A charity is shining a spotlight on the issue of alcohol and drug use amongst young people and/or when they are affected by others at home.
The Alcohol and Drug Service is training those who work with young people to spot the signs and know how to offer help and support when a problem presents.
As alcohol and drug usage has increased for so many during the COVID-19 pandemic, more children and young people have concerns about parents at home.
Laura Jarvis provides training through Generis which is part of The Alcohol and Drug Service. She explains:
“Children and young people can be greatly affected when family members use drugs and/or alcohol. Feeling helpless and isolated when a person they care about is behaving in such a way. This can lead to anger and frustration which manifests itself in different ways, behaviour can become disruptive at best and destructive at worst.
“Schools are in a good position to notice changes in behaviour which could be a sign that students are using themselves, or that something is happening at home. Living in a household like this can mean missing out on mealtimes, lack of basic routine and irregular bedtimes also create a variety of issues.
“Older children have been found to suffer from obsessive disorders and excessive self-consciousness, as they worry that they are different from other people. They can also have problems with school, as home life makes it difficult to study and make friends.
“The people working in schools; teachers and pastoral staff, as well as social clubs and even other parents, can undertake our nationally accredited training courses to help spot the signs and know how to approach a young person who is thought to be using alcohol and/or drugs, or when they appear to be affected by another person who is close to them.”
The Generis Level 2 qualification in Drug and Alcohol Awareness explains the different types of substances, the risks, the effects and how to identify and provide support when a problem is highlighted.
Laura adds: “Training courses run by Generis will equip learners with competence and confidence to discuss alcohol and drug use, and advise young people on ways to reduce and stop their own use as well as supporting them where they have concerns about others.
“These sessions also provide assurance that staff are keeping up to date with this ever prevalent issue. Learnings can cascade to other staff within the school or college to support even more young people.”
ADS / Generis, 82 Spring Bank, Hull, HU3 1AB – ads-uk.org
Generis – https://ads-uk.org/generis/
Aspire Drug & Alcohol Services, Doncaster – ads-uk.org/services/doncaster-drug-alcohol-services
The East Riding Partnership, Beverley, Bridlington and Goole – ads-uk.org/services/bbbbb
The Juice Bar – ads-uk.org/services/the-juice-bar (IPEDs – Image & Performance Enhancing Drugs)
Generis courses cover:
- A range of different substances, why people use, the effects and risks
- Ways substances affect individuals physically and psychologically
- How to approach a conversation and discuss drug or alcohol use
- How drugs and alcohol are impacting the wider society
Courses are delivered via an online platform with access to taught content and tutor support. Individuals can also complete the qualification at a time to suit them and at their own pace.