When parents take drugs.

This booklet is intended for use by anyone talking with young people about a parent or carer’s drug or alcohol use, to help them understand and come to terms with their situation. Professionals – such as teachers, youth workers and health workers – who may come into contact with young people who they know, or suspect, are affected by the drug and/ or alcohol use of one, or both, of their parents may find it particularly useful. It is intended to be a tool by which a young person can be encouraged to discuss their life and their feelings and be reassured that there are people who can help with their situation. It should not be seen as an assessment tool - nor as a substitute for professional intervention – but as a source of support for the young person. Each page contains scenarios or prompts to help direct the young person to think about some of the issues they are facing, whilst the boxes across the bottom contain information and suggestions to help the adult reader facilitate the discussion. Section 1 – For adults • How to use this booklet • What are drugs • Effects on young people • What a young person might be going through • Assessing the risks • What the law says • The United Nations Convention on the • Rights of the Child • Resources Section 2 – for 4-10 year olds • All about drugs • I feel... • What’s going on? • I feel better • Mum and dad • My life • My future Section 3 – for 11-15 year olds • All about drugs • I feel ****! • What’s going on? • Feeling better • What mum and dad might be going through • My life • My futur