RESOURCE 3 - STAND UP - PEER INTERVENTION

The Power of Friendship
Working up the courage to confront a friend about his or her drinking or drug use can be difficult. But part of being a good friend is recognising when your friend needs help – even if it wasn’t called for. 

Read the Signs
Friends often know about drug use before there are obvious signs that are visible to others. They may start hanging out with new friends who will do drugs with them or can purchase drugs for them. Or they may be showing little interest or drop out altogether from activities they once enjoyed, like sports or music.

Don't Walk Away
So you think your friend or brother/sister has a problem with drugs or alcohol? If that’s the case, it’s time to stand up. You can help your friend right now – before something really bad happens. Your friend will probably insist that his/her drinking or drug use is no big deal. 

Starting the Conversation
If you decide to sit down with your friend and talk to him or her about their drinking or drug use, you may not know what to say. You may wonder how they will respond. Will they get mad and tell you to mind your own business?  

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RESOURCE 4 - DRUG SMART PARENTS

A Greater Need for Awareness
We need to spread the understanding that drugs are illegal because they are a problem, not a problem because they are illegal. That is why we need to work for better education and greater awareness to prevent drug use. 

What can Parents Do?
Young people need to know how dangerous and risky drug use can be. Don’t wait until your child has a problem. Regardless of your knowledge or experience of drugs, remember, that you don’t need to be an expert about drugs to help young people choose not to use them.

Is my Child on Drugs?
All parents want to be able to trust their children but that shouldn’t mean ceasing to trust your own intuition. For some parents the moment of truth is forced upon them. There is no need, however, to wait nervously for that knock on the door confirming your worst fears – if you know what to look for.

Suggested Guides
When the signs are irrefutable and you want to push the panic button, it’s time to sit down and take a deep breath. Try not to over react. Keep a constructive dialogue with the child who is using drugs while you buy time to seek expert advice.