articles

Understanding how to help

Advice and info for you, when a young person:

Is experimenting

Harm reduction

Understand the most effective tool we have to keep young people who are already using drugs, safe from harm. ...

Has a problem

Scaring a young person into not using drugs

Using scare tactics can be hugely tempting when talking about drugs with a young person you care about. ...

Has a problem

Should I Drug Test a Young Person?

If you suspect that a young person you care about is using drugs it is understandable that you will want to know the truth as soon as possible to help the situation. ...

Understanding how to help

Drug Tests – How and Why?

Tests that claim to show weather or not a young person has been using drugs are a tempting option for family members concerned about a persons behaviour. But are drug tests everything they are cracked up to be? ...

Has a problem

Ice- tips for supporting a young person

So much information about ice is worrying. Families constantly tell YoDAA that they struggle to understand the nature of the problems their loved one is facing....

Hasn't yet used drugs

The role of family in preventing drug problems

No one wants someone they love to develop a problem with drugs or alcohol. In the face of frightening reports about the risks that drugs or alcohol pose you can be forgiven for feeling powerless or helpless in protecting young people....

Has a problem

Will they grow out of this?

Many young people who try drugs or alcohol don’t go on to experience problems. For the small percentage who do, there are many different pathways into problems with drugs and many pathways young people can take to move on from them....

Has a problem

Identifying signs that drugs might be a problem

Understanding the signs will help you be observant and pay attention to a young person’s welfare. ...

Hasn't yet used drugs

Will a young person develop a problem?

Worrying that a young person you care about will develop a drug or alcohol problem can create anxiety and fear and can affect how you care and support a young person. ...

Has a problem

Limits and Consequences

It’s common to feel exasperated trying to set limits and respond when limits are breached (especially around drug use). Here are some ideas that may help you....

Has a problem

Knowing when Alcohol and Drug use is a problem

“He just doesn’t seem to see that he has a problem! I’m beside myself with worry and he just comes home like everything’s normal.”...

Has a problem

Effective Communication

Sometimes it can seem as though you are always fighting, arguing or disagreeing with a young person. This can be frustrating for both of you. ...

Has a problem

Communicating your concerns about drug or alcohol use

Telling a young person you suspect they are using drugs or that you suspect their use is a problem is potentially one of the hardest conversations to have. ...

MORE FROM YoDAA
FAQ's

What is a hot shot?

A hot shot is either a lethally large amount of heroin (or other opiate), or ...

See All FAQ's
ASK YoDAA

Ask us anything about drugs, alcohol or just your general wellbeing. We will do our best to respond within 72hrs.

Ask a question

Partners

YSAS

YoDAA is powered by YSAS in close collaboration with the following partner organisations.

Become a partner
close
close