Drug facts for young people

• Alcoholic drinks come in different strengths, measured as a % by volume.  The higher the % marked on the label the stronger the drink will be.

• The Effects
  Many people enjoy drinking alcohol.  In small amounts it can help them to relax and feel more sociable.  Some people use alcohol to escape from their problems. Many people enjoy drinking alcohol.  In small amounts it can help them to relax and feel more sociable.  
  Some people use alcohol to escape from their problems.  The effect depends on the strength of the drink and how fast it is consumed.  It also varies according to when a person last ate, and their weight, mood and surroundings.  Speech can become slurred, co-ordination affected and emotions heightened. A hangover (the after-effects of alcohol) can leave you feeling ill for a day or so.

• The Risks
  Alcohol is a depressant drug.  Users can end up feeling very down.  
  Women get more drunk than men on the same amount of alcohol.  They can also develop drink-related health problems earlier.  Overdose (drinking far too much) can lead to loss of consciousness.  Users then risk choking on their own vomit.  This can kill. Overdose can also cause alcoholic poisoning, which can be fatal. Long-term over-use can lead to serious liver, heart and stomach problems.   More than 25,000 deaths in the UK each year are alcohol-related.  
  Mixing alcohol with other drugs is SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS.

Anabolic steroids (supply is against the law)

• Name IT
  Trade names include: Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anavar and Stanozolol.  May be referred to by users as ‘roids.

• Know IT   
  Anabolic Steroids can only be sold lawfully by a pharmacist to someone with a doctor’s prescription.  
  While possession isn’t illegal without a prescription, supply is against the law and Class C penalties apply.  

• Anabolic Steroids are similar to, and include, the male hormone testosterone.  
  They are used in medicine to treat anaemia and muscle weakness after surgery.  
  Don’t confuse them with the type of steroids used to treat eczema/asthma.*  
  Some body-builders and athletes use anabolic steroids, as well as people who think it’ll improve their body image.  
  Some can be swallowed, but most need to be injected.  
  Use in sports is prohibited.  A positive test for the drug can ruin a sporting career.

• The effects
  Users claim steroids make them feel more aggressive and able to train harder.  
  With exercise, anabolic steroids can help build up muscle. However, there is some debate about whether they improve muscle power and athletic performance.  
  Anabolic steroids help users to recover from strenuous exercise.

• The risks
  Taking anabolic steroids carries many health risks and can stop young people from growing properly.   The risks for MEN include: erection problems, breast growth, shrinking testicles, reduced sperm and even sterility, acne, increased chance of heart attack and liver failure.  
  The risks for WOMEN include: growth of facial hair, deepening voice, shrinking breasts, messed-up menstrual cycle, spots, possible miscarriage and stillbirth.  
  Some effects, such as change in breast size, may be irreversible without surgery.  
  Injecting into muscle can sometimes damage veins. Sharing needles or syringes puts users at risk of dangerous infections like hepatitis and HIV.   *Some countries treat asthma using Clembuterol, which is also used for its anabolic effects.

Cannabis (Usually CLASS C)

• Name IT
  marijuana, draw, blow, weed, puff, shit, hash, ganja

• Know IT
  Cannabis is a natural substance from a plant commonly called ‘hemp’.  
  It comes in a solid, dark lump known as ‘resin’ or as leaves, stalks and seeds called ‘grass’, or as a sticky oil.  
  It can be rolled with tobacco in a spliff or joint, smoked on its own in a special pipe, or eaten.  
  There are different strengths of cannabis - some (e.g. skunk) are very strong.  
  Cannabis is a Class C drug.

• The Effects
  Getting ‘stoned’ on cannabis makes most users relaxed and talkative.  
  It heightens the senses, especially when it comes to colours, taste and music.  
  Cooking and eating hash makes the effects more intense and harder to control.  
  It can leave people feeling tired and lacking energy.  
  Hash may bring on cravings for certain foods.

