Introduction

This practical resource looks at the relationship between mental illness and substance use disorders in young people. While studies show the link between the two, drug use is often mistakenly viewed as deviant behaviour rather than as a coping mechanism for unmet needs.

Approach and Content

This book offers schools and youth settings a different approach to both supporting young people and implementing preventative measures. The concept of risk taking in young people is explored, as well as how stress, low self-esteem and body image issues can lead to substance use, including performance enhancing drugs and high caffeine drinks. Examples of how to address these issues through PSHE are addressed in each chapter, as well as tips for supporting individual pupils from expert practitioners and researchers in the field.