subject: Hertfordshire's Young People With Drink Or Drug Related Illnesses [print this page] In Hertfordshire in 2006, 61 13-year old were arrested for drug related offences. Since then, there has been a steadily growing rate of young people with drink or drug related illnesses. This is proving a real strain on the local community as well as the NHS. There is lack of understanding amongst these young people, and indeed amongst the community as a whole.
A study in Hertfordshire found that the message of drink and drugs needs to be educated more widely amongst young people. There had been efforts made to train staff within schools so as to educate their students.
For over two decades there have been many anti drink and drug related campaigns, specifically targeted at young people falling within the 15-25 year old age bracket. Although there has been little evidence that has shown that these campaigns have made any real affect on the reduction rates of alcohol or drug use.
It can be very difficult indeed to get the message across to young people, especially a moral one. So where do you start with trying to prevent young people from abusing alcohol or drugs? Most people would agree that you need to give these youngsters education and arm them with the full facts of drink and drugs. They need to be taught that using substances for recreational use has a thin line before crossing over to it and it becoming a real issue in your life.
A survey of young people in Hertfordshire found that they don't want youth clubs, they are after much more exciting facilities such as cinemas, swimming pools, ice-skating rinks and such like. They don't just want a sheltered place to hang around in and still do nothing. They want to be able to have the facilities to go somewhere, meet with friends and participate in a social activity, one that will take their minds away from boredom.
Many young people who start off using drink or drugs for recreational use suffer with long-term mental health issues.
There are rehab clinics spread out across Hertfordshire that can help people with alcohol dependency or drug abuse, although these are usually privately funded. When you weigh up the cost of substance abuse compared to a stint in rehab, you will soon see that getting treatment far outweighs your addiction. Getting the help and support you need to be sober or drug free could be the most important in your life.
