Young People
If you are under 18 and struggling with addictive behaviours, CADAS can help!
Let's Talk about YOU
If you are worrying, feeling anxious or struggling to cope with your feelings, it can sometimes be hard to know what exactly is wrong but noticing your feelings is a good start. It could be exam stress, family problems, being bullied, falling out with friends or body insecurity that's on your mind and these sort of pressures can make you want to reach for a quick fix to help.
In the short term habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, vaping or taking drugs may feel like they make you feel better, but the reality is that all of these things are dangerous and addictive.
Healthy ways of dealing with stressful feelings include:
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listening to music, singing, being creative
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playing sports, dancing, exercising
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writing down how you feel in a journal or diary
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talking to someone you trust
Let's Talk about Alcohol
Lots of people in the UK drink alcohol and it can often seem like a harmless habit. However, alcohol is bad for both our physical and mental health and when young people drink it can have a significant and lasting impact on brain development. It can also make you more susceptible to addiction later in life.
Take a few moments to read about the law, the long-term risks and alcohol myths...
Let's Talk about Vaping
We know, vaping seems harmless. Vaping tastes nice, it's trendy and it can feel like everyone else is doing it but unfortunately one of the biggest misconceptions about vaping is that it's safe. The reality is that vapes are addictive, they contain a number of harmful chemicals and we don't yet know the full long-term consequences of the habit.
Take a few moments to think - do you really know what's in your vape?
If you want to quit smoking or vaping and need support, read about our Stop the Start project here.
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Let's Talk about Gambling
Did you know? Loot boxes and arcade games are a form of gambling and when you are exposed to gambling at a young age you are more susceptible to long-term gambling harms.
We know that gambling can feel like a fun and exciting way to escape anxiety, stress and pressure but gambling can have a hugely negative impact on mental health and poses long-term risks continue into adulthood.
Take a few moments to think - what do you know about gambling harms and are you putting yourself at risk?
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Let's Talk about Drugs
Taking drugs is often depicted and even glamourised in films and on TV and you may have seen social media trends and challenges involving ingesting or inhaling substances. However, there are many risks associated with taking drugs.
Drugs can make you feel happy and relaxed in the short term but it's important to remember that these feelings never last and drugs are bad for both your mental and physical health.
Take some time to read about the different types of drugs, the impact they can have and how people become addicted.
CADAS resources for you & your parents
If you would like to have a confidential conversation with one of our team please get in touch with us.
Call 0800 254 5658 or email contact@cadas.co.uk
Please note our operating hours are Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Our team offers friendly and non-judgemental advice about drug, alcohol use or addictive behaviour, and can provide more intensive support where necessary. Whether you’re worried about yourself, a friend or someone in your family, we are here to help.
CADAS don't offer a 24 hour helpline or crisis support service. For immediate online support, contact
Talk to Frank:
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Live chat: www.talktofrank.com/livechat (2pm to 6pm, 7 days a week)
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Text: 82111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Email: frank@talktofrank.com
The best way to get started on your journey to making a positive CHANGE to your life is to get in touch.
You can begin by completing an initial enquiry form.
You can be completely confident that we will never disclose anything you tell us unless required to do so by law.
Depending on your answers, you will then get the opportunity to tell us more about yourself and the issues you are facing by completing a further form which asks for a bit more detail. A link will be sent to you by email, or you will be prompted to go to this form when you complete the first one.
We offer the opportunity to give us information using forms because you can complete them in your own time and we have discovered that they reduce any negative feelings or stress you might feel.
If you would rather talk to someone, you can phone the CHANGE line or request a callback.