Posted on: 7 March 2025
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones, leading addiction specialist and Consultant Psychiatrist at CNWL, has released a new handbook designed to help parents and caregivers navigate the challenging topic of drugs and drug use with their children.
Children, especially teenagers, could hear about or be introduced to drugs through social media, friends and mainstream media, so having open conversations about drugs is really important.
“I would say the accessibility and availability of drugs has never been greater,” says Professor Bowden-Jones.
“There is now an Amazon-style marketplace on social media where dealers show images of what they’re selling and are rated on price, quality and speed of delivery. You can order drugs on Snapchat, Instagram or Telegram and have them delivered within half an hour.”
Read more in this piece from The Times.
Being well-informed allows parents to feel comfortable when discussions about drugs arise. This new book serves as a practical guide on what to say and what not to say, offering clear advice on how to approach these conversations effectively.
The book provides:
- A comprehensive overview of both well-known and newly emerging drugs
- Insight into how drugs affect the brain and cause harm
- Key warning signs for parents
- An understanding of why some individuals are more vulnerable to substance-related issues
Additionally, the guide is an invaluable resource for clinicians and healthcare professionals working in this field.
The book is available to purchase now, with a 20% discount available.
Order now: www.cambridge.org/9781009374811
Professor Bowden-Jones has also contributed to other publications, including a Textbook of Clinical Management of Club Drugs and Novel Psychoactive Substances and a clinician’s handbook on club drugs and novel psychiatric substances.
Support services
CNWL Addictions offers a range of expert-led services to support individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or gaming addictions.
Find out more: CNWL Addictions