Pastoral Care Team BELB
Prevention Education Laws by-laws and guidelines Resources; human and financial Treatment and rehabilitation
N. Ireland Drug Trends Almost half of young people are likely to take drugs at some time their lives, but only one-fifth will become regular misusers, (i.e., at least once a month), with a tiny minority of that group taking drugs on a daily basis. Many young people never take drugs at all, many who do experiment, grow out of it quickly, but a small hard core develop very serious problems. Alcohol remains the most popular drug. Half of all NI teenagers have been drunk during the last month. Availability and experimentation continues to rise, age of initiation into drug use has fallen
30 27.4% 25 20 18.5% 15 10 5 4.8% Ever Used Using Now Freq. Use 0 Belfast South Eastern North Eastern Western Southern Young Person s Behaviour & Attitudes Survey 02 (YPBA), covering 12-16 age group with a sample size of 6,300
Youth Workers and Teachers are two of the important stakeholders in the JIM
The Role of a BELB Governor Ensuring a broad and balanced education for all pupils by carrying out the Common N. Ireland Curriculum (including Personal Development) Strategic direction in terms of the School Development Plan and the Financial plan (managing, monitoring and evaluating) Policies and Procedures for staff, parents and pupils (including a Drugs/Pastoral Care policy). Ensuring these are in place and are being revised and updated Expulsions and suspensions in line with policies Ensuring the involvement of Parents (From the BELB Board of Governors handbook)
Definition of a Drug:- Any substance which alters the way the body functions. A substance is a drug when its primary purpose is to bring about a change in body function, whether physically, emotionally, chemically, or in the mind.
A chemical taken for medical purposes A chemical taken for pleasure A chemical taken to change moods or the way in which a person thinks A chemical on which a person can become physically or psychologically dependent
3 Main Types of Drugs 1. Depressants (Alcohol, Heroin, Cannabis, Tranquillisers, Sedatives, Solvents.) 2. Stimulants (Coffee, Tobacco, Cocaine, Speed, Ecstasy.) 3. Hallucinogens (LSD, Magic Mushrooms.)
How Drugs Affect Us The Situation & Environment The Atmosphere Expectations Raves Pubs and Clubs The Individual Gender Size Tolerance level Health Mindset/Belief The Drug Strength Purity / impurity Type Amount / Dose The Chemical Action The Route taken What other drugs in combination?
THE SIGNS OF DRUG TAKING CAUTION!! It is difficult to always tell if these are signs of drug taking or just normal growing up! Be careful not to jump to conclusions! Intoxication Sudden and regular changes of mood Loss of appetite Gradual loss of interest in school, hobbies, interests or friends. Increased evidence of lying or other secret behaviour. Money or other objects round the house going missing, including the young person s former treasured possessions. Unusually tired Unable to sleep at night. Sudden appearance of new friends. Bouts of talkative, excitable or overactive behaviour.
Drugs Paraphernalia you may find:- Drugs themselves Cigarette papers Pipes, buckets, Bongs and plastic bottles Wraps, (square folds of paper which contained powder) Cling film, foil and small plastic bags to hold small quantities of drugs
There is no such thing as a safe drug! All drug taking involves an element of risk, harm and disease
1. What are the most common illegal drugs available in N. Ireland? 2.Can you explain the 3 different categories of drugs; Class A, B & C. 3.What is the difference between possession of drugs and trafficking drugs? 4.If a policeman caught me with a cannabis joint, what would happen to me?
CLASS A Maximum Penalties Possession - 7 years + fine Trafficking Life + fine CLASS B Maximum Penalties Possession - 5 years + fine Trafficking 14 years + fine Heroin, Methadone Opium, Cocaine, Crack, LSD, Cannabis Oil, Ecstasy, Processed Magic Mushrooms, Any Class B Drug Which Is Injected Amphetamines (Speed), Cannabis (Plus Herbal) Resin, And Grass, Barbiturates, Codeine CLASS C Maximum Penalties Possession - 2 years + fine Trafficking 5 years + fine Mild Amphetamines, Tranquillisers Eg. Temazepam (Mogadon)
2 Broad Reasons Why People Take Drugs 1. To be part of a social group or occasion, (a party, rave, the pub, a celebration etc.) 2. To escape and distance ourselves from others, from pain, or from difficulties.