- Stick by them. Don't turn your back on them.
- Talk to them and listen carefully to what they say.
- Don't make fun of them behind their back.
- Suggest they talk to someone who might be able to help them. If they can't talk to their mum or dad, there might be another relative they can talk to, or perhaps a teacher they trust.
- They can also ring Talk to Frank on 0800 776600. They can give you information and advice over the phone. It's free, you don't have to give your name and it's open 24 hours a day.
- They might want to ring Childline on 0800 1111 or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. They can help you with all sorts of problems, not just drugs.
- Offer to be with them when they ring or go for help.
- Don't keep on at them too much. You can't make their decisions for them.
- Encourage them to be positive about themselves.
Just being there for them may mean a lot.
But how do I know if my friend has a problem?
It will be very difficult to be sure, but some signs might be:
- If they are quite good at school, their marks for school work might begin to get worse.
- They might look ill and tired.
- They might become secretive and not tell you what they are up to.
- They might become moody and irritable or depressed.
- They might begin hanging around with a different set of people.
