Safeguarding

Acklam Grange

Acorn Centre

Acklam Grange School

Substance Misuse

Adolescents

Substance Misuse is when individuals use substances such as alcohol, drugs or vaping products in a way that may harm their health, wellbeing or safety. Substance Misue can affect a young person’s physical health, mental health, their relationships and ability to focus in school.

At Acklam Grange we take a proactive approach to ensure the safety of our young people however if you believe there is a young person at risk of substance misuse, please contact a member of our safeguarding team.

Vaping

Vaping involves inhaling vapour from an electronic cigarette or vape device. This vapour can sometimes contain nicotine which is an addictive substance. However, vapes can contain alternative substances such as cannabis (CBD) or THC which can be sold as ready-made vapes or vape juices. Marketing of vapes may claim they contain CBD or THC however it can contain synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice or other drugs such as ketamine.

 Vapes can affect young people in different ways such as :

  • Increased heart beats
  • Nausea
  • Fast Breathing
  • Dizzy/Headache

Drugs

Drugs include illegal substances and the misuse of prescriptions or over-the-counter medication. Young people tend to take drugs to experience what it is like, pressured by peers or they are at an event.

Common Drugs Young People May Take:

  • Ketamine (grainy white/light brown powder)
  • NOS (Balloons) (colourless gas sold in canisters and inhaled using balloons)
  • Benzos (prescription drugs used to treat anxiety)
  • Magic Mushrooms
  • Ectasy/MDMA (Coloured Pills or Powder)
  • Cocaine (white powder)
  • Cannabis (plant based drug)

Drugs can affect young people in different ways such as:

  • Increased risk-taking behaviour
  • Harm to physical and mental health
  • Potential involvement in criminal activity/exploitation
  • Confusion/Disorientation
  • Paranoia

Alcohol

Alcohol can be harmful to young people particularly as their bodies and brains are still developing. Drinking alcohol at a young age can increase the risk of accidents, poor decision-making and longer-term health problems.

Where young people can get alcohol:

  • Given by family/friends
  • Taken from home
  • Bought/Stolen from shops
  • Events they attend

Alcohol can affect young people in different ways such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Alcohol Poisoning
  • Reduced ability to stay safe
  • Negative effects on behaviour and wellbeing
  • Difficulties with school attendance and learning

Adults

Substance misuse can also affect adults and impact their health wellbeing and ability to safely support young people. Substance misuse within a household may create additional challenges for those around the adult including increased stress, changes in routines or reduced support at home.

If you need advice or support, you can contact your GP or any of the support below: