Transcript Drug and Alcohol Use in Young People

Drug and Alcohol Use
in Young People
Who are we????
Compass is a National Charity, aimed at
improving the wellbeing of clients engaged in
services such as; sexual health, substance
misuse, EIS, mental health and nursing
services.
In Milton Keynes we offer a substance misuse
service including;
• Targeted interventions
• Specialist interventions
Meet the team;
Aims of session:
1. Trends of children and young peoples (C&YP)
drug and alcohol use in Milton Keynes
2. Signs and symptoms of C&YP drug and
alcohol use
3. How to ask difficult questions
4. Referral routes
Trends in Milton Keynes
Cannabis
Alcohol
Novel Psychoactive
Substances
Mephedrone
Who may identify the concern
with you?
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Mum
Dad
Guardian
Grandparent
Family friend
Aunt
Uncle
Brother
Sister
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Foster career
Reception staff
C/YP friend
The C/YP themselves
Stimulant drugs
Drugs including;
• MDMA/Ecstasy
• Cocaine
• Caffeine – Energy drinks
• Mephedrone
• Amphetamine
• NPS – such as power,
gocaine etc.
Forms of substance
- Fine white – yellow
powder
- Crystal powder
- Tablets
- Liquid
Symptoms of a stimulant
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Feeling euphoric
Bounds of energy
Very talkative
Wanting to be close
Gurning
Sweaty
Twitchy
May be
paranoid/aggressive
Depressant drugs
Drugs including;
• Alcohol
• Solvents
• Opioids
• GBL / GHB
• Benzodiazepams
Forms of substance
- Liquid
- Aerosols
- Brown powder
- Tablets
Symptoms of a depressant
• Increased confidence
• Unsteady and uncoordinated
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Deep breathing
• Wanting to sleep
• In and out of consciousness
• Heightened emotional states
Hallucinogen drugs
Drugs include;
• Magic Mushrooms
• LSD
• NOS
• Ketamine
• Cannabis
• NPS - Cannabinoids
Forms of substance
- Dried mushrooms
- Pictured sugar paper
- Silver canisters
- Dried cannabis leaves
- Resin
- Cannabis oil
- Dried plant matter
sprayed with
cannabinoid substance
Symptoms of a hallucinogen
• Munchies
• Distorted realities
• Grandiose
• Paranoid
• Anxious/scared
• Bewildered
• Wanting to touch
How to have the
difficult conversations...
• Ask parents / guardians to leave the room – Young
people are normally more honest when their parent is
out of the room
• Confidentiality – Share clear guidance with the young
person and their parents about your confidentiality
policies so they know what may happen if they share
• Ensure to remain composed – The majority of young
people do not use drugs however those who do, may
have started from a very young age and tried a mixture
of different substances
• Avoid the use of jargon – C&YP will not tell you if they
do not understand
How to have the difficult
conversations continued…
• Rapport – Some young people are nervous about
speaking to someone in authority. Help them to build
professional rapport with you by asking C&YP about
what they do with their friends, where they spend their
time etc. This will give you signs that they may be using
but also develop the rapport.
• Questions -Ask open questions such as ‘how do you
feel about that? This way the other person will feel more
able to share.
• Be patient and listen to what they have to say– the
more you listen the more comfortable the other person
will feel. The young person should do at least 50% of the
talking.
How to have the difficult
conversation continued……
• Honesty – Give the young person examples of
information which is concerning you and this is why you
want to talk because you are concerned.
• Referring / Signposting – Be clear about the compass
referral routes, what we offer and how we work with
C&YP, this will make them feel safer with the process.
You could also call us while the patient is with you to
make the referral…
01908 691911
Compass referral
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Referral can be made over the phone / via post / email via
Egress switch account
On receiving referral we will contact the client within 24
hours
Assessment will be offered within 5 working days
Any C/YP who has used drugs or alcohol can be referred.
We also work with C&YP at risk of using, e.g. if their
friends are using
We deliver CBT, MI, BSFT sessions with young people for
as long as is needed to support them to meet their goals
We see young people at school, at home, in the
community – in a place they feel safe to meet
Compass work in a holistic way, it is never just DRUGS or
ALCOHOL.
Any Questions?
Compass
Simply call us on
Patients under 18 - 01908 691911
Patients 18 or above – 01908 250370