As we approach Christmas, some people find it a very difficult time of year. I am currently supporting six families, whose children have a problem with Substance Misuse and/or Alcohol Abuse. The children (all boys) in these families are all aged 14 years old. One of these boys will be lucky to be alive when he is 20. If drugs don’t kill him, then someone will. He already has a habit that is completely out of control. The parents are also suffering, along with the grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Please pass on this page’s details to anyone who needs support in how to deal with these problems. I spoke recently at a Pupil Referral Unit, The students were aged from 11-14, they are already on a downward spiral. They cannot attend mainstream school, the sad thing is none of them know how to get out of their current situation. Although we are responsible for our actions, some young people get dealt a raw deal before they even start.