DRUGS - it is a word that every parent dreads and a subject that can be as difficult to talk about with children as the birds and the bees.

Drugs are something that are always in our consciousness. We are surrounded by horror stories of the latest recreational drugs or the new drug on the block. The fashion world even made being spaced-out and looking like an overdose victim into a trendy statement with their "heroin chic" look.

But how clued up are we really about drugs and where can people turn to to figure out if their family, their friends or even they themselves are in danger?

Lifeline, based in Wilson Patten Street, offers free advice to young users and their families. Trained counsellors work with all types of people - young and old, experimental, recreational and dependent drug users. And they are there to advise parents who suspect their children may be using.

Ann Radley, from Lifeline, said: "We do receive referrals from social services, schools, hospitals and health services. But anybody can find our number and call us directly. Over half of the initial contact comes from the families and we can provide information and advice.

"They might have found something in the bedroom they are concerned about or think their son or daughter is using drugs. Some people will need to call in to see us, but often it is just a case of advising people what to do."

Lifeline's aim is to get people to come forward and use the service for help and advice - not to suffer in silence with burning questions that surround the issue of drug use.

Chief executive Ian Wardle said: "We aim to help as many young users as possible before drug taking gets a real hold on their lives. Part of this work involves making much closer contact with the parents of young users."

They specialise in the treatment of young people with problematic drug misuse and employ community drug workers to work with them. But as well as advising and counselling those with a problem they also take their knowledge out to the community running awareness sessions for professionals and groups.

If you would like help and advice send a stamped addressed envelope to the Lifeline offices, at 45 Wilson Patten Street, Warrington. Or they can be contacted on 653261 or 240333.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.