Alcohol and drug support for young people
Whether you’re a young person using substances, affected by someone else’s use, or a parent or carer concerned about a child or young person in your life, there is help available. Local services can provide friendly, professional support tailored to young people’s needs.
Find local support
Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire
- Aquarius
Support for anyone under 18 years in Bedfordshire with alcohol and drugs.
Milton Keynes
- Youth Drug and Alcohol Solutions Team (YDAS)
Drug and alcohol support for young people in Milton Keynes.
Further support
- Talk to Frank
Honest information, help and advice about alcohol and drugs. - The Mix
Non-judgemental support to empower young people to make informed choices. - Everything OK?
If you are under 18, you might want to head over to Everything OK?, a website dedicated to helping young people with their thoughts, feelings and to stay safe. It also includes links to drug and alcohol support.
How much is too much?
Understanding alcohol guidelines can help to recognise if you are drinking too much. There are guidelines for alcohol intake for adults, but these guidelines are not applicable to young people, and the recommendation is to have an alcohol-free childhood. The Mix has information about drinking habits, how much is too much and reviewing your lifestyle.
Health risks of alcohol and drugs
Here’s what overuse can lead to:
Liver damage
Conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Heart disease
Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart failure.
Cancer risks
Linked to cancers such as liver, breast, and bowel cancer.
Mental health
Worsened anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Blood-borne viruses
Risks like HIV and hepatitis from shared injecting equipment.
