Schools - responding to substance use: guidance
Guidance for schools in Scotland on responding to substance use (including vapes and other nicotine products).
Appendix 2
Further resources
Alcohol and drug support
Support services for children and young people
Below are some areas that can provide support for drugs and alcohol issues that children and young people may be facing. Please note within each local area there will be other services that can provide support.
- With You
- Crew 2000 Scotland
- Know the score
- Honest information about drugs – FRANK
- Drug and Alcohol Advice for Young People – The Mix
- Safe4Me
Support for family members
Families can be a key partner in providing support and improved outcomes as outlined in our drug and alcohol family’s framework[9] and vision and blueprint for holistic, whole family support[10]. In some cases, family members may need support themselves to address their own needs.
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs are an organisation that can provide support for family members.
- For young people who are affected by alcohol and drugs within their family Routes – Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs may be able to provide support.
Tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes
Information and support for children, young people and families
Childline: Vaping, its effects and how to quit | Childline, free confidential helpline: 0800 1111
NHS Inform – evidence-based information on vaping, tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Quit Your Way Scotland, Phone: 0800 84 84 84 or Online chat with an adviser
Parent Club – advice for parents on talking to children about vaping and Information and facts about vaping
Young Scot Truth About E-cigarettes – Young Scot
To ensure a non-stigmatising approach to substance use, helpful wording and principles can be found in: NHS-Borders-Language-Matters-Sept-2024.pdf.
Healthy and Smoke Free Scotland
Crew – THC Vapes and Psychoactive Drugs
Health/NHS Support
School Nursing Service – brief interventions and safeguarding support for children and young people concerned about substance use
Local GPs – can provide advice and referral to appropriate services
NHS Inform
Additional advice can be found at Vaping addiction soon takes hold | NHS inform and at Fast Forward
Mental health and wellbeing support
- Who to Contact for Mental Health Support – Young Scot
- Breathing Space, Phone: 0800 83 85 87
- NHS 24, Phone: 111
- Mind To Mind