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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: More Than 5000 Cumbrian Kids Have Tried Drugs Stephen Meredith and Alice Ross The News and Star, Cumbria Thursday 25 Sep 2003 More Than 5000 Cumbrian Kids Have Tried Drugs. This Phone Number Could Save Your Child's Life A NEW helpline has been set up in Cumbria to help save the lives of children after shock figures revealed that more than 5,000 kids in the county have tried drugs. The 24-hour Signpost line, launched yesterday by the Rising Sun Trust charity, will be manned by volunteers ready to offer support to parents, carers and users, who may feel there is nowhere else to turn. Statistics compiled for Cumbrias Drug Action Team show that around 5,500 children in Cumbria have tried drugs. That amounts to around 30 per cent of the countys youngsters, with 16-18-year-olds the most prominent age group. A leading drugs expert in the county said today that if children could be stopped from drinking alcohol, it would also minimise many of the drug problems. Paul Brown, director of Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service, said: Alcohol is one of the main problems. It often leads to children trying drugs. If children are drunk, they are more open to suggestions and will often try drugs for the first time under the influence of alcohol. Most of the youngsters in the county who have tried drugs will have dabbled with cannabis, thankfully not harder drugs like heroin or crack. But there will be a handful of youngsters who have tried heroin, which is worrying. Many others will try cannabis but will not continue using it. But the figure is still far too high and anything that can be done to help is good news. Children arent trying amphetamines and ecstasy as much as they used to but the new recreational drug is cocaine, which is becoming more prevalent, and that it is a worry. Crack cocaine is also becoming more common in the north of England. This new helpline will be very helpful for parents. Many parents arent too bothered about their children having the occasional drink because they did it as youngsters but, when it comes to illegal drugs, they panic. Studies show that more young people experience problems caused by drinking too much alcohol than from drug use. New Home Office figures released this week reveal that children as young as 10 are being treated for alcohol abuse in the county. Cumbria County Council figures for 2001-2002 showed that four school pupils were expelled and 74 suspended for either possessing, using or selling drugs alarmingly, up 85 per cent on the previous year. The new helpline is one of two new services which form part of a Cumbria-wide drugs strategy designed to stop young people slipping through the countys net of support services. The second is a face-to-face form of help called Straightline, which provides advice for young drug users from development workers. Cumbrias 10 to 19-year-olds are as likely to try drugs as anywhere else in the country. And abuse of other substances such as tobacco, alcohol and glue is also a recognised problem. Social inclusion co-ordinator Deana Benzie, of Cumbria Connexions, said the careers and advice organisation often finds drug abuse gets in the way of a young persons new career. A joint approach from agencies such as health organisations, charities and education services, can help to reduce these problems, she said. Sometimes people arent aware of whats on offer, because we are such a large county. This is about raising awareness of what exists and looking towards ensuring a joint approach,she added. Ex-heroin and amphetamine user Laura Fox, 21, of Workington, is training to be a support worker after assistance from Turning Point, a drugs and alcohol charity. She said: Its so important that they amalgamate all the services and theres somewhere you can phone. I have got a young boy and I want him to know as much about drugs as possible so he doesnt end up where I am. I just didnt know where to go. If you are worried about your son or daughters drug abuse or fear they may have tried drugs call Signpost on 0800 0838 449. The service is free and open 24 hours a day.
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