HELP FOR CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS USE DRUGS

A charity has drawn up the first guide for children whose parents are
drug users, in response to growing numbers of young people seeking
help.

The guide, which has been endorsed by Jack Straw, the home secretary,
gives children basic information on drugs, advice on where to get
support, and basic rules to follow in an emergency.

It says: "If you find your mum or dad in a bad way - for example, if
they're unconscious and you can't wake them or they're behaving
strangely, and you think they may have taken drugs - it is very
important to get help immediately."

Adfam National, the charity behind the initiative, says that children
are increasingly having to deal with the consequences of parental drug
use which, when out of control, can be very damaging for them. "They
find it frightening and isolating and they are often ashamed," said
Anne Marshall, the charity's director. "Many feel that they can't
trust their parents, which may mean they become mistrustful of all
adults."

Adfam, which works with the families and friends of drug users, says
its helpline received 40 calls from children in the first six months
of this year. It thinks this is the tip of an iceberg, reflected also
in requests from social workers for information to give drug users'
children.

One caller aged 12 to the helpline said: "My mum and dad both take
heroin. I have to look after my little brother. I do the shopping and
make tea for us when mum and dad aren't up to it."

The guide explains types of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, and
urges children to try to talk to their parents. Adfam helpline is
available on weekdays on 0171-928-8900. The 24-hour national drugs
helpline is on 0800-776600.