If the most you ever did wrong when you were growing up was sneak an extra glass of your parents' sherry at Christmas, then statistics from a recent Drug Education Forum report might be harder to digest than your mother's sprouts were. This report claims that in 2004 12% of 11 to 15 year old pupils took cannabis.

But if you're thinking this could be your son or daughter, don't panic. As Jenny McWhirter, Head of Education and Prevention at charity DrugScope, points out: 'It's important to remember that the majority of children and young people do not use drugs. Last year's official statistics showed that 77 per cent of young people aged between 11 and 15 had never tried illegal drugs.'

Keep a perspective

If you're suspicious, it's worth checking whether your adolescent's behaviour could be attributed to simply being a teenager. With all those hormones raging, is it any wonder they may be secretive, withdrawn and moody? Louise, a parent and family worker at MOSAIC, a Stockport young people's substance advice service, advises:

'Parents sometimes want a list of signs that they can look for to determine if a young person is a substance user, but these can be misinterpreted. Signs such as loosing weight, loss of interest in appearance, skin problems and mood swings can be due to adolescence.'

Having your fears confirmed

But what if your child is one of those that do try? Your initial reaction could really make a difference in your future communications, and determine whether or not you create an open forum for discussion or a divide between parent and child.

If you feel out of your depth on this topic, you're not alone. Government substance information service FRANK reported that over a quarter of parents (27%) feel they don't know enough about drugs or how to talk to a child they suspect is taking them. They recently launched a campaign, 'Parents Drug Test', to advise and educate, so if you do find out what you see is the worst, it will help you respond for the better.

How to react

A service such as FRANK or other substance advice agency could also help you determine if your anxieties may be founded, as well as offer reassurance, part of Louise's job at MOSAIC. She says: 'When parents discover that their teenager has used drugs they can experience many feelings; anger, hurt, shame, and guilt. First try not to panic and act in haste, it is better to approach your teenager after formulating a plan.'

This includes choosing where and when to talk, what to say and how to say it, adds Louise. 'Remember that lecturing, shouting, accusing your child, attacking their friends, or telling them scare stories, may push them away. This could result in them not being honest and feeling that they cannot talk to you about any difficulties they may be facing. Listen to your child, get their perspective regarding what is happening. Also, talk through concerns with a partner or family friend whom you trust, as you'll need support.'

It's impossible to discuss all the different substances widely used by young people here, so ensure you contact a confidential service to get advice and information. Particularly you find out or suspect that your child is using volatile substances such as glue, aerosol sprays or lighter fuel, seek immediate advice rather than attempting to deal with it alone.

Barbara Skinner, founder of charity Solve It, lost her son to volatile substance abuse. She says 'We always say to any parent who discovers their child may be abusing solvents that the most important reaction is to remain calm. At Solve It w are happy to talk to anybody who requires any further information on VSA or the services we offer.'

Where to go for help

Whatever the level of abuse, this is likely to be a very new situation for all the family and it is vital to speak to agencies that can help.

Need advice? Try these;

Adfam
Service for families of drug and alcohol users
Tel: 020 7928 8898
www.adfam.org.uk

FRANK
The national drugs information service, which can refer parents onto local services
24 hour helpline: 0800 77 66 00
www.talktofrank.com

MOSAIC
A young people's substance advice service for Stockport residents, providing specific help for parents
Tel: 0161 480 5939

Drugscope
A national charity that produces a wide range of literature on drugs, solvents and alcohol, as well as online information
www.drugscope.org.uk

Re-Solv
National charity campaigning around volatile substance abuse; also provides information and factsheets
www.re-solv.org

SOLVE IT
Charity offering support and prevention advice to people concerned about volatile substance abuse. 24 Hour Helpline: 01536 420604 (answer phone sometimes in operation)
www.solveitonline.co.uk

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