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"I was 15 when I was referred to the Matthew Project by the safeguarding lead at my school. I needed help to stop smoking cannabis. I'd been smoking for a couple of years and couldn’t do it on my own.   I live with my Mum. She and Dad split up. They were always arguing when they were together. I didn't like it. The memories of shouting and the fact that it didn’t leave much time for me was one of the reasons I started smoking. I felt like cutting and I did sometimes. I was getting bad marks at school, I didn’t want to go, I felt that school was the last place I wanted to be. Cannabis use was affecting my mental health, and I felt anxious and struggled to sleep.  I first smoked cannabis after school. Most of my friends had tried it. Then I would hang out with older mates, and sometimes we smoked at my home. It was hard to say no when they asked. My mum felt helpless to do anything. There was concern about county lines involvement. Then I became at risk of being excluded from school for inappropriate behaviour and no attendance. That's when I asked for help.  The first session with The Matthew Project was about them getting to know me and introducing me to the service. Building a trusting relationship is an important part of their initial work as young people can often feel uncomfortable sharing details about themselves with a professional, they just met.   They asked lots of questions to build a better picture of my life which helped them to create a support plan with me. We wrote down the goals that I wanted to achieve and what would help to get me there. My priorities were to cut down on substance use, improve my mental health, get support with my education, and improve my friend and family relationships. The process wasn’t too formal which put me at ease.   Me and my worker focused on improving my eating habits and sleeping pattern. I started exercising daily for 20 mins, came off my phone before bed and kept my room tidy. I started to feel less tired in the mornings...  Then my worker helped me get back into football which was great because I stopped wanting to smoke so much and I got my appetite back!   After checking with me, my worker also had a chat with my mum as I was worried about telling the older mates that they couldn't come to my house to smoke. It helped her understand how to help me and we have a much better relationship now.  Me and my mum found Unity service really helpful. I think not only did it help with my cannabis use but also with my anxiety and low mood... and it's kept me at school, so I stand a better chance of getting my GCSE's!  I have cut down on my usage massively, although I still smoke sometimes. Unity have kept my case open so I can continue with the support when I need it, which is really reassuring to know. Big thanks to everyone from The Matthew Project that helped me." Do you feel like your worried that your own drug/alcohol use is having a significant impact on you or others around you? If so, click on the button below to see how we can help.

"Ever since I was young my dad always suffered with a drinking issue. It’s not until I got older that I realised it was also affecting my life. His drinking became worse when I joined sixth form, which is when it began affecting my day to day life. I was turning up to school exhausted, not just physically but emotionally. This was having an effect on my school work and learning. I knew it was no longer something I could handle on my own and I had to talk to somebody, but I didn’t know who to reach out to. I spoke to my school and shortly they got me in contact with The Matthew Project. I felt very nervous to talk to somebody at the Matthew Project as I was always very apprehensive to tell people about my home life due to fear of judgement. However, as soon as I met Sharon I felt instantly put at ease and she felt like a friend that I could talk to about anything. Sharon helped me to cope with the issues not only going on at home but also the stresses of sixth form. Even when I didn’t want to talk about what was going on at home, she would always listen to anything I had to say and would always give me positive advice. Throughout my 2 years with Sharon I have managed to cope with my dad’s drinking so much better and he is now receiving help and has quit drinking. I finished sixth form and now I’m at university and I don’t think I would’ve reached this point if I hadn’t received help. I am so grateful for the Matthew Project but specifically for Sharon who always helped me over every hurdle I came across" Do you feel like your worried about a family members drug/alcohol use? If so click the button below to find out more on how we can help support you.

