Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Young People often ask:

• If I come to PDAC for advice or support will my parents be told?

PDAC runs a confidential service - so what you share with your key worker will remain private (except in exceptional circumstances: see confidentiality policy for more information). You may be advised to speak to your parents yourself, and in this case will be supported to do so, but we appreciate that this is not always an option and the support and care you receive will reflect your own personal circumstances. In short No!

• Can I come to PDAC for information and leaflets without becoming a ‘client’?

Yes, many of your questions and queries may be answered on our web site or the links we offer, but if you want to speak to someone personally you are welcome to attend and see a youth worker, and if you want to continue in service this is your choice.

• I’ve been thinking about trying/ experimenting with drugs, what should I do or find out first?

You need to consider all the facts; so asking this question is a good start.
No drug is safe, but arming yourself with the right information can stop you making silly mistakes, which will increase your chances of serious harm. We call this harm minimisation. Use the PDAC or frank website to find out the risks, effects and basic harm minimisation information. But you may wish to speak to the youth worker to find out more information and to consider your decision very carefully, contact your local office to arrange to meet up or have a chat.


Parents often ask:

• If the Youth Offending Team has referred my child to PDAC for example will they come into contact with other drug users?

PDAC offer an appointment system so contact with any other service users is minimal. We appreciate your concerns, we do try and treat young people's referrals with care. We will endeavour to offer appointments out of school time - or if appropriate in school itself, or an alternative ‘neutral’ ground. If you have any particular concerns please speak to a member of staff. It is important that a young person receives the correct information and support, and we will try to accommodate your concerns.

• My son/ daughter has been using drugs/ drinking too much, and I am concerned. What can I do?

Finding out more information is a good start. Unfortunately unless your son/ daughter decides for themselves that they want to change there is little you can do.
Try to offer them support and find out information that you can pass down - show them this or other appropriate sites - talk to them but try not to nag, they may already feel under pressure and you may be their only friendly support.
Their actions may seem irrational and they may seem to be withdrawing - show you are there and supportive but remember that they are ultimately not your responsibility. You can receive support and further advice by contacting PDAC.

• I think my son or daughter is using drugs, can you do a drugs test on them?

PDAC only accept referrals if the person being referred is in agreement. We would be cautious about testing young people, and would recommend that you and your child speak to one of our substance misuse workers to discuss your concerns. Drug tests are now available in some chemists and on the Internet, but again be cautious. Why do you want to test them? Have you explored other avenues? What will you do with the results?

• Is cannabis a gateway drug?

Cannabis is often one of the first illegal drugs that are experimented with. Because a young person has used cannabis it does not mean that they will necessarily turn to other drugs, or even to continue to use cannabis. It can be the case that young people will experiment with drugs with their friends, but more often that not it will end there. Some young people may continue to smoke cannabis and never want to experiment with other substances. Everyone is an individual and will have their own reasons for using drugs. Problematic, dependant or chaotic drug use can often be a way of shutting out and ’dealing’ with painful emotions about self and the world around you.
If you are concerned about your child talk to them as calmly and honestly as possible. Talk your fears through with someone you can trust or an independent person - PDAC family support worker or youth worker.

Friends often ask:

• My friend has been using drugs/ drinking too much, and I am concerned what can I do?

Being a concerned friend and finding out more is a good start. Unfortunately unless your friend decides for themselves that they want to change there is little you can do. Try to offer them support and find out information that you can pass down - show them this or other appropriate sites - but try not to nag, they may already feel under pressure and you may be their only friendly support.
Their actions may seem irrational and they may seem to be withdrawing - show you are there and supportive, but be firm with your boundaries. You can receive support and further advice by contacting PDAC.