Admitting that you have got a problem is the first step in getting help. Your local GP would be the first place to start to get that help, they will have details of recovery units or organisations that will be able to give you help and support. See related websites for further information.
It is not only illegal drugs that people can become addicted to; some medication such as pain killers and anti depressants can be addictive for some people.
The only safe limit of alcohol to have in your blood and drive is zero!
It is not advisable to even have one drink and drive as alcohol impairs your judgement and lessens your reflexes. The official amount of alcohol is 22 microgrammes per 100ml of breath reading. This cannot be translated into an exact amount of units as it depends on many factors, height and weight, time when last drink consumed etc, so the best advice is not to drink at all or to order a taxi.
The police cannot answer this as we are not medical experts. For advice on alcohol issues, help can be found on 08004 488 688 (Alcohol addiction help).
It is an offence to sell alcohol to persons under the age of 18. If you know an off licence that is selling alcohol to persons under this age, you should contact your local police force or Trading Standards Office who will take details. The person that is selling the alcohol to the under aged youths could face a fine.
Please also note that it is an offence to purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of 18 (also known as 'proxy purchasing'). Please see the link in related information for more details.
It is common that if you have spoken to your child/friend, they themselves will not admit the problem. If you do not feel you can do anything more personally, then you could contact your local GP who may be able to offer some help.
There are also several web sites that are listed in related information which, may be of assistance.
There is no specific offence of supplying alcohol to children whilst in your own home; however there could well be issues in relation to endangering a child and issues relating to the protection of children.
Any concern for the safety and welfare of children should be reported to the police.These issues could be difficult to prove but it is still worth contacting your local police force and passing on the information. Each case will have to be assessed on its own merits.
It is also advisable to contact all the parents of children concerned to inform them of the situation.
Every Local Authority has the power to make bye-laws for the purpose of suppressing nuisances in their area. This power is provided for by the Local Government Scotland Act 1973.
Many local authorities across Scotland have introduced bye-laws prohibiting public drinking. The byelaws also include having an open container of alcohol in a designated area.
It would be advisable to contact your local Police Force or Local Authority who will have details of any bye-laws prohibiting public drinking in your area.
Although cannabis has been reclassified, it is still illegal to possess, supply or produce it. You could still face imprisonment and a fine if you are convicted.
For information on ‘cannabis-based medicinal products’, please see FAQ What is a ‘cannabis-based medicinal product’?
It might be worth speaking to your friend/child in a tactful and calm way or by dropping hints. There is not a lot that anyone else can do unless the person themselves is willing to admit that they have a problem. The organisations listed in related websites may be able to offer help and support.
Contact the local authority who will have the equipment required to dispose of the needles safely. If there are a large amount of needles appearing on a regular basis then after contacting the local authority, please contact the police.
Do not pick the needle up yourself as you may injure yourself and could be in danger of being infected.