Young people, alcohol and drugs

Introduction

It is normal for teenagers to experiment, take risks and test limits.

It’s part of learning the skills they need to become part of the adult world.

It is important to remember:

  • the adolescent brain is still developing the decision-making areas - which means teens often act from emotions and impulses
  • parents can help their son or daughter to understand risks and consequences, and learn to make good decisions that keep themselves and others safe
  • young people need to practice making decisions - this will help them make good decisions on their own as they get older
  • parents have the strongest influence over the attitude their son or daughter has to drugs or alcohol - so they need to set a good example.

Copyright

The information in this section was adapted from the Parent Easy Guide series © Parenting SA, Government of South Australia.


Alcohol and drugs

Some young people may experiment with drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that 28 per cent of 12 to 17 year olds had consumed a full serve of alcohol.

This is a lot of young people consuming alcohol before the legal age of 18 years. 

Go to the AIHW website to read the survey results

In the Northern Territory, it is illegal to supply alcohol to people aged less than 18 years at any licensed premises.

It is also illegal to supply alcohol to a child in a private home, unless it’s supplied by:

  • a parent, step-parent or guardian
  • or an adult who has the parental rights and responsibilities for the child.

If the supply of this alcohol is not accompanied with ‘responsible supervision’, the supplier can still be prosecuted.

Offenders are liable for a fine of up to $13,300.

Recent studies show that:

  • alcohol can damage the developing adolescent brain, particularly the part that deals with emotions, memory and decision-making
  • alcohol can affect a young person’s learning and problem-solving abilities and contribute to development of mental health problems
  • young people are at risk of alcohol-related harm because they are more likely to drink to excess, binge-drink, take risks and do things they might later regret
  • young people under 15 years are particularly at risk
  • the earlier young people start to drink, the greater the chance they will have problems with alcohol later in life - it’s best to delay drinking for as long as possible.

Alcohol also contributes to the three main causes of teenage death - injury, homicide and suicide.

Although it’s not illegal in the NT for a parent to serve their teenager alcohol within their home, it’s best to delay giving your teen alcohol for as long as possible.

Drugs

It’s useful to remember that:

  • cannabis (marijuana) is the illegal drug most used by young people
  • of those who try illegal drugs, many won’t go on to use drugs regularly
  • using drugs is not the same as being addicted to drugs
  • in most cases addiction happens over time - although some people become addicted more quickly than others.

Some young people use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with worries or mental health problems.

If you think this could be happening for your child it is important to get help.

Your doctor, counsellor or services at the end of this page are good places to start.


Volatile substance use: sniffing

Volatile substance use is the deliberate inhalation of gas or fumes released from a substance at room temperature, for the purpose of becoming intoxicated.

It's sometimes referred to as 'sniffing,' 'solvent use,' or 'chroming'.

Under Northern Territory law, people such as parents, doctors and police officers can apply to the Chief Health Officer for a treatment order for an adult or child who is misusing volatile substances.

If, through an assessment process and subject to other criteria, the person is found to be at severe risk of harm, the Chief Health Officer can apply to the court for a treatment order. 

The aim of order is to support the person to address their abuse and improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.


What you can do to prevent problems

There are many things you can do to prevent problems arising with drugs, alcohol and your child.

Younger children

Start talking with children over about eight years of age in ways that suit their age and development. 

Find out what they know. Schools start introducing the topic of alcohol and drugs in age-appropriate ways from a young age.

Take opportunities as they arise to give accurate, balanced information and to encourage healthy attitudes, especially before they start high school.

Use TV, movies and different scenarios to talk about risks, consequences and options for people.

Spend time building a strong relationship with children before their teen years - be involved in their lives, know their friends and interests.

Get the facts about drugs and alcohol so children see you as a credible source of information.

Teach responsible behaviour - let children practice making choices from an early age.