What you should know about Cannabis This page will talk you through the myths surrounding cannabis and how it impacts different parts of your brain. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service . Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. Endocannabinoid System and the brain Your brain is made up of billions of cells that send messages to each other all the time. These messages help control how your body works and how you think , feel , and act . You also have something called the endocannabinoid system. It's part of your body that helps keep everything balanced, like your mood, memory, appetite, and even how you feel pain. It works by making natural chemicals called cannabinoids , which attach to tiny spots on your brain cells called receptors . These natural cannabinoids help your brain cells turn "up " or "down " activity in different parts of the brain, depending on what your body needs . This system works smoothly on its own. Helping you feel and function normally . What happens when you use cannabis (get high)? When we use cannabis, we flood our brains with extra cannabinoids . Cannabinoids like THC are not the same as those our bodies make but are similar enough to bind to our receptors. This throws the endocannabinoid system out of balance , which is what causes the "high ". When you use cannabis regularly , your brain gets used to the extra cannabinoids and tries to adapt . This means you'll need more cannabis to feel the same effect (that's called tolerance ). If you stop using, your body can struggle to find it's balance again. That's why people sometimes get withdrawal symptoms , like: Headaches, chills, sweating or stomach pain Feeling moody, angry, anxious or down Trouble sleeping Not feeling hungry Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) can happen to people who use cannabis a lot over a long time . It causes nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain that can come and go. The exact reason it happens isn’t fully known and the only way to get better is to stop using cannabis. The symptoms usually go away after quitting, but it can take weeks or months to feel completely normal again. How cannabis affects different parts of your brain Hover over the boxes below to see more details. Motivation and pleasure (Nucleus Accumbens) Cannabis can make things feel funnier or more interesting than usual. Decision making & thinking (Neocortex) Cannabis can make it harder to focus, think clearly, or make good decisions. Cannabis can make it harder to remember things or make new memories. Memory (Hippocampus) Movement planning (Basal Ganglia) Cannabis can make your reactions slow down. Cannabis may make you feel clumsier or less in control of your movements. Coordination and Balance (Cerebellum) Cannabis might make you feel extra hungry (aka “the munchies”). Hunger control (Hypothalamus) Pain and body functions (Brain Stem & Spine) Cannabis can reduce pain and stop you from feeling like you need to be sick. Stress emotions - fight or flight (Amygdala) Cannabis may make you feel anxious, paranoid or panicky. Drawings by Sam Pearson. Myths Below are some myths about cannabis that we hear often from young people. Hover over the myth to see the truth. “Cannabis isn’t harmful, it’s natural, so it’s fine.” Cannabis can cause harm, especially for young people under the age of 25 because your brain is still developing. It can affect your memory, motivation, and mood and in some cases, it can lead to anxiety, paranoia or worsen mental health. Some people develop a dependency where they feel they must use it every day and get withdrawal symptoms when they stop such as low mood, sleep problems, feeling irritable, loss of appetite or problems regulating your body temperature. Myth 1 “Cannabis helps everyone chill out.” While it might relax some people in the in the short term, it can make anxiety worse for others, and long-term use can impact motivation and mental health. Myth 2 “Cannabis is legal if you have a small amount on you for personal use" Cannabis is not legal in the UK, even if you only have a small amount for personal use. It is classed as a Class B drug, and being caught with it can still get you into trouble and the police will confiscate it. You could receive a police caution, be arrested or have a criminal record. For under 18’s, the police are allowed to tell your parent/carers that you’ve been caught with drugs. Myth 3 “It’s fine to drive after using cannabis. It doesn’t affect you like alcohol does.” Driving high is dangerous and illegal. Cannabis can seriously impair your reaction time, focus, coordination, and ability to judge distance and speed. That means if you get into a car with someone who has used cannabis, even if they feel okay, their brain and body aren’t working at full capacity. This could lead to a crash that harms you, your friends, or someone else. Myth 4 THC Vapes THC vapes are vapes or e-cigarettes that contain THC or THC-like substances. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis - it's what causes the "high." These devices are designed to heat cannabis concentrates that contain THC, turning them into an inhalable vapour. Vaping THC may produce faster and stronger highs compared to smoking the same amount, this can increase the chance of adverse effects , such as anxiety, paranoia, dizziness and nausea. THC vapes and liquids are illegal and unregulated . Pure THC oil can be expensive so dealers may dilute or replace THC oil with the cheaper substances such as synthetic cannabinoids (spice) or synthetic opioids (nitazenes) and additives which can be extremely harmful, heavy metals, and oils ). Metals and particles inhaled into the lungs cause inflammation and long-term harm - there is no quality control or lab testing. Psychotic disorders linked to THC use: Frequent high dose use particularly in young people and those genetically predisposed is linked to a higher risk of psychotic disorders. The risk of psychotic disorders developing increases with how young the user is, frequency of use and potency of THC. Acute psychotic episodes - short term hallucinations, delusion, paranoia, or disorganized thinking while under the influence of cannabis or during withdrawals. Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder (CIPD) - a diagnosis when psychotic symptoms occur during or shortly after cannabis use that can’t be explained by another condition. Increased risk of developing schizophrenia or persistent psychotic disorders - in individuals with a genetic predisposition or certain environmental risk factors. Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates If you decide to use cannabis, it’s important to know there are always risks . The only way to completely avoid these risks is to not use cannabis. But if you do decide to use it, keep these tips in mind: Holding cannabis smoke in your lungs does not get you any higher. THC is absorbed quickly in the lungs, holding smoke in only increases the amount of tar and other harmful chemicals retained in the lungs. Cannabis comes in varying strains and strengths so your experience on cannabis can differ each time you use. Start by using a small amount and wait for the effects to kick in before deciding whether to use more. Avoid using cannabis when you are feeling low or stressed. Cannabis may provide a short-term relief , but after the effects wear off you may end up feeling anxious or paranoid. Regular cannabis use can impact sleep and appetite. At first, it might seem to help you relax, fall asleep, or increase appetite. Over time your brain adjusts by reducing the sensitivity of its cannabinoid receptors. This leads to tolerance - you need more cannabis to get the same effects, when you stop, you might experience trouble sleeping or loss of appetite until your body readjusts. Take regular breaks from using as the habit can build and form quickly . These breaks can reduce tolerance and reliance on the substance. If you find this difficult then it may be a good time to reach out for support . Do not mix with other drugs as this can negatively impact your experience, intensify side effects and increase the risk of you coming to harm. Mixing cannabis with alcohol increases the chances of “spinning out” and vomiting. Regularly clean out any bongs or paraphernalia. These can be breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly looked after. Young People's Stories Hear from young people in our service about the impact of Cannabis use on their life. Young person - 1 “I first started smoking weed when I was 13 because me and my best friend wanted to experience what it was like to be “high”. It made me feel really chilled out, i found things extra funny and food tasted 10x better. It was so fun I started doing it more often, it went from doing it once a month to most days after college or at the weekends. It is hard to quit as nearly all of my friends smoke weed. If it’s offered to me, the thought of a couple hours of relaxation - no stress, no responsibilities - makes it easy to say yes. Being out with friends and smoking made me forget my pressures and struggles for a while. However, the high came with downsides: I would become paranoid about getting caught and lost all motivation for school work and life responsibilities. I didn’t realise I had a problem until I started wanting to be high all the time. It was a temporary escape from my stresses, college and worries about my future. However these stresses only built up as I avoided them with drugs. I decided to find support once I got caught various times with weed. I was ruining family relationships and finding it harder to get things done in life. My life had become a mess and the relaxation I got from weed became less fun and more stressful. If you are dealing with cannabis addiction I advise spending time with people who don’t use drugs. Being with my friends who wanted to purely spend time together and laugh - not passing round a joint the whole time - was so refreshing. I began to remember the life I used to love before drugs. The hobbies i found fun in and the life experiences Id missed out on through spending my life around drugs.” Cannabis Website Video (1) Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Video Prefer watching instead of reading? Check out this short video about Cannabis to see how it affects people and get the facts you need. Cannabis - Respect Your Brain Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied About The Matthew Project If you’re under 19 and using ketamine or other substances, our Unity service is here to support you. You won’t get in trouble for reaching out. Click the button below to learn more about the Unity service. If you are 19 or over, you will need to contact Change Grow Live. Unity Service

The Matthew Project is a Norfolk charity offering free, confidential support for young people dealing with issues around drugs, alcohol, or family substance use. Our services include YouCan (help for under-19s affected by a family member’s substance use), Unity (support for under-19s impacted by personal or others' substance use), and On Track (guidance for 13-24s facing barriers to education or employment). Welcome! Here you can see our young people services that we run at The Matthew Project. Our services aim to support, empower and advise young people. YouCan If your worried about a family member or relative using drugs/alcohol, use the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Age under 19's Living in Norfolk Impacted by family/relative drug/alcohol use Read More Unity If you are worried that your own drug/alcohol use is having a significant impact on you or others around you, click on the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Age under 19's Living in Norfolk Want to stop/reduce drugs/alcohol use Read More On Track Do you have barriers making it difficult to find/stay in education/employment. Use the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: 13 - 24 year olds Living in Norfolk At risk/not in education or employment Read More Accessibility We believe all young people should have equal access to information and support regardless of barriers. To see how we do this follow the button below. Read More Have Your Say We value our young peoples feedback and ideas. If you would like to see how you can have your say, please follow the button below. Read More Your Stories Want to know about another young persons experience? Click the button below to see some short stories from other young people we have helped. Read More What's New Load more

