All drug use has a function and reason even if it's not always clear. A student themselves may not be conscious of the reason. It's empowering for a young person to understand their use and it's crucial if they want to begin to make changes

Therefore, if you are in a position where a young person is able to be honest with you about their use, it is important to help the young person understand their own use. There are two aspects to this: the first is to explore what the young person is aware of. For instance, they may explain that they use drugs to help with shyness.

The second aspect is to ask the young person to keep a diary of their use. When they have completed the diary such as this one, have them work with you on making some links – when were they most likely to use? What was happening in that day? Is there a time of the day when use is the heaviest? Why do you think that might be? Doing this helps the young person to make their own link as to why they are using drugs.