Young people are being urged to think before drinking excessively, taking drugs or mixing the two during this Valentines.
A campaign launched by DAN 24/7- Wales‘ confidential drug and alcohol helpline – and supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and all Wales Police forces warns of the dangers of drinking excessively, taking illegal substances or mixing the two together and urges young people to have fun sensibly when celebrating this Valentines.
Valentine’s is a time to have fun and let your hair down, however it is important for everyone, especially young people, to think about what they are taking and how it might affect them. That is why DAN 24/7 are giving away FREE ‘Spikey’s’ to each caller on 0800 633 55 88 throughout February. The Spikey’s are used to prevent either powdered or tablet substances being put into a persons drink without them knowing.
At some stage in every young person’s life there is an element of experimentation. Our aim is to give people the information to make an informed choice about what they are doing
Janet Roberts Helpline Manager for DAN Say’s ‘Excessive alcohol and drugs will change a person’s usual judgement and inhibitions which can lead people into trouble, cause illness or injury and can even result in death’. This single point of contact allows users with an easy route to accessing treatment and also offers wide-ranging benefits for their families and carers. The bilingual helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free and confidential.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Jewell said: “Young people are more likely to use drugs and alcohol together, and they are getting younger and younger. I urge young people to stop and think before drinking too much, taking drugs, or even worse, mixing the two – which creates a very dangerous cocktail”.
Around 45,000 hospital admissions and 1,000 deaths every year in Wales can be described as alcohol-attributable. We need to educate people about the health risks associated with exceeding safe drinking limits and empower them to resist peer pressure.”
Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Carl Sargeant welcomed the campaign saying: “The DAN 24/7 helpline is an important part of our efforts to tackle substance misuse in Wales.
North Wales Police fully support this campaign. Sergeant Tony Gatley said: “We want young people to enjoy themselves on this particular occasion but to do so safely and within the law, please don’t drink excessively, take drugs or mix the two together.”
The campaign to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs will run throughout February.
The DAN 24/7 Helpline is important for anybody wanting some free and confidential advice and support.”
You can Contact DAN 24/7 on 0800 633 55 88. Lines are open 24 hours a day every day of the year.
