Drugs and Alcohol
Again the laws here are to protect you and you should be aware how harmful drugs and alcohol can be.
You should think very carefully about the implications of getting into a situation where you may be offered drugs and if you are being pressurised into becoming involved with drugs. There are heavy penalties if you are caught with classified drugs. Classified drugs are drugs such as ecstasy, cannabis, amphetamines (speed) and heroin.
If you feel unhappy or frightened, speak to your parents, a teacher at school or another adult you feel happy talking to or you can also talk directly to the police.
You should be aware that it is illegal to have drugs in your possession, to grow or manufacture them or to sell them to others. The police have wide powers to search people if they think they might be carrying drugs.
While you can have an alcoholic drink with a meal in a restaurant or hotel from age 16, you must be 18 to buy alcohol.
If you are having problems with drugs or alcohol, you can speak to your doctor about this confidentially. Alternatively, you could contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845-7697-555 or Talk to Frank (the National Drugs Helpline) free on 0800-77-66-00. If you do end up in a situation where you are abusing alcohol (drinking a lot of it) or taking drugs, be aware that you could be referred to a children's hearing. See "Children's Hearings" for more information.
