Julian Cohen is a writer, educator, counsellor and consultant who has specialised in drug and sex education work with children, young people, parents, carers and professionals for nearly 30 years. He has written extensively on drugs and young people, ranging from teaching and training packages to educational games, pamphlets and books for young people, parents and professionals. His website is www.juliancohen.org.uk.
Introduction. Section A. Understanding young people's drug use. A1. What are the trends in young people's drug use? A2. Why do young people use drugs and in what ways do they use them? A3. Where do young people get drugs from and how much do they cost? A4. What does all this drug language mean? A5. What are the effects and harms of drug use and how dangerous is it? A6. What does the law say? A7. Can you tell if young people are using drugs? Section B. Be prepared. B1. Be informed learn facts, not myths. B2. Be aware of your own use of drugs, your feelings and attitudes. B3. Be realistic about what can happen. B4. Know how to listen and relate to young people. B5. Know how to assess young people's involvement with drugs. B6. Be clear about who else you might inform and involve. B7. Negotiate sensible drug rules. B8. Be proactive about educating young people. B9. Learn basic first aid skills. B10. Know where and how to get help. Section C. Dealing with specific situations. Introduction. C1. If you suspect they are using or supplying drugs. C2. If they disclose involvement with drugs to you. C3. If they are drunk or high or lose consciousness. C4. If they have been using or supplying drugs at home or on the premises of organisations they attend. C5. If you find a drug or paraphernalia. C6. If they are arrested for a drug offence. C7. If they are using drugs and do not see any harm in it and/or will not stop. C8. If they are using drugs heavily and/or are dependent. C9. If they are violent or steal money or possessions to buy drugs. C10. If they are supplying drugs. C11. If they are experiencing difficulties or concerns because of other people's drug use. Section D. The drugs. Alcohol. Amphetamines. Caffeine. Cannabis. Cocaine and crack. Ecstasy. GHB/GBL. Heroin, other opiates and opioids. Ketamine. Khat. Legal Highs. LSD. Magic mushrooms. Mephedrone. Nitrous oxide. Poppers. Solvents. Steroids. Tobacco. Tranquillisers. Section E. Where to find out more. Helping organisations and websites. Recommended reading. References. Index.
'This book is a must-read for parents and the range of professionals who work with young people. It combines an up-to-the-minute understanding of the legal and illegal drugs young people encounter today with Julian Cohen's unique ability to provide practical and sensible advice that doesn't preach. I can recommend it highly to anyone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of young people and contribute to their health and well-being.'- Judith Aldridge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Manchester, UK and author of Illegal Leisure Revisited: Changing patterns of alcohol and drug use in adolescents and young adults'I have worked with and learned from Julian Cohen for more than 25 years. Drugs and Young People is the fruit of Julian's long experience of working directly with young people and with professionals and parents. His approach is honest, non-judgemental, pragmatic and practical. This book should be essential reading for all parents and for anyone who cares for, or works with, young people.'- Pat O'Hare, Director, HIT, UK'I welcome this book as an honest and practical, non-jargonised and highly accessible account of young people's drug use and an invaluable reference for all parents, organisations and individuals who want to make sure that the risks and harms associated with it are avoided.'- Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive, Alcohol, Drugs and Families (Adfam), UK'Drugs and Young People makes crystal clear that modern life is a matter of learning how to use substances successfully, rather than in a damaging way. This book gives you and your children the best preparation and hope for doing so. It shows parents and would-be-helpers that this involves listening, discussing, remaining calm and understanding young people, and not lecturing or demonising them.'- Stanton Peele, Ph. D., author of Addiction Proof Your Child, Recover! and many other books about drugs and addiction'Wise and sensible words from a seasoned and reputable author in the field of drug education and the wider issues of young people and drugs. Julian Cohen can always be relied upon to make parents and professionals review their thinking about the entrenched, polarised opinions and enduring mythologies that swirl around this ever emotive and controversial subject.'- Harry Shapiro, Director of Communications and Information, DrugScope, UK
