Drugs and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are associated with most forms of exploitation. If someone becomes addicted to drugs, they become easier to exploit and less concerned about taking part in criminal activity to feed their habit.
If someone already has a dependency on drugs or alcohol, it makes them more vulnerable. One example of this is cuckooing, where drug dealers take over a property and use it as a base to store and sell drugs. They can befriend the occupant with the use of drugs and alcohol, knowing that once that person is dependent on them, they are able to exploit them.
It is similar to sexual exploitation, where someone can be manipulated into sexual activity in return for drugs or alcohol.
What are the signs?
If you are worried about someone who has started using drugs or drinking too much alcohol. You might notice some changes in their behaviour or appearance, such as:
- Mood swings, becoming angry or anxious
- Having problems at work or being absent
- Being secretive about what they are doing and where they are going
- Smelling of alcohol
- Red eyes and tiredness
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities
What could happen?
Using drugs and alcohol can change behaviour, such as taking more risks or making bad choices that could put someone into a dangerous situation or do something they regret, such as having a fight, or having unsafe sex.
Another danger with drugs is that there is no standard for producing illegal drugs, so the effects can vary massively and could result in an overdose, which could cause death.
Drugs are illegal and if arrested for possession, the person could receive a criminal record, which can affect employment, housing or travel abroad.
Using drugs and alcohol can affect mood and hurt relationships with family, friends, work colleagues etc. It can cause arguments at home and if your friends don’t like what you are doing, you could lose those important friendships and be left isolated.