Doing drugs and alcohol

Using illicit drugs is against the law. So is drinking alcohol if you are under 18 years old except under special circumstances.

The law says you can’t drink, buy or possess alcohol until you are 18, unless:

  • you are in a private home – your own house or someone else’s house
  • you are in a hotel or restaurant and you are having a meal with your parents, guardian or spouse (who is 18 or older).

You can only go into licensed premises, like a pub or club that sells alcohol, if you are with your parents, guardian or spouse (who is 18 or older) and you are having a meal there or you are staying the night.

Illegal, not prescribed for you by your doctor.

Some people who’ve been sexually assaulted or abused, use alcohol or drugs to help them cope or block out painful or uncomfortable feelings. Avoiding these feelings and thoughts doesn’t make them disappear. They need to be dealt with properly.

Using drugs and alcohol can stop you from dealing with the real issues you are facing and cause other problems at the same time.

Alcohol is a major cause of injury and death among young people. When you’re drunk, you’re more likely to put yourself in risky situations. Health risks include damage to your brain and liver, cancer of the mouth, throat or oesophagus.

If you use drugs and alcohol to help you cope, you might notice:

  • You can’t go out without drugs or alcohol
  • You use drugs or alcohol by yourself
  • You become obsessed with using drugs
  • You stop doing things you used to do, like going to school, going out and seeing people
  • You do things you wouldn’t usually do, like getting into arguments or fights, wanting to hurt yourself or breaking the law.

Talk to a trusted adult or a professional who can help you deal with the issues you are facing and work out positive ways to cope.

Who could you tell?

Your parents, another relative like an aunt, uncle or grandparent, a teacher, the school nurse, the school welfare officer, a service like SACL: 1800 806 292 or Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800, a friend’s parents, your doctor.

Links

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For more information

For more information about this or to contact the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault go to the SECASA website.