, and even where you are when you take it.
Short term- Alcohol and drugs can make you feel different in the moment – maybe more confident, relaxed, or chatty. But they can also leave you feeling anxious, paranoid, or low, even after the effects wear off.
Some people use them to cope with stress or anxiety, but relying on them can make mental health worse in the long run and affect your physical health too.
If anxiety is tough for you, it’s better to get support and find healthier ways to cope. Check out the NHS website for more information.
Long term- Using drugs or alcohol for a long time can make mental health problems worse, or even cause new ones. For example, regular cannabis use has been linked to psychosis.
If drugs start taking over your life – like you’re hiding it, or it’s all you think about – that could be addiction. Addiction often makes mental health struggles harder too.
How to tell if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol
Dealing with peer pressure
Sometimes it feels like you have to go along with what others are doing – that’s called peer pressure. It can make you feel awkward, scared, or worried about being left out.
But when it comes to drugs and alcohol, the choice is always yours. Saying no isn’t always easy, but real friends won’t push you into something you don’t want to do.
Check out Frank’s tips on handling peer pressure and Childline’s guide on being assertive – they can help if you’re not sure how to say no. You can also read more about this, how to be more assertive and real stories on the young minds website.
See what support is available to you
There are many places you can go for support, they want to hear from you and they want to help you.
Our website is a great place to start. You can also take a look at the following-
- Frank provides honest information about drugs and alcohol.
- Young minds has lots of information to help you understand and get support around drugs and alcohol.
- Drink Aware Provide support, information and advice about the impact of alcohol on you, your family or friends.
- We are with you offers free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.
- Alateen offers support for young people who have relatives and friends that are alcoholics. Alateen is part of Al-anon who provide support for those who have been affected by alcohol.
- Alcoholics anonymous offers local support groups for people to share their experiences and solve their problem of alcoholism.
- Narcotics anonymous provides information for anyone who needs support and advice about drug addiction.
For more information about alcohol support, symptoms of physical dependence and withdrawal, you can visit the NHS website.
For more information about drug addiction and the kind of support on offer, you can visit the NHS website.
It can feel difficult to support someone who is struggling with recreational drug or alcohol use. It might make you feel worried, frustrated or lonely. But there are things you can do to help. Mind UK’s website has lot’s of really great information to help you along the way.
Adfam is another great resource that can help you with their wide ranging library of advice booklets, reports and current research.
It is also really important that you look after your self. By doing this, you might also find it easier to offer support to others.
- Talk to someone you trust.
Sharing how you feel with a friend, family member, or counsellor can really help. - Join a support group.
These can be in person, online, or by phone. - Look after yourself.
Self-care could mean relaxing, being creative, spending time in nature, improving sleep, or focusing on your health. - If you care for someone with both mental health and drug or alcohol problems, you may be able to get extra help through a carer’s assessment.
