Drug use

Drug use

Drug use can affect your physical and mental health, your family life, relationships and your work or study.

About drug use

Drug use can affect your physical and mental health, your family life, relationships and your work or study. Using illegal drugs can also get you into trouble with the law or cause money problems.

Drugs can be broadly divided into three categories based on their main effects.

Drugs may act solely as

  • stimulants (which make you feel alert and like you have lots of energy and confidence
  • depressants (make you feel relaxed and chilled out)
  • hallucinogens (make you view reality in a distorted way)

Quite a few drugs have mixed effects, they carry risks, and you never know how you’ll react to a drug.

Having a problem with drugs can be seriously damaging on your health and on the health and development of your family.

Easy read drugs guide

GOV.UK Drugs easy read guidance (PDF)

More information, advice and local support

There is lots of information, advice and support available for anyone who has a problem with drugs use:

  • speak to your GP if you are concerned about your own use of drugs
  • visit NHS Choices - Drug addiction: getting help
  • visit Talk to Frank
  • if you are a young person concerned about your own use of drugs, or your parent's use of drugs, you can talk to Childline free: 0800 1111
  • if you have concerns around a child or young person and feel they may be in need of protection or safeguarding, contact the Family Front Door
  • if you have reason to believe that a child, young person or yourself, is at immediate risk of harm contact the Police on 999

Drugs and pregnancy

Taking drugs (including tobacco and alcohol) when you're pregnant, even in small quantities, can put your baby's health at serious risk. There are no illegal drugs that have been found to be safe in pregnancy, even in small amounts.

The best thing you can do for you and your baby is to avoid any taking any illegal drugs. Using illegal or street drugs can also reduce your ability to get pregnant.

For more information, visit:

Local support

Cranstoun Worcestershire

If you’re over 18 and want to change your alcohol and/or drug use, or are worried about someone else, we can help.

Contact Cranstoun Worcestershire for free and confidential support:

Cranstoun is commissioned by Public Health to provide the adult and young person’s alcohol and drugs treatment service in Worcestershire.

Here4YOUth Worcestershire

Here4YOUth Worcestershire is a young person’s alcohol and drug service for anyone up to the age of 18 living in Worcestershire. We also offer advice and support for children, young people and family members to cope with someone else’s drug or alcohol misuse as part of the Here4YOUth Worcestershire Family Support Service.

Contact Here4YOUth Worcestershire for free and confidential support:

Find local services on a map

Use our interactive map to find your local services.

Useful links

For honest information about drugs and drug use Talk to Frank

Related

Cost of living support

Many Worcestershire residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it is important to know what help and support is available to you.

Household Support Fund

Support is available for those households who are struggling with the cost of living.

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