Drug & Alcohol Action Team (DAAT)

Advice, Support and Treatment for Bexley Residents

I am concerned for someone else who is under 18...

I think they may be using drugs/alcohol/solvents
Is this your child?
Do you need other advice?

I think they may be using drugs/alcohol/solvents...

Signs & symptoms - Be aware that the following symptoms can also be indicators of depression, stress or even be normal teenage behaviour. Someone who is using drugs or alcohol can appear either lethagic or nervy/hyped up. They can be irritable or suddenly move from being very depressed to being very happy with no obvious reasons why. They may be asking to borrow more money from you or spending more of their own money than previously. To find out more about the effects of specific drugs, what they look or smell like and their associated risks, visit the Talk to FRANK A-Z.
Talking to the child - If you are the parent, talking to your child about drugs or alcohol can be daunting but it is important to discuss these issues with them from an early age. It's especially important to do this if you suspect they may be using drugs or alcohol or if you think their friends may be. FRANK (formerly the national drugs helpline) has some guidelines about broaching the subject of drugs with your children. Find out more about talking to your children at the Talk to FRANK website.

If it's a friend you're concerned about, first of all, well done for trying to help. Now, follow the link to FRANK - it'll give you ideas about how you can get your friend to open up about their drug or alcohol use.
Talk to your school - they may have someone who can help
Treatment
- Signpost
- CAMHS
Activities
- Thamesmead Youth Awareness Programme
- Connexions
Help & support for you
- FRANK
- Signpost - may be able to advise you on specific issues

This is my child

Talking to your child - about drugs or alcohol can be daunting but it is important to discuss these issues with them from an early age. It's especially important to do this if you suspect they may be using drugs or alcohol or if you think their friends may be. FRANK (formerly the national drugs helpline) has some guidelines about broaching the subject of drugs with your children. Find out more about talking to your children at the Talk to FRANK website.
Talk to their school - they may have someone who can help
Treatment
- Signpost
- CAMHS
Activities
- Thamesmead Youth Awareness Programme
- Connexions
Help & support for you
- FRANK help line 0800 77 66 00
- FRANK (including website)

I need other advice...

Signpost - may be able to advise you on specific issues
Other advice
- Adfam
- Al Anon
- Alcoholics Anonymous *
- Samaritans
- Release
- Families Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous *
- FRANK 0800 77 66 00

* Whilst these organisations do not usually offer services to young people, they may be able to offer links to organisations that do.