Help Drugs and alcohol under 17
Do you do stupid things when you have had a drink?
Do you struggle to stop drinking once you have started?
Did you start using drugs with friends for a laugh and it’s now happening really often?
Then you may need some support to manage your drug and/or alcohol use.
Forward Leeds are a drug and alcohol support service for Leeds and the surrounding area. They offer one to one support for young people who may want to learn more about drugs and alcohol or feel they would benefit from some support to cut down or stop their drug or alcohol use.
How to use more safely
Top tips for staying safe
If you are planning to drink or use drugs try to stay safe.
Start low and go slow
Pace yourself when drinking alcohol to minimise the risk of overdose. Take a small amount of something first to see how it makes you feel.
Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol
Mixing drugs and alcohol can have unpredictable side effects and put additional strain on your organs.
Know what you are taking
Make sure you know the dose and possible side effects of drugs before taking them.
Make sure someone is there to look out for you
If you are using alone, tell someone where you are and what you are doing, or make sure you have a friend who isn’t drinking or using drugs if you are using in a group. It will mean someone can help if it goes wrong.
Keep hydrated
Aim to sip a pint of water over an hour, particularly if you are dancing.
Protect yourself
If someone you don’t know well is offering you free drink or drugs, ask yourself what they might want in return. Know the risks and how to stay safe.
Different types of drugs have different effects, with some waking you up and making you want to party with friends (Simulants) and others relaxing you or making you forget things (Depressants). This means that some people may turn to drugs or alcohol to make them feel better or to block out stressful or difficult memories. If you use drink or drugs to deal with difficult situations or emotions, it’s likely to be (or become) a problem that could seriously affect your life.
Drinking occasionally at high levels can be just as risky as day to day drinking, because your body (particularly the liver) struggles to break down large amounts of alcohol. Researchers define binge drinking as consuming 8+ units in a single session for men and 6+ for women.
Things you might find useful
Forward Leeds
Forward Leeds is the alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families.
Forward Leeds
Rise Above
Exploring the issues on your mind – smoking, drugs, drinking, sex. Helps you make better decisions that are right for you.
Rise Above
Talk to Frank
Learn the facts about drugs, read real life stories and access helplines.
Talk to Frank
‘Just a Few Drinks’
Watch clips of young people talking about how drinking too much alcohol changed their lives.
‘Just a Few Drinks’ videos
Leeds Sexual Health - Party Animals
If you’ve been invited to a party and told there will be “free” drink and or drugs, it could come at a price. Know the risks and how to stay safe.
Party AnimalsAre you a parent or carer?
If you’re looking for more information to support a young person you care for with their mental health, visit our parent and carers page.
