Substance Use & Addiction

Experimentation with substances such as alcohol, vaping or drugs can be a common part of adolescence, but for some young people, occasional use can quickly develop into risky or harmful patterns. Curiosity, peer influence and stress are often contributing factors, while today's easy access and social normalisation make early exposure more likely. Substance use can affect a young person's mood, judgement, learning and relationships and may signal deeper issues such as anxiety, trauma or low...