Addiction
A brief look at some of the problems caused by:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Smoking
plus links to local and national organisations that can help you to beat your addiction.
Alcohol
Many people enjoy alcohol, and most of the time it is not a problem. But regular heavy drinking can be bad for your health, especially if you’re young.
Heavy drinking puts strain on your liver, heart and brain. It can damage the red muscle fibres you need to do well in sport, lead to loss of appetite, skin problems and memory loss.
After drinking too much people are more likely to have an accident, have a fight or have unsafe sex.
Drugs
People take drugs for all sorts of reasons.
- they think drugs can make them forget their worries,
- their friends do, or
- they think it might be fun.
However, taking drugs can become a habit. Some people depend on them just to cope with normal life. Their drug use is likely to have a serious effect on their physical and mental health.
Many drugs are also illegal, some of them carrying heavy penalties for possession or supply. Some drug users also resort to theft and burglary to get enough money to pay for drugs and get into trouble with the police.
You might be offered drugs by your friends, or by people you know. Often friends know less than you do about drugs, but they may want to look as if they know everything. Don’t rely on what your friends say.
Smoking
With all the talk about the dangers of illegal drugs, it’s easy to forget that you can buy one of the most widely used drugs at the corner shop. We all know that smoking kills, but we still do it. Why? There’s no simple answer.
Some people say smoking helps you cope with stress.
- Some say it’s a social thing, a way of relaxing with friends.
- Some people smoke because they are unhappy.
- Many say they wish they had never started…
Only one in four adults are regular smokers, and every year more and more people decide to quit for good. Many people find it easier to quit if they have the support of friends. Why not do it at the same time as others and quit together?
Nicotine patches or gum can help if you are serious about quitting. You can get them on prescription from your doctor. If you or your family are on benefits your prescription will be free. They aren’t usually prescribed for people under 16, although some doctors will do so. If you talk to your doctor about smoking they will not tell anyone else unless you say they can.
If you need more info or just somebody to talk to, check out the listed web sites or call one of these local organisations for advice and info:
Addaction, Leicester Criminal Justice Project
Help and advice for anyone who has been arrested by the police who has an alcohol or drug problem.
0116 255 0121
Drug and Alcohol Advice Centre
Alcohol info and advice for people living in Leicester and Leicestershire
0116 222 9545
Open Door
Counselling for young people
0116 223 2397
Turning Point
Info and advice for people with drug or alcohol problems living in North Leicestershire, including Loughborough and Coalville.
01509 611 111
