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Drugs and alcohol under 17

Do you do stupid things when you have had a drink?

Do you struggle to stop drinking once you have started?

Did you start using drugs with friends for a laugh and it’s now happening really often?

Then you may need some support to manage your drug and/or alcohol use.

Forward Leeds are a drug and alcohol support service for Leeds and the surrounding area. They offer one to one support for young people who may want to learn more about drugs and alcohol or feel they would benefit from some support to cut down or stop their drug or alcohol use.


How to use more safely

Top tips for staying safe

If you are planning to drink or use drugs try to stay safe.

Start low and go slow

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol to minimise the risk of overdose. Take a small amount of something first to see how it makes you feel.

Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol

Mixing drugs and alcohol can have unpredictable side effects and put additional strain on your organs.

Know what you are taking

Make sure you know the dose and possible side effects of drugs before taking them.

Make sure someone is there to look out for you

If you are using alone, tell someone where you are and what you are doing, or make sure you have a friend who isn’t drinking or using drugs if you are using in a group. It will mean someone can help if it goes wrong.

Keep hydrated

Aim to sip a pint of water over an hour, particularly if you are dancing.

Protect yourself

If someone you don’t know well is offering you free drink or drugs, ask yourself what they might want in return. Know the risks and how to stay safe.



Things you might find useful

Forward Leeds

Forward Leeds is the alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families.

Forward Leeds

Rise Above

Exploring the issues on your mind – smoking, drugs, drinking, sex. Helps you make better decisions that are right for you.

Rise Above

Talk to Frank

Learn the facts about drugs, read real life stories and access helplines.

Talk to Frank

Alateen

Help and support for teenage friends and relatives of alcoholics.

Alateen

‘Just a Few Drinks’

Watch clips of young people talking about how drinking too much alcohol changed their lives.

‘Just a Few Drinks’ videos

Leeds Sexual Health - Party Animals

If you’ve been invited to a party and told there will be “free” drink and or drugs, it could come at a price. Know the risks and how to stay safe.

Party Animals

Are you a parent or carer?

If you’re looking for more information to support a young person you care for with their mental health, visit our parent and carers page.