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See frequently asked questions about our service and what we do. Frequently Asked Questions How do I get support for someone I know/myself? Anyone can get in touch with us to make a referral. This could be a parent, carer or professional or you. If you want to refer yourself or someone you know, you can do this by going to our contact us page to chat with a member of the team in the most accessible way for you. What happens when I get referred? We will contact you, or the person referring you and arrange to come and meet, in a place you feel comfortable. What happens if I change my mind? Just let us, or the person who referred you know. Our support is totally voluntary. We understand that people change their minds. You are always welcome to come back. Will you tell other people what I have said? We offer a confidential service. Confidentiality means us not telling anyone else about the things you tell us, we will talk to you about who you are comfortable with us talking to. Sometimes your parents, carers or teachers may be aware that you have been referred to us, particularly if you chose to see us at your school or home, this does not mean we will tell them everything that you tell us, we will discuss this with you and agree what information YOU feel comfortable sharing. If there’s a risk of very serious harm to you, or someone else, we may need to share some of what you have told us, we will try and talk to you and let you know what might happen next. Will you tell me to stop using drugs/alcohol? No we understand this is your choice and people use substances for a variety of reasons. We are not here to judge you, or tell you what to do, we will support you to decide what you want from the support. Do you have to tell my parents that I am working with you? If you are over 13 and we feel you understand what it means to get support from us, we do not need to tell your parents that we are supporting you. If you are under 13, we do need to get consent from your parent or carer to be able to offer you support. This doesn’t mean we will tell them what we talk about with you. Will I get into trouble? We will not share the information you tell us unless we are extremely worried for your safety, our aim would be to keep you safe not for you to get into trouble. How long can you work with people? For the YouCan and Unity service. Our support is not time limited we can continue to support you for as long as you feel you need the support. We can see you weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on what works best for you. For On Track, there are sometimes time limits depending on the service. Contact On Track's for more details. Is there a waiting list? We do have at times a waiting list but we will be in contact within 2 weeks and will always keep you updated of when a meeting will be booked. Can I see you in school? Yes we can come and meet you in a place you feel comfortable this could be at home, school, college, wherever you feel comfortable. Can I talk to you about other stuff? Yes we understand that drug or alcohol issues can be one of the issues you are facing, we will complete an assessment with you that will look at what other support may be useful, this could include mental and physical health, housing, education and relationship advice. Will there be a change in worker? We try not to change your worker, we know it can be difficult when one of our workers leave, if we have to change you to a new worker, we will ask you what kind of person you would feel most comfortable with and try and match you with one of our workers. Can I bring someone with me? Yes we understand it can be a big step meeting someone new. My parents/carers don't drive, how do I get to you? We come to you! We can meet you in a location you feel comfortable such as school and for our holiday activities we can arrange transport so you can attend.

Learn about cocaine, its effects on health and the brain, risks, and harm reduction tips. Created with input from young people in Norfolk, this page offers clear, honest information to help you stay informed. 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

Want to share your ideas and feedback? Leave them here with us. Have Your Say Your voice counts! We want to know what you think. Your ideas help us make our services more visible and better for young people like you. Here is a video about how you can get involved: Participation Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Ways You Can Get Involved Be on the Interview Panel When we hire new staff, young people from our service help us choose who gets the job! If you want to be part of an interview panel and have your say, just ask your worker how to get involved. Share Your Thoughts in Surveys Throughout the year, you’ll get the chance to share your opinions in short surveys. Your worker will help you fill them out, and your feedback helps us make things better for everyone. Join an Advisory Group Want to help shape how our services work? Join one of our advisory groups! You’ll help come up with new ideas and share what you think about how we do things. Make a Difference in Norfolk Take part in special participation days run by Norfolk County Council. You’ll meet other young people, share your views, and help make real changes across the county. Anonymous Feedback We believe young people should be at the heart of shaping our service. Your thoughts, ideas, and feedback help us grow and make things better for everyone. We want to make sure you feel listened to and involved in the decisions that affect you. Whether things are going well or could be improved, we’re here to hear what you think. You can share your feedback with your worker, or get in touch through our Live Chat or Anonymous Feedback Form - whatever feels right for you. Anonymous Feedback Form Send Thanks for submitting!

