Drugs & Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol can affect your body, brain, and emotions in ways that aren’t always easy to spot at first. They can cause:

• Mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or feeling out of control
• Physical harm to your heart, liver, or brain—even from short-term use
• Risky decisions you wouldn’t normally make, like unsafe sex or fights
• Addiction, which makes it hard to stop even when you want to
• Trouble at school or home, including arguments, suspensions, or losing trust

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and in control of your choices. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone.

Why is this dangerous?

Drugs and alcohol can trick your brain into thinking they help—but they often make things worse. They can:

• Change how you think and feel, making it harder to cope
• Make existing worries or trauma feel even heavier
• Put you in unsafe situations or with people who don’t respect your boundaries

If you’ve ever felt pressured, scared, or unsure—your feelings are valid. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

What to do if you're worried

If you’re worried about yourself, a friend, or someone in your family:

• Talk to a trusted adult—a teacher, youth worker, a family member
• Reach out to a support service (you don’t need permission to ask for help)
• Write it down—sometimes putting your thoughts on paper helps you feel clearer

You can also ask for a quiet space, opt out of conversations, or take breaks if things feel overwhelming. Your safety and comfort matter.

Where to get help

You can talk to someone who gets it—without judgment, pressure, or shame.

💬 In Hartlepool:

Young People's Service (via START)

• Offers free support for anyone under 18 around drugs, alcohol, and emotional wellbeing
• For more information or to speak with someone, follow the link here.

💬 In Stockton-on-Tees:

Stockton Young People's Service – Change Grow Live (CGL)

• Free and confidential support for under-18s
• For more information or to speak with someone, follow the link here.