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A–Z of prescribing for children

02 January 2025
Volume 7 · Issue 1

Abstract

This series focuses on aspects of prescribing for neonates, children and young people, from A–Z. Aspects of pharmacokinetics will be considered, alongside legal considerations, consent and medications in schools

The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) aims to prevent the misuse of controlled drugs by banning their possession, supply, manufacture, importation and exportation, unless with a particular licence. Often, it is presented as a list of prohibited drugs between three ‘classes’ (A, B and C), alongside the range of penalties according to the particular offence. Having a knowledge of current classifications and ‘street’ names of illicit drugs is vital, and an understanding of such drugs is needed during history-taking.

A recent survey in secondary school pupils (NHS, 2024) demonstrated that 13% of pupils had taken illicit drugs, a fall in prevalence since 2021 when it was 18%. The survey also explored aspects of young people's wellbeing, focusing on loneliness: 10% of students reported that they have felt lonely, with 18% feeling they had no-one to talk to, and 15% of students feeling ‘left out’. Whether or not there is a link between feelings of loneliness and illicit drug use has not been explored clearly. However, recreational drug use can be a significant source of status among young people, facilitating a shared sense of belonging and confirmation of group identity (Fletcher et al, 2010).

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