Support for those worried about a family member or relative using drugs/alcohol Welcome to YouCan! YouCan is a free and confidential service for children and young people under 19 in Norfolk who are affected by a family member’s drug or alcohol use. You might feel worried or scared about their safety, feel like you have to take care of them or hide things, change your own behaviour to avoid conflict, and feel alone about what’s happening at home. If someone you live with is drinking alcohol or using drugs and it’s affecting how you feel, think, or live day to day, YouCan is here to help you. What YouCan Offers Here's how we can support you: One-to-one support that’s personal to you We’ll take time to listen and understand what’s going on for you, working together to build confidence and help you cope with difficult feelings and challenges. Support that fits you We can meet in person, for example at school or in the community, somewhere you feel comfortable. We can also chat by phone, text, or email. Support to explain things to others If you want help talking to your family, carers, school, or other professionals, we can support you with that too. Linking you to other services If you need extra support, like help with housing, mental health, or other challenges, we can point you to the right people or services. Activities Alongside one-to-one support, you can take part in activities that help build confidence, connect with other young people who have similar experiences, and develop new skills. These activities take place during the school holidays. If you’re 13 or older , you can choose to become a peer mentor . Peer mentors help support activities and other young people. It’s a rewarding experience that helps you grow personally, connect with others, and make a positive difference. If you’re 11 or older , you can also join our YouCan Advisory Group . This is a space where young people share their views and help shape how the YouCan service works. You’ll work alongside staff to help make decisions and improvements. Get support To access support, click the button below to fill out our referral form. A social worker, teacher, or youth worker can complete it for you, or contact us for help. Click Here Contact us Still unsure? Would you like to talk to someone before deciding if you want to receive support? You can chat with us through our anonymous Live Chat, via email, or over the phone. Click Here

On Track is a free service supporting young people in Norfolk to move closer to or get into education, training, employment, or volunteering, while offering guidance and practical help. Welcome to On Track! A free service that supports 13-24-year-olds to move closer to or get into education, training, employment, or volunteering. On this page, you can find out about our projects young people can participate in. SafeSPACE SafeSPACE is for young people aged 13 - 18 (up to 24 depending on circumstances) who are not in education, training or work - or may be at risk of this. We run regular, fun activities in small groups (no more than 10 people), all based in Norwich. Young people from across Norfolk are welcome, as long as you can get to the sessions. It’s a chance to meet new people, try new things, build confidence, and feel more positive about your future. Supported by Anguish's Educational Foundation and Norfolk Community Foundation through the Healthy Young Minds and Building Skills for Better Futures Funds. King's Lynn and West Norfolk Coaching This project is for young people aged 16 - 24 living in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. We offer one-to-one support out in the community, as well as group activities focused on skills and getting ready for work or training. We’re here to help you figure out your next steps, build confidence, and move closer to employment, education or training. Supported by Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Hornsea 3 Community Fund and Norfolk Community Foundation through the West Norfolk Employability Fund. Central Gt Yarmouth Engagement Coaching This project supports young people aged 14 - 19 living in the Nelson Ward area of Great Yarmouth who are not in education, employment or training - or may be at risk of this. We offer one-to-one support in school, college, or out in the community, alongside group activities that build confidence, motivation, and future goals. It’s all about helping you feel more positive, connected, and ready for what’s next. We are a delivery partner for NRThirty to ensure that young people in Central Great Yarmouth have access to the best possible support and opportunities. What We've Been Up To See the latest activities, trips and opportunities young people in On Track have been getting involved in. On Track Highlights - April & May The last couple of months have been packed with activities, learning opportunities and fun experiences for the young people involved with On Track. From employability workshops to outdoor adventures, it’s been fantastic to see young people building confidence, developing new skills and connecting with others in a supportive environment. Safe SPACE Arts & Crafts Session - 16th April We started with a creative arts and crafts session for our Safe SPACE group. Six young people a Matthew Project March Highlights from the On Track Team At The Matthew Project , our On Track service supports young people across Norfolk who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who may be at risk of disengaging. Through a mix of group activities and one-to-one support , we help young people develop confidence, build new skills, and explore future opportunities in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. March was a busy and positive month, with young people getting involved in a wide range of ac Matthew Project February Highlights from the On Track Team At The Matthew Project , our On Track service supports young people across Norfolk who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who may be at risk of disengaging. Through group activities and one-to-one support, the team helps young people build confidence, learn new skills and explore future opportunities. February was a busy and exciting month, with young people getting involved in everything from creative workshops and careers events to wellbeing Matthew Project Get Support To access support, click the button below to fill out our referral form. A social worker, teacher, or youth worker can complete it for you, or contact us for help. Click Here Contact Us Still unsure? Would you like to talk to someone before deciding if you want to receive support? You can chat with us via email or over the phone - 01603 723845 Email us Thank you to our funders & partners

