Vaping can be a good way to cut down and help quit smoking as there are less known risks with it, however scientists are still figuring out what the long term effects of vaping are as it’s so new!

One thing we do know is that some vape liquids have additional chemicals included to make them more appealing, such as Diacetyl – a chemical that is used in popcorn to give it a buttery taste. Inhaling this chemical can lead to scarring of the lungs known as ‘Popcorn lungs’ – named after hundreds of popcorn workers inhaled too much of this chemical and damaged their lungs. Watch this video to find out more about smoking vs vaping.

Compared to smoking though you can choose the levels of nicotine in the vapes so that you can slowly reduce your intake and this might help you quit smoking altogether.

More information on E-Cigarettes.

Pot, Weed, Skunk, Northern Lights, No.5, NL5 x Haze, Super Silver Haze, White Widow, White Rhino, White Shark, Cheese, Amnesia Haze…

Cannabis is a drug that comes from a bushy plant found wild in most parts of the world. In Western countries it is generally used as a relaxant and mild intoxicant.

Using cannabis causes a number of psychological and physical effects including diminished memory, attention, confusion and lack of motivation plus increased pulse rate, decreased blood pressure, bloodshot eyes, increased appetite, tiredness and occasionally, dizziness.

The main active chemical in it is tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC for short).

Cannabis is SO common but it’s important to remember it is a drug and that it can cause harm. Find out how cannabis can affect your health here.

There is no such thing as fair trade or ethical cannabis – someone somewhere is making a profit. Check out this animation below and get the facts.

How do you know if you are drinking too much? Complete a quick confidential self-assessment here!

Want to find out the recommended guidelines? Click here. 

Remember there is NO safe limit for under 18’s. There are many reasons for this, such as, your brain is still developing and this could affect learning and memory. Alcohol is also linked to depression and early drinking could lead to serious alcohol related problems in the future.

How do you know when you’re safe to drive? Use the morning after calculator to find out. Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit could lead to 6 months imprisonment, an unlimited fine and / or a driving ban for at least a year.

Drinking can be seen as a safe drug as it’s common and legal, but there are a lot of health risks associated with drinking. Get clued up here!

There is no normal, everyone drinks different amounts and everyone is affected by it differently.

See here for how alcohol affects your health. Find out about mixing alcohol with other drugs here:

Using drugs (including alcohol) to cope with stress is a short term solution which only masks the problem, and can actually increase stress levels.

Find out how to cope with stress here.

Stressed about exams? Head on over to our #NOSTRESSSUCCESS campaign which helps identify stress levels during studying, ideas on how to cope, videos to help and information on what you can do after your GCSEs.

Drinks Meter – Anonymous, personalised feedback on your drinking.

Drinkaware – Track & calculate your units.

Drink Coach – Unit, calorie & cost calculator, 7 day summaries, goals, reminders.

A drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body, alters the body’s function either physically and/or psychologically. Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine and tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin).

Some people become depressed, angry, aggressive, sleepy, unmotivated, paranoid, anxious or talkative when using drugs.

Drug use can also lead to social and emotional problems and negative effects on relationships with family and friends.

Just because a drug is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Find out about legal drugs here.

Some people use drugs to try to make them feel better physically or psychologically, because they are addicted or because they enjoy it, and for various other reasons. If you need help with mental health and wellbeing speak to your GP, find out how RU-OK can help you here and visit Find Get Give to speak to someone.

Socialising, trying new things and having a good time are all things that most teenagers are interested in, and that makes sense, but that doesn’t mean that you have to drink alcohol, take drugs and smoke. That can feel easier said than done if the friends and people around you are all doing these things, so what can you do?

Find ways of saying it’s not your thing that don’t leave you feeling isolated.

Try and mix with different people. There will be others out there who feel the same as you or who are more accepting of different ways of hanging out. Meet new people.

Brighton and Hove has lots of activities, groups and events for young people.

Thrill-seeking? Tried water-sports? Rock climbing? These have an added bonus of increased wellbeing and fitness points!

Remember – listen to your gut and if you feel uncomfortable in a situation it’s okay to say “no" or make excuses and step away… you can make your own choices!!

Drugs (which includes alcohol) affect your judgement and lower your ability to make safe choices, this includes engaging in risky sexual behaviour.

Sexual Activity and Consent

Consent means agreeing to do something. When it comes to sex, this means someone agreeing to take part in a sexual activity. This includes any kind of sexual activity, like kissing or fondling. When people are drunk or high, they are more vulnerable to engaging in sexual activity without having given or received consent. Sexual activity, at whatever age without consent is against the law. 

Only condoms can protect you from STI’s (and you can get these for free here). Check yourself out at the free, confidential clinics (want to know what getting tested is like? Honestly it’s SO easy – watch this video!!)

If you have had unprotected sex and want help/find out your options with emergency contraception and testing find out about the free drop-in centers and GP surgeries here.

Be prepared, get clued up and protect yourselves.