Alcohol
Gettin’ tipsy!
If you drink a little too much, you could end up saying or doing things you don’t mean and regretting it afterwards.
Other people find that alcohol can cause them to act in an exaggerated way and get angry at things that normally wouldn’t bother them or even ending up in a fight.
Did you know that about 10,000 young people end up in hospital every year due to drinking?
Alcohol can lead to hangovers and even make you feel depressed the next day.
You might find you can’t concentrate much, don’t feel like exercising or training and that your complexion takes a turn for the worse. Drinking too much over a period of time can also affect your weight.
According to the Chief Medical Officer if you drink frequently when you are young, you are more likely to be a daily smoker or have drug problems when you are older.
Guidelines on drinking for under-18s…
In January 2009 a publication relating to Official Government advice for young people & their parents about alcohol was released by the Chief medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson. For many years there has been little guidance for under-18s & their parents.
The following advice & recommendations are based on extensive research by a panel of experts:
Their recommendations include:
- Children should not drink before they’re 15, if at all.
- 15-17 year olds should only drink when being supervised by a parent or adult.
- If 15-17 year olds drink, they should do so infrequently & definitely on no more than one day a week. Not drinking is the healthiest option as any drinking, even at the age of 15 or older, can be dangerous to your health.
- The full consultation on children, young people & alcohol can be read on the Department for Children, Schools, & Families website.
Useful Resources in Thurrock
Providing support, information & advice for young people about alcohol issues; Contact by phone – 01375 376111/390465 or email thenetwork1@btconnect.com
Or drop-in & talk to a worker in confidence at:
68 London Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 5XX
Contact Open Door on 01375 413740 at the Connexions Centre, 24-28 Orsett Road, Grays.
Thurrock Substance Misuse Helpline:
24/7. Can offer information & support on 0800 633 5202 or visit the website: www.thurrock.gov.uk
Useful Resources in Basildon/Billericay/Brentwood & Wickford:
Young People’s Substance Misuse Service – 01245 493311
If you are under 18 & need help Essex Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) is a service that can help. EYPDAS delivers advice, information & support to young people, families & professionals through outreach, counselling & training. They offer a confidential space for you to talk & to be listened to in your own area.
Contact: 01245 493311
114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6LF
Essex Substance Misuse Helpline
Available 24/7. Can offer information & support on 0808 100 0110
Useful National Resources:
Drinkline – 0800 017 8282
Drinkline is confidential & no names need to be given. Drinkline offers the following services:
- Information
- Help & support to callers worried about their own drinking
- Support to the family & friends of people who are drinking
- Advice to callers on where to go for help
NHS Teen LifeCheck
NHS Teen LifeCheck is a teen health quiz for 12–15 year-olds
Answer questions, get results and find out how you're doing on:
- Exercise and healthy eating
- Drugs, solvents, alcohol and smoking
- Safe sex
- Bullying, feeling stressed or under pressure
- Personal safety and crime
http://www.nhs.uk/LifeCheckTools/TeenLifeCheck/Pages/Introduction.aspx
FRANK:
Advice & information for young people about alcohol & drugs
www.talktofrank.com – 0800 77 66 00
Truth about Booze
This is a specific young people’s alcohol information website that gives advice & support for those who wish to know more about alcohol & drinking.
www.truthaboutbooze.co.uk
Down Your Drink
This site is designed to help you work out whether you’re drinking too much, & if so, what you can do about it.
www.downyourdrink.org.uk
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
This was founded to provide information, advice & support for those vulnerable children & people concerned for their welfare.
Free confidential helpline – 0800 358 3456
www.nacoa.co.uk