Information to help professionals regarding young people around drugs and alcohol. Professional's support Further down this webpage, you'll find a referral form for our services. If a young person is not yet ready to engage with us directly and would prefer to speak to a trusted adult such as yourself, we can offer confidential advice and guidance to help you support them more effectively. Our Support Includes: Confidential Online Call If you’re worried about a young person who isn't ready to engage, we can offer advice without a referral. Our administrator can arrange a call with a specialist practitioner. Click the button below to view our contact details. Young People's Screening Tool If you are working with a child or young person who is misusing drugs or alcohol, using a screening tool can be a helpful first step in starting a conversation about their substance use. Click the button below to access the screening tool. Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training Drug and alcohol awareness sessions for staff working with vulnerable young people in a range of settings including, residential settings, Children's Services, schools and mental health. Click the button below to view our contact details. Targeted Group Sessions For targeted groups of young people who have increased vulnerability to substance misuse we can provide structured and unstructured educational sessions tailored to the needs of each group. Click the button below to view our group offer. Contact Us Screening Tool Group Offer Contact Us Referrals to our Services To refer a young person you are working with, please use the referral forms below. If you need support, have any questions about the forms, or are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, we recommend contacting us to discuss. All three of our young people’s services are voluntary. This means that children and young people must understand what the service offers before a referral is made and must give their consent to receive support. Our YouCan & Unity services can also offer brief interventions to young people who may not require ongoing support. This can be up to 3 sessions. YouCan This service is for: Age under 19's Living in Norfolk Impacted by family/relative drug/alcohol use If you would like to refer an young person affected by a family members drug/alcohol use, please use the referral form below. YouCan Referral Form Unity This service is for: Age under 19's Living in Norfolk Want to stop/reduce drugs/alcohol use If you would like to refer a young person regarding their drug/alcohol use, please use the referral form below. Unity Referral Form OnTrack This service is for: 13 - 24 year olds Living in Norfolk At risk/not in education or employment If you would like to refer a young person who would like stupport to move closer to education, training or employment, please use the referral form below. OnTrack Referral Form Newsletter To keep up to date with what our young people's team has been up to, subscribe to our professional's monthly newsletter using the button below. Newsletter Sign-Up Working with Families We provide comprehensive support for our service users which can incorporate support for parents and carers. You can find out more about what we cover via the parents info page using the button below. Parent Info Getting Appropriate Accurate Advice and Information We have a resources page where we link to relevant resources to help better inform and support young people, parents and carers. If you work for an organisation that you think would benefit the young people we work with, please get in touch. Resources FAQ's Do you work collaboratively with other services? Yes, we actively engage with other service providers who are supporting a young person. What is the referral criteria? - Under 19 years old - Living in Norfolk - Either 1) Affected by a family member's drug or alcohol use or 2) would like to reduce their own use How do I make a referral? Here is a link to our referral form - Or you can phone us on our advice line: 0800 970 4866 Do I need consent from a young person to do a referral? Yes, we will not be able to accept a referral if consent has been obtained from the young person. How long is the support for? We tailor the support we provide to individuals based on their specific needs and circumstances. Do you provide an aftercare services for individuals who have completed the programme? After a young person has completed their time with our service, we will conduct a follow-up phone check on how they are getting on. Additionally, they have the option to connect with us through our live chat for support. Do you offer services for family members of individuals struggling with addiction? We have a parent support group for parents/carers of children who are under 19. Does a young person's parents/carers need to know that they are receiving support from you? If a young person is under 13, they will need consent from their parent/carer to receive support. If they are over 13 years old and competent, we can support them without their parents' consent. Can I discuss a young person I am worried about before referring them? Yes, you can chat to us via the live chat, advice line or via email - Contact Us | Unity (matthewprojectyoungpeople.org)

