Topic
Risk Indicators
Understanding alcohol-related risks is essential for professionals supporting young people. This tool uses Red, Amber, and Green (RAG) indicators to identify risk behaviours ranging from low to high. Green represents low concern and responsible behaviour. Amber suggests increased caution and emerging risks. Red highlights high-risk behaviours that may impact health, safety, or well-being.
The guide helps professionals assess risk levels, initiate informed conversations, and intervene early to reduce harm and promote safer choices for young people.
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Guidance and Resources
This Resources page provides professionals with tools and evidence-based materials to support young people around alcohol use. It helps you identify risks, start meaningful conversations, and offer appropriate interventions to reduce harm.
The page includes risk guides, conversation prompts, and practical strategies to address the specific challenges young people face. Whether you’re providing early intervention or managing complex cases, these resources will help you encourage safer choices and achieve positive outcomes for young people.
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Understanding Alcohol Risks
Alcohol is a depressant drug, meaning it slows down reactions, heart rate, and affects how we think, feel, and behave. This increases the likelihood of risk-taking behaviour and makes people more vulnerable.
In the UK, alcohol is deeply ingrained in everyday culture — tied to births, deaths, weddings, or even stress, work, and weather changes. Many people justify their alcohol use by finding any excuse to drink.
These attitudes inevitably influence young people’s perceptions of alcohol. For many, drinking feels like a rite of passage into adulthood. However, young people face higher risks from alcohol due to their developing brains, inexperience, and natural inclination towards risk-taking behaviours.
Professionals supporting young people must recognise the cultural influences that normalise drinking, helping to identify risks and intervene early to reduce harm and encourage safer choices.
Get Support
The Get Support page helps professionals connect young people to the right services at the right time. It provides direct links to local and national organisations offering support with alcohol use, mental health, safeguarding, and more, covering early intervention, specialist care, and crisis services.
These resources ensure professionals can quickly access appropriate support to meet the individual needs of young people, promoting timely interventions and better outcomes.