I noticed a theme with my young clients. Drugs and/or alcohol offered them a way of coping with the demands of an adult world that expected more than they could deliver. With this in mind we collaborated in building on their existing inner resources and strengths to promote more effective, less harmful and more socially acceptable coping strategies. I noticed that my way of working had a positive impact on many other high-risk behaviours connected with this age group - most noticeable was the reduction in self-harming/injuring activities.

I then moved onto enhance the skills and knowledge I had acquired to work with more vulnerable young people in the community. I spent the next 3 years working as a Young Person's Outreach Worker for a drug and alcohol charity. This role involved relating with the most disengaged, disillusioned, and despondent young people in the community. The clients were 11-19 years old who were taking risks with drugs or drug funding activities. I met young people on the streets, engaged with them to gain their trust and supported them in every aspect of their lives. This could be as simple as reducing their drug taking risks or as complex as arranging safe housing or residential rehabilitation. It was obvious that the young clients were often self-medicating to elevate severe mental health issues; therefore, another aspect of this role was supporting the young person through a network of other professionals.