Today (January 30) marks Parental Mental Health Day and Knowsley Council is raising awareness of the support available for parents who might be struggling with their child’s use of drugs, alcohol or vaping.
Drug and alcohol use can be very concerning for a parent and understanding the best way to support a child can have a significant impact on a parent or carers mental health.
How to spot the signs of drug or alcohol use
The following signs do not necessarily mean your child is using drugs or alcohol but are worth looking out for and could be used to open up a discussion with your child:
- Started hanging around with new friends who may use drugs or drink alcohol
- Low moods, mood swings or changes in attitude
- Changes in sleep pattern – are they struggling to get out bed or going to bed very late?
- Being secretive or evasive about their whereabouts or what they have been up to
- Changes in school performance or attendance
- Smelling of alcohol
- Poor mental health
- Headaches or vomiting in the morning (hangover from alcohol)
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Red-rimmed eyes and/or a runny nose
- Money or alcohol going missing regularly for no apparent reason
How to access support in Knowsley
In Knowsley, drug support services are available for anyone aged 10+ and can be accessed via Change Grow Live. Visit www.changegrowlive.org/integrated-recovery-service-knowsley.
If a parent or carer is worried about a child smoking or vaping, they can find support via Smokefree Knowsley.
There is also a range of support and guidance online for parents and carers who want to speak to their child about drug and alcohol use. These include:
Mental health support for parents and carers
Parents and carers who are struggling with their mental health due to the pressures of drug and alcohol use in the family can access support.
The Kind to Your Mind website is a ‘one stop shop’ for a wide array of services and resources, including self-help apps, online courses, and expert advice and information
Kind to Your Mind allows users to build a personalised support plan by answering questions and receiving recommend support services tailored directly to your specific mental health needs.
Mental health crisis support
Available 24/7. If you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. The help line is available 24/7 for people of all ages including children and young people
Samaritans
A safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123. Visit www.samaritans.org/