Discover the facts about MDMA (Ecstasy), including its effects, risks, and harm reduction advice. This resource provides clear, youth-focused information to help you make informed choices. What you should know about MDMA This page talks through the effects of MDMA, risks and harm reduction. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service. Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. ⚠️ Contaminated MDMA ⚠️ Some MDMA in Norfolk has been found to contain other potentially harmful substances, including synthetic drugs called Nitazenes. Nitazenes have been linked to overdoses and even deaths. Risks of using MDMA Hover over the photos below, to see the risks of using MDMA. Physical Health Increased heart rate and blood pressure Dehydration & overheating Nausea, vommiting, & jaw clenching B lurred vision Agitation Feeling Disconnected or Psychotic Symptoms Low Mood or Depression Panic Attacks Memory Problems Mental Health Anxiety, panic, or paranoia Depression or low mood Confusion or memory problems Sleep disturbances Snorting MDMA can cause damage to the nose and sinuses. Bombing MDMA can lead to an increased risk of overdosing Substance-Related Effects MDMA and the Brain MDMA is a type of amphetamine that also has hallucinogenic effects. It changes how your brain works by increasing certain chemicals (Neurotransmitters). MDMA mainly affects four neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin. Serotonin Serotonin helps regulate mood and body temperature. Dopamine can make you feel excited, focused, and motivated. Norepinephrine increases energy and alertness. Oxytocin , the “love hormone,” helps you feel connected to others. Drawings by Sam Pearson. Serotonin plays an important role in a lot of what our bodies and brains do, it helps us regulate our mood and emotions, often helping us feel calm, relaxed and happy. However, it also plays an important role in many other functions like our sleep, nervous system communication and attention. For this reason, MDMA use can come with a lot of complicated side effects . Users have reported panic attacks, anxiety, low mood and confused episodes, after using MDMA. These side effects can become more significant if you already have mental health problems or use more frequently. If you use MDMA regularly or for a long time, it can change the way your brain is able to use Serotonin , making it harder to feel good naturally. That’s why overuse of MDMA can lead to long-term mood problems, anxiety, or depression. Long term use may also affect memory and your ability to think, remember stuff and solve problems. Daily life can become much harder to manage. Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin Syndrome is caused by too much serotonin being released in the brain at once. This can cause unpleasant problems like diarrhea, twitching, insomnia, shivering, sweats, overheating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and more. In severe cases this can lead to tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and death. Some mental health medications such as SSRI anti-depressants can effect how Serotonin is released; This generally means there is less effect from the MDMA. Taking more may not make any difference, but it will place you at higher risk of overdose . Taking MDMA when on an anti-depressant like this can be a dangerous combination as both increase the brain’s release and use of serotonin. This can result in “Serotonin Syndrome ”. Blood Borne Virus A blood-borne virus is a virus (such as Hepatitis or HIV) that spreads from one person to another through blood. This can happen through sharing snorting equipment like straws and tubes. As a service, we can offer young people the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination to help protect you from the virus. Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates If you decide to use MDMA, it’s important to know there are always risks . The only way to completely avoid these risks is to not use MDMA. But if you do decide to use it, keep these tips in mind: Start with a small amount (1/4 or 1/2 of pill), wait 60 minutes before taking more. Every pill/powder is different and how it effects you may be very different to how it effects others you are with. Avoid mixing MDMA with alcohol or other drugs, reactions are highly unpredictable and can cause overdoses or death. Sipping a pint of water over an hour can help to avoid dehydration. Having regular breaks from dancing to avoid overheating. If someone is overheating, take them to a cooler and calmer place, removing outer clothing to cool them down. When bombing (powder wrapped in thin paper, swallowed), MDMA can take longer to kick in . Wait 2 hours before deciding to take more. Snorting - grind into a fine powder , use clean personal snorting tools and avoid using bank notes , limit how often you’re snorting, alternate nostrils and rinse your nose after use with sterile or bottled water, this helps avoid powder sitting in the nose and causing damage to the nasal passage. Having a sober trusted friend to ‘trip sit’ if something goes wrong, they can call help if needed. Do call an ambulance if needed, you will not get in trouble with police and it may save a life. We offer 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. Use your own clean equipment i.e. straws, snorting tubes What Young People in Our Service Have to Say Hear from young people in our service about the impact of MDMA use on their life. MDMA Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied After my 17th birthday I started using MDMA just to try it, but then it became more of a frequent use for 5 months, then it slowed down. When people talked about their MDMA experiences it made me wonder how I would feel on them, as they were described as “cool,” and I then got hooked on them. MDMA now makes me live every day questioning if things are happening. It ruins my work days as I cannot focus, and my relationships with people, as I feel they never understand me. MDMA also increased as my tolerance built up. The one event that made me realise I needed support is when I realised my day-to-day life was unhinged and my only hobby was doing substances. I felt odd living my life, when I realised I can’t remember much of my past and I questioned if things around me were real. I noticed physical changes to my body, such as my face looking horrible, feeling sick all the time, and my heart having problems. The biggest challenge I faced to make a change was to speak up and ask for help. I never asked for help because I felt I was okay and nothing was going to happen to me, but then I felt super uncomfortable with my life and realised my mental health was ruined. The Matthew Project helped me out by realising once you call out for help it will actually help you. Meeting someone new and talking about personal issues does actually take some weight off the shoulders. It’s also taught me new things about the things I do and has taught me better safety for myself. Videos Prefer watching instead of reading? Check out these videos about MDMA to see how it affects people and get the facts you need. MDMA - Respect Your Brain Play Video Did you know: MDMA Play Video How Not To Die From Ecstasy Play Video MDMA Information Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close 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

Explore our services and get in touch Our Services 01. Custom Project This service is designed to tackle unique challenges and specific client needs. We collaborate closely to define project scope, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring a tailored solution built from the ground up. Your vision becomes our blueprint for success. Show more 02. Personal Solution Planning We offer dedicated time to understand your individual requirements and aspirations. Through focused discussions, we help map out actionable steps and personalized strategies to achieve your goals effectively. Let us guide you toward your desired outcomes. Show more 03. Expert Guidance Package Gain access to our specialized knowledge and proven methodologies. This package provides comprehensive support and strategic insights developed to overcome specific obstacles and accelerate progress. Empower yourself with expert advice. Show more

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

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