For carers

Here are some resources that will support your care for young people who are vulnerable to substance use or currently using substances.  They offer information and strategies that will help you protect, understand and respond to substance use amongst young people.

Protect

Understand

Respond

For workers

Here are some resources that will support your care for young people who are vulnerable to substance use or currently using substances.  They offer information and strategies in understanding, identifying and responding to young people who use substances, particularly those who are substance affected.

Signs of intoxication poster

This matrix is a basic guide to assist front line workers to recognise common signs of intoxication.  It is not a diagnostic tool.  How young people present may be affected by other substances, withdrawal symptoms, mental health, or general health conditions.

If you notice these signs, follow your organisation’s policies and procedures.

One of the most easily accessible sources of information is often the young person or their friends.  If appropriate, ask them what they have taken.

Signs of overdose/toxicity poster

This matrix is a basic guide to assist front line workers to recognise common signs of overdose and toxicity.  It is not a diagnostic tool.    How young people present may be affected by other substances, withdrawal symptoms, mental health, or general health conditions.

If you notice these signs, follow your organisation’s policies and procedures.

One of the most easily accessible sources of information is often the young person or their friends.  If appropriate, ask them what they have taken.

Supporting young people who use substances poster

This resource outlines the core understandings that guide how we can support of young people who use substances.

This guide has been designed to complement but not replace your organisational guidelines, policies and procedures – please refer to and follow them.

Supporting substance affected young people - overview

This resource provides a framework for a dynamic approach to working with young people who use drugs or alcohol.

This guide has been designed to complement but not replace your organisational guidelines, policies and procedures – please refer to and follow them.

Supporting substance affected young people – meth come down

This guide provides a framework for supporting young people who are ‘coming down’ from methamphetamine use.

This guide has been designed to complement but not replace your organisational guidelines, policies and procedures – please refer to and follow them.