Older children and teenagers

You can help prevent drug and alcohol problems with older children and teenagers in the following ways:

  • be approachable and unfazed - listen to their ideas even if you don’t agree with them
  • try not to interrupt or react in ways that stop discussion 
  • don’t make them worried about telling you things you need to hear
  • show them where to get accurate information from reliable sources
  • have family rules about alcohol and drugs - make the rules together
  • encourage young people’s involvement in activities such as sports and hobbies
  • reward responsible behaviour - you could allow your teen to stay out a bit later or have an extra night out
  • acknowledge good decisions and help your child learn from their mistakes
  • make sure young people can get home safely when they go out - have an emergency plan - eg: a pre-paid mobile phone to call you, or permission to take a taxi and you’ll pay.

You are a role model for your children. Be prepared to look at your own use of alcohol, tobacco, medications and other drugs.


Peer groups, alcohol and drug use

Peer groups are very important to young people.

They want to feel normal, to fit in and to belong with those of their own age.

However it’s important to know that:

  • peer group pressure can be overstated 
  • most young people decide to drink or take drugs without being pressured, forced or tricked
  • when young people get information about alcohol and drugs from friends it is often not accurate.

Support your teen to have a number of friendship groups.

They will have a bigger network to connect with if one group starts drinking or using drugs.


How to know if your child is taking drugs

This is a common question parents ask, but there’s no easy, sure way to tell.

You might notice changes in your child’s behaviour, including:

  • unusual or out-of-character behaviour
  • mood swings that are more than the usual ups and downs caused by hormonal changes in adolescence
  • being aggressive
  • being withdrawn or avoiding being with the family
  • a drop in school work or attendance
  • dropping out of activities or sports they usually enjoy
  • an unexplained or sudden change to a new group of friends
  • big changes in physical appearance
  • eating problems
  • changes in sleeping patterns
  • valuable items or money missing at home.

If any of these things are happening, it may be a sign something is going on for your child. They may need extra help and support. 

Changes could be caused by something else such as illness, problems at school or with friends.

Are things going on in your family that could be affecting them?

How to talk about your concerns

It’s important to talk with your teen if you’re worried they might be using drugs.

How you handle these conversations will make a difference to how they respond:

  • talk about it when you are both in a reasonable mood and alone together - eg: when driving in the car, but not when you’re in a hurry
  • say something that opens up the subject in an easy way - eg: ‘I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. Are things OK for you?’

Make it easy for them to talk to you. Try talking about someone else you know.

You might say, ‘I was talking to a friend about her daughter using drugs. She was very worried. What do you think she should do?’

Sometimes a young person will test out parents by talking about a friend when they really mean themselves.

Be careful how you respond.


What to do if your child is taking drugs

If you find your son or daughter has used or is using drugs, remember that blame is not helpful. Instead you can:

  • avoid reacting immediately - give yourself time to calm down and think through what’s happening
  • tell them you’re concerned about their wellbeing and that you think they might be using drugs - let them know you want to help
  • give them a chance to tell you what’s happening without interrupting or lecturing - ask them what drugs are being used, how often and where they are being used.

Don’t become the ‘drug squad’ and search for drugs.

The loss of trust will be greater than the benefit of anything you might find out. 

You can support your child by finding out if they want to stop using drugs.

Are they able to stop by themselves or do they need help? How can you support them?

If they are an older teenager and don’t want to stop using drugs, you may have to come to terms with the fact that they’re making their own life choices.

You still have the right to say they are not to use illegal drugs in your home or to come home under the influence of drugs.

Some parents tell their teenager to give up the drugs or they’ll have to leave home. If you say this, be sure it’s what you really want. 

While your teen needs to accept the consequences of their choices, it is also important they have somewhere safe to go.

If their drug use brings them into contact with the legal system, give them moral support but allow them to face the consequences of their choices.

Rescuing them, for example by paying their fines, often results in them continuing to use drugs.


Getting help

Ask for help. You don’t need to handle this alone. You could contact any of the following:

  • teachers, if your teen is still at school
  • the school counsellor
  • your doctor, a health professional or the services on this page.

If you think someone has passed out from drug or alcohol use, put them on their side and immediately call for an ambulance. 

Don’t hesitate. Paramedics do not need to involve the police. You can call for police or ambulance services on:

  • triple zero (000) for emergencies
  • 131 444 for non-urgent police attendance.

More information

Find out more, including where you can get support, on the following pages: