B-MIX Young People

Young People Parents Workers

Is cannabis legal?
No. If you are under 18, and it's your first offence of cannabis possession you will normally be arrested, taken to the police station and given a warning or a reprimand.

If it's not your first offence, you will be given either a final warning or you will be charged. If you have been given a warning in the past and you get caught again you'll most likely be charged. When you get a warning you are referred to the local Youth Offending Team (YOT).

Can I get help if I need to?
Yes, whether you are using a drug (including cannabis, anabolic steroids, glue, gas etc....) or alcohol you can get help or advice at any of our services. Either call them and arrange to go in to see them or call the Youth Support Service and ask for them to come out and see you.

If you want to chat anonymously call FRANK on 0800 776600 or call the Youth Support Service (YSS 01274 436744)

What can I do if my friend is using drugs and I want to help them?

FRANK says the following:
It's never easy telling someone you know that you don't like the way they're going about things. It's even harder when it's your best mate or partner, but there are ways to broach what might feel like the mother of all difficult conversations.

1. Decide what you want to say

Before you say anything, figure out what your problem is with what they're doing. And what it is you want them to do?

You might be unhappy about your friend or partner's choices, but there's no formula that can be applied to make someone stop using drugs. If you let them know how you feel, you might find there's room for a bit of compromise. But ultimately if you can't accept their choices, it comes down to whether you want to continue the friendship/relationship or not.

2. Talk to them when you're calm

It's really easy to have a row, shout at each other and make threats, but you won't get past how you're feeling if you're emotional. Get calm and talk through the issues. What's the problem? What do you want them to do? What do they need from you?

"I thought I was being very clear about what I saw were the problems - why does he get so stoned all the time?"

3. Avoid asking 'Why?'

Why? Because it puts people on the defensive. And, they might not know why they do five pills, have risky sex and owe the dealer money they haven't got. Ask questions beginning How, When, What, Where. It'll get the conversation moving and you won't simply get a Yes or No answer.

4. Focus on them not the drugs

The drug isn't doing anything to you. They are. How does their behaviours affect you? Are they unreliable? Is it their mood swings? Are you always paying for everything? What are the good/bad things that can happen if they continue doing what they're doing? And how does that create problems for you?

"He would say that he had it under control, that it wasn't a problem and then walk away."

5. Stick by them

Don't turn your back on them. Listen to them and how they say they feel. Talk to them about their health and wellbeing. Suggest what they might do but don't go on about it. If they want, offer to go with them if they go for help.