A CRY FOR HELP OVER CANNABIS

DRUG counsellors have warned about the dangers of using cannabis after
a 17-year-old from Swindon told of the misery and heartbreak the drug
has caused to their life.

The anonymous teenager has written a moving account of her parents'
misuse of the drug and the effects it has had in this month's Student
Adver.

In it she says: "My parents have smoked it for over 10 years. In my
opinion it has been the cause of debt, arguments and
depression."

The brave student has also revealed how easy it is to get hold of the
drug in Swindon's schools and how some youngsters still smoke it
despite knowing the dangers.

Health professionals and those providing support services to drug
users say it is dangerous to assume cannabis is a 'safe' drug.

Saskia Konynenburg, from NHS Swindon, warned: "Many people think that
cannabis is a low-risk drug with few side effects, however even
hardcore smokers can become anxious, panicky, suspicious and paranoid.

"There are also several health risks associated with cannabis use,
including dependency problems, mental health problems and lung damage.

"Research has found the regular use of cannabis is associated with an
increased risk of later developing psychotic illnesses including
schizophrenia."

And Richard Davies, who works at Culvery Court homeless hostel in
Swindon, said he estimated about 90 per cent of people he sees there
have used or are using cannabis.

"A hell of a lot of people I see here use it or have done in the
past.

"It can have a very bad effect on a person's mental health. Cannabis
can demotivate you, it doesn't energise people and they sit around
watching TV or playing music all day when they probably should be
doing something more constructive.

"It can also lead to depression and psychosis even."

He said a lot of people were still confused over the drug's
classification with many still believing it to be a class C drug, and
therefore legal to use.

Cannabis is in fact a Class B drug - illegal to have, give away or
sell. Possession can get you up to five years in jail and supplying
someone else, including your friends, can get you 14 years and an
unlimited fine.

Lynn Bransby, head of delivery for the south for the National
Treatment Agency, said it was sometimes easy for people to think they
did not have a serious drug problem if they still have a job and a
home. She said: "Parents who regularly use drugs or alcohol can fail
to realise the emotional effect of their behaviour on their children,
especially if they are holding down jobs or providing a home.

"The issue is whether the parents have reached a level of
self-absorbtion that's causing harm for the family or their drug use
is so habitual that they themselves are at risk of addiction.

"In that case they should see a doctor or seek treatment.

"Drug treatment is readily available for people whose drug use is
problematic and impacting on their or their children's ability to live
their lives."

In Swindon there are specialist services offering advice to people who
are using cannabis and support to people whose friends or family may
be using drugs.

Young people can contact U-Turn, and SWADS offers help for those aged
over 18.

Contact U-turn on 01793 465040 or SWADS on 01793 695405.