What you should know about Cocaine This page talks through the effects of cocaine, risks and harm reduction. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service . Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. ⚠️ Contaminated Cocaine ⚠️ Some Cocaine in Norfolk has been found to contain dangerous synthetic substances called Nitazenes. Nitazenes have been linked to overdoses and even deaths. Risks of using Cocaine Hover over the photos below, to see the risks of using Cocaine. Health Increased heart rate High blood pressure Anxiety Depression Paranoia Hallucinations Seizures Agitation Feeling Disconnected or Psychotic Symptoms Low Mood or Depression Panic Attacks Memory Problems Overdose Tolerance can build quickly, so users would need to use more to get the same effects. This increases the risk of overdose. Heart Attack Stroke Damage to the Nasal Passage including nose bleeds, scabs in the nostrils, whistling sound from nose, pain, persistent runny nose and loss of smell. Nasal Passage Cocaine and the Brain The Limbic System Cocaine affects a part of the brain called the limbic system. This area controls things like hunger, sleep, and emotions, and it's also where we feel pleasure and rewards. When someone uses cocaine, it causes a big rush of a brain chemical called dopamine , which makes them feel very good for a short time . Cocaine stops the brain from reusing dopamine, so the good feeling lasts longer. But after the drug wears off, the brain can run low on dopamine, which can lead to feeling sad, tired, or unmotivated. The Limbic System Nucleus Accumbens Drawing by Sam Pearson. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is the part of your brain that controls pleasure and motivation - basically, how much you want something. When someone uses cocaine, it causes a surge in dopamine, creating a strong feeling of pleasure and reward . Cocaine changes the brain cells in the NAc, making them more sensitive to the drug. These changes make the person feel a stronger urge to use. The brain forms powerful memories of the good feelings connected to cocaine, which trigger cravings . This makes it harder to stop using the drug, even when the person knows it's harmful . Unlike many other pleasurable experiences, the brain’s emotional attachment to cocaine lasts longer, making it more difficult to stop using even after a long gap. Chronic cocaine use can also affect other parts of the brain, not just the areas linked to pleasure. These changes can make it harder for someone to think clearly or reflect on their own behaviour. This means people may not realise how serious their cocaine use has become, or they may struggle to see the harm it's causing in their life. It may reduce how pleasurable everything else feels, like eating nice food. Cocaine can change behaviour and decision-making, and over time, it may reduce a person's ability to recognise the negative consequences of their drug use. In some cases, these brain changes can become long-lasting or even permanent , making recovery more challenging than with some other drugs. Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates If you use Cocaine, it’s important to know there are always risks. The only way to completely avoid these risks is to not use Cocaine, But if you do decide to use it, keep these tips in mind: . Don’t mix with other drugs - Mixing cocaine with other substances can increase the risk of overdose or unpredictable reaction. Mixing alcohol and cocaine creates another substance in the body called Cocaethylene. This means it can cause much greater strain on the heart, liver and cardiovascular system. If snorting cocaine, ensure you alternate nostrils. After use, use sterile or bottled water or a saline spray, to flush any residue from your nostrils, this will prevent any left-over substance sitting in your nostrils and causing any damage. Use a clean personal sniffing straw, never share straws, notes or keys as these can lead to the spread of blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C. We can provide Hep B inoculations – 3 vaccinations. Over 90% effective after the full series. The vaccinations contain non-infectious parts of the virus so it trains the immune system to recognize and fight off hep B if you’re exposed. Crush substances finely, larger bits can damage the delicate lining of the nostril causing cuts that can lead to infection or nose bleeds. Before use, use a saline spray to hydrate nasal lining and reduce irritation. What Young People in Our Service Have to Say Hear from young people about the impact of cocaine use on their lives. Cocaine Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied I first started using cocaine at age 17 as to try it, but it never grew on me much. They say “cocaine gives you a boost” which is what made me try it. I’d thought it would give me a nice energetic feeling, hence why I tried it. Cocaine made me in a terrible mood after using, as I felt really tired and hardly spoke to anyone around me My nose is atrocious, it will be bleeding and it really hurts, but when you sniff it makes it go number so it stops the pain. You’re kind of doing it to get rid of the pain, but in the long run it causes more pain. About The Matthew Project If you’re under 19 and using ketamine or other substances, our Unity service is here to support you. You won’t get in trouble for reaching out. Click the button below to learn more about the Unity service. If you are 19 or over, you will need to contact Change Grow Live. Unity Service