All About Drugs and Young People: Essential Information and Advice for Parents and Professionals

by Julian Cohen

Overview

Packed with information, advice and learning activities, this book tells you what you need to know about drugs, young people's drug use, and how you can help them stay safe.

It covers everything from what the effects are and why young people take drugs, to how to negotiate drug rules and ways to prevent and minimise harm. An easy to use section contains factual information about various drugs, covering a description of each drug, street names, a brief history, legal status, availability, extent of use and cost, effects, possible harms, and harm reduction advice. The newest and emerging drugs, such as legal highs, are included, as well as illegal drugs, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.

If you are working with or supporting young people or are a parent or carer, this is the book you need to help you understand drugs and respond positively and effectively to young people's drug use.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857007902
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	05/21/2014
Series:	20140521
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Julian Cohen is a writer, educator, counsellor and consultant who has specialised in drug and sex education work with children, young people, parents, carers and professionals for nearly 30 years. He has written extensively on drugs and young people, ranging from teaching and training packages to educational games, pamphlets and books for young people, parents and professionals. His website is www.juliancohen.org.uk.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Section A. Understanding young people's drug use. A1. What are the trends in young people's drug use? A2. Why do young people use drugs and in what ways do they use them? A3. Where do young people get drugs from and how much do they cost? A4. What does all this drug language mean? A5. What are the effects and harms of drug use and how dangerous is it? A6. What does the law say? A7. Can you tell if young people are using drugs? Section B. Be prepared. B1. Be informed – learn facts, not myths. B2. Be aware of your own use of drugs, your feelings and attitudes. B3. Be realistic about what can happen. B4. Know how to listen and relate to young people. B5. Know how to assess young people's involvement with drugs. B6. Be clear about who else you might inform and involve. B7. Negotiate sensible drug rules. B8. Be proactive about educating young people. B9. Learn basic first aid skills. B10. Know where and how to get help. Section C. Dealing with specific situations. Introduction. C1. If you suspect they are using or supplying drugs. C2. If they disclose involvement with drugs to you. C3. If they are drunk or high or lose consciousness. C4. If they have been using or supplying drugs at home or on the premises of organisations they attend. C5. If you find a drug or paraphernalia. C6. If they are arrested for a drug offence. C7. If they are using drugs and do not see any harm in it and/or will not stop. C8. If they are using drugs heavily and/or are dependent. C9. If they are violent or steal money or possessions to buy drugs. C10. If they are supplying drugs. C11. If they are experiencing difficulties or concerns because of other people's drug use. Section D. The drugs. Alcohol. Amphetamines. Caffeine. Cannabis. Cocaine and crack. Ecstasy. GHB/GBL. Heroin, other opiates and opioids. Ketamine. Khat. Legal Highs. LSD. Magic mushrooms. Mephedrone. Nitrous oxide. Poppers. Solvents. Steroids. Tobacco. Tranquillisers. Section E. Where to find out more. Helping organisations and websites. Recommended reading. References. Index.

Editorial Reviews

This book is a must-read for parents and the range of professionals who work with young people. It combines an up-to-the-minute understanding of the legal and illegal drugs young people encounter today with Julian Cohen's unique ability to provide practical and sensible advice that doesn't preach. I can recommend it highly to anyone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of young people and contribute to their health and well-being.

Judith Aldridge

All About Drugs and Young People makes crystal clear that modern life is a matter of learning how to use substances successfully, rather than in a damaging way. This book gives you and your children the best preparation and hope for doing so. It shows parents and would-be-helpers that this involves listening, discussing, remaining calm and understanding young people, and not lecturing or demonising them.

Stanton Peele

All About Drugs and Young People is a superbly produced guide. Simply and clearly written, this excellent book says all that needs to be said about drugs.

Ministry Today UK

I welcome this book as an honest and practical, non-jargonised and highly accessible account of young people's drug use and an invaluable reference for all parents, organisations and individuals who want to make sure that the risks and harms associated with it are avoided.

Vivienne Evans OBE

I have worked with and learned from Julian Cohen for more than 25 years. All About Drugs and Young People is the fruit of Julian's long experience of working directly with young people and with professionals and parents. His approach is honest, non-judgemental, pragmatic and practical. This book should be essential reading for all parents and for anyone who cares for, or works with, young people.

Pat O'Hare

Wise and sensible words from a seasoned and reputable author in the field of drug education and the wider issues of young people and drugs. Julian Cohen can always be relied upon to make parents and professionals review their thinking about the entrenched, polarised opinions and enduring mythologies that swirl around this ever emotive and controversial subject.

Harry Shapiro

An excellent resource... There is a wealth of information, from the origins of the word "drug", to how to talk to young people who are dealing drugs. There is a substance by substance guide and the final section points readers to further resources... The book will help parents and professionals start from an informed position in their efforts to support young people.

the Teacher - Elli Rhodes

Whatever your views on drugs or whatever you think you could work with this issue, this book will certainly challenge your thoughts in an informative way, offering valuable, up-to-date knowledge and practical information. I f you work with, or are a parent of, young people, I would suggest this is a 'must read'... this is a very accessible and attractive book that offers personal and professional development with its abundant information around the issue of drugs and young people.

BACP Children & Young People - Pauline Culliney