Information

South East Young People's Addiction Support (SEYPAS) service

This page provides clear, practical information about addiction-related difficulties experienced by young people.

It is intended to help make sense of behaviours, risks, and choices, without judgement or pressure.

Addiction and Young People

Addiction-related difficulties can affect young people in many different ways. These may involve substances such as alcohol or drugs, or behaviours such as gambling, gaming, or online activity.

For some young people, these behaviours are occasional. For others, they can begin to:

• feel difficult to control
• interfere with education, work, or relationships
• affect mood, sleep, motivation, or mental health
• lead to stress, conflict, or legal difficulties

There is no single pathway into difficulty, and no single reason why problems develop.

Why It Can Be Hard to Talk About

Many young people delay seeking support because they:

• worry about being judged or labelled
• fear getting into trouble
• are unsure whether their behaviour is "serious enough"
• feel conflicted about change
• prefer to manage things on their own

SEYPAS recognises that uncertainty and ambivalence are normal. Wanting to talk does not mean committing to change.

Substances and Behaviours

Young people may experience difficulties related to:

• Alcohol
• Cannabis and other drugs
• Cocaine and stimulants
• Prescription or over-the-counter medication
• Gambling (online or in person)
• Gaming and online behaviours

Different behaviours carry different risks, and those risks can change depending on age, frequency, mental health, stress levels, and environment.

Risk, Harm, and Safety

SEYPAS takes a harm-reduction and recovery approach.

This means:

• supporting young people to understand risks
• helping reduce harm where possible
• providing accurate, non-sensational information
• prioritising safety, wellbeing, and informed choice

Risk does not only relate to substances or behaviours. It can also involve:

• emotional distress
• pressure from peers
• family conflict
• financial difficulties
• contact with the justice system

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Addiction-related difficulties often overlap with mental health concerns such as:

• anxiety
• low mood or depression
• trauma or past adverse experiences
• stress related to school, work, or relationships

SEYPAS does not treat issues in isolation. Support focuses on understanding how different aspects of a young person's life connect.

Change and Readiness

Change is rarely straightforward.

Some young people want to make changes quickly. Others are unsure, or feel stuck between wanting things to be different and not wanting to give something up.

SEYPAS recognises that:

• readiness varies over time
• pressure can increase resistance
• understanding often comes before action

There is value in talking things through, even when change feels distant.

Information for Parents, Carers, and Professionals

Parents, carers, and professionals often feel unsure how best to respond when a young person is struggling.

Helpful responses usually involve:

• listening without panic
• avoiding blame or confrontation
• staying curious rather than assuming
• encouraging support rather than forcing it

SEYPAS can support young people directly, and can also help others understand how to approach conversations in a supportive way.