DRUGS: ALCOHOL

Most people enjoy drinking alcohol, without coming to any harm. However it is fair to say that many people do harm themselves or others by their drinking. Young inexperienced drinkers are most at risk, as they tend to have a lower tolerance to the effects of alcohol.

Alcohol is measured in units. One unit is about equivalent to a single measure of spirits, half a pint of normal strength beer or lager, or a small glass of wine. Many beers are stronger than this: a pint of extra strength beer or lager can contain 4 or 5 units.

The recommended maximum limit is 3 or 4 units/day for a man and 2 or 3 units/day for a woman. If you are regularly drinking more than this, there is a risk to your health. This isn't a safe limit for every day of the week- you should take few days off on a regular basis. Also, this limit is for adults over 18. There are no recommendations for young people under 18.

Drinking and driving

A third of all drivers killed in road accidents were over the legal limit of alcohol. There is no sure way of telling how much you can drink before you reach the legal limit - the safest way to be sure is not to drink and drive.

Alcohol problems

  • often hungover?
  • getting into fights and arguments, or causing accidents?
  • can't remember what you did the night before, or wake up regretting the things you said or did?
  • money problems because of drinking?
  • causing problems at work or school?
  • violent towards your family when you have been drinking?

If any of these warning signs are true for you, you may want to think about how much you are drinking. Alcohol problems are not just about being "an alcoholic" or causing serious health problems. If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drinking, you can contact Castlegate, First Base, or one of the following:

York Alcohol Advice Service - call in for information, advice or to make an appointment for counselling. They run evening sessions and also groups where you can meet with other users to look at your alcohol use and practical ways to cut down / stop.

Alcoholics Anonymous - who offer support at regular meetings and run a national helpline. You can call them or search online for times of their local meetings (most evenings).

Drinkline - for information on alcohol issues

DRUGS: SMOKING

Stopping smoking is not easy but it can be done (though it is easier not to start in the first place!) To be successful you have to really want to stop, and you have to be ready. Good support from family and friends is really important too.

Phone Quitline or see their website(s) for advice and information, or to contact a counsellor online. You can also ask them to send out a postcard pack and Quit Guide.

For support in your local area, contact North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Services. They can give advice and one to one help, and also run groups. They canget nicotine replacement for you through prescription (though your GP may do this direct).

It is now illegal to smoke in all enclosed public places and workplaces. This includes pubs, clubs, work vans etc. There is a fixed penalty fine of £50 if you do so.

DRUGS - ILLEGAL DRUGS AND SOLVENTS

Some drugs are more harmful than others, but they all carry risks to some degree - whether it is to your health, your relationships, your finances, or your police record. Having a criminal conviction for possession of drugs can affect the jobs you are able to do in the future. If you take drugs, give them the respect they warrant.

Sniffing solvents or glue isn't illegal - but it is very dangerous. You run the risk of suffocation, choking on vomit, heart or brain damage, heart failure, accidents and possible addiction. Putting a bag over your face or spraying solvents directly into your mouth can kill you very quickly. People have died the first time they try it - is it worth the risk?

For help or information about drugs

You can pick up leaflets from Castlegate or Compass One. If you are concerned about your own drug use or someone else's you can also contact the following places:

Frank - which runs a free and confidential phone line, as well as website. You can also email a drugs adviser personally.

First Base (based at Foundation Housing) - is a confidential service for young people 19 and under who are worried about their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. You can meet up with a worker to talk about what is bothering you, and to see what support they can offer. This might be about using safely, cutting down or stopping altogether. There is also an intensive Connexions PA who can help support you with other problems in your life.

Compass One - an independent organisation, which offers a range of services on all drug matters. For example, they run a drop-in, a needle exchange and offer complementary therapies, and have information about drugs, treatments and detox. They run a one to one service for all problems that drug use may cause and related issues. They also run a seperate prescribing service - the Compass Drug Dependency Clinic - you will need to be referred by your GP or Compass One for this.

York Reach is for anyone 18+ who would like help with a drug problem. They offer one to one sessions and alternative therapies (accupuncture and electro-stimulation therapy). They also run group sessions for example in drug awareness, making changes and managing emotions. Contact them yourself or ask someone to refer you - e.g. your GP, support worker or Castlegate.

Drugs and the law

If you are found with illegal drugs (or traces of them) on you or in your house etc., you can be arrested for possession. If you have more than a certain amount, or the same amount divided up, you can be arrested for possession with the intent to supply - even if you were only carrying some for a friend. A conviction for intention to supply is far more severe than for possession - for Class A drugs, the maximum conviction is life.

Cannabis is now a class C instead of a class B drug, but it is still illegal. This does not mean it has become legalised. The penalties for posessing it have been reduced, but the penalty for supplying it is up to 14 years in prison.

If you are caught smoking it you can still be arrested, especially if there are 'aggravated circumstances' e.g if you are using it in public in an obvious way, or if you are, or are with, someone under 17.

The Compass Drug Intervention Programme (DIP) can offer support for people arrested for drug offences, before and after court. If you are arrested for the first time for possesion of drugs, you will be offered a referral to DIP by the police.