• The Risks
  Affects short-term memory and ability to concentrate.  
  Getting stoned affects co-ordination, increasing the risk of accidents.  
  It impairs driving skills, so never get in a car with someone who is stoned  
  It can make users paranoid and anxious, depending on their mood and situation.  
  Smoking joints with tobacco can lead to users getting hooked on cigarettes.  
  Smoking cannabis over a long period of time may increase the risk of respiratory disorders, including lung cancer.  

• Many users find cannabis hard to quit.

Cocaine (Class A)

• Name IT
  coke, charlie, snow, C

• Know IT
  Cocaine is a white powder that can be snorted up the nose.  Some users inject it.  
  It is a Class A drug.

• The Effects
  Cocaine is a powerful stimulant.  
  The buzz creates a sense of well-being, making users feel alert and confident.  
  The effects last roughly 30 minutes.  
  Users are often left craving more.  
  People may also take more to delay the comedown (tiredness and depression)

• The Risks
  Cocaine can cause heart problems and chest pain.
  Heavy use of cocaine can cause convulsions.  
  Large or frequent doses over a short period can leave users restless, confused and paranoid.  
  Snorting cocaine may permanently damage the inside of the nose.  
  Users may find their habit expensive and hard to control.  
  Users have died from overdose.

Crack (Class A)

• Name IT
  rock, wash, stone

• Know IT
  Crack is a smokeable form of cocaine. 
  It is a Class A drug.

• The Effects
  The effects of smoking crack are similar to snorting cocaine but much more intense.  
  The high lasts as little as ten minutes.  
  Users often ‘chase’ the high by repeating the dose.  
  Heavy users may take heroin to dull the craving caused by the use of crack.

• The Risks  
  Heavy use can lead to potentially fatal heart problems.  
  Heavy users risk convulsions.  
  Crack is highly addictive.  
  Because the high can be so intense, crack use is often difficult to control.  
  Smoking crack can seriously harm the lungs and cause chest pains.  
  After the high, feelings of restlessness, nausea ad sleeplessness are common.  
  Large or frequent doses over a short period can leave users restless, confused and paranoid.
  Regular users may find their habit very expensive.  
  Users have died from overdose.

Ecstasy

• Name IT
  E, fantasy, doves, mitsibishis, dolphins, rloxes, (chemical :MDMA)

• Know it
  Ecstasy usually comes in tablets of different shapes, size and colour
  Alcopops often contain more alcohol than many beers, lager or cider.

• (but often white)
  The effects of MDMA are unpredictable
  A tablet might not contain MDMA. Other drugs which might be sold as MDMA can have very different effects.
  Ecstasy is a class A drug

• The Effects
  Users can feel alert and in tune with their surroundings and with other people too
  Sound, colour and emotions can seem very much more intense
  The energy buzz from ecstasy means users may dance for hours
  The effects last anything from 3-6 hours

• The Risks
  As ecstasy starts working (known as coming up) users may feel a tightening of the jaw, nausea, sweating and an increase in heart rate.
  The comedown can leave users feeling tired and depressed, often for days
  Use has been linked to liver and kidney problems
  Studies into the effects of ecstasy are still at an early stage. However, research shows that MDMA dramatically affects the brain chemistry of animals.
  There have been about 60 ecstasy related deaths in the UK.

Gases, glues and aerosols (solvents)

• Name  IT
  These are found in:
  Lighter gas refills and fuel canisters
  Aerosols conataining products such as hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners
  Tins or tubes of glue.
  Some paints, thinners and correcting fluids

• Know IT
  They are sniffed or breathed into the lungs
  It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell to under 18s, or to people acting for them if they suspect the product is intended for abuse

• The Effects
  Users feel thick-headed dizzy, giggly and dreamy
  They may also hallucinate (see or hear things which aren’t real)
  The effects disappear after 15 – 45 minutes
  Afterwards users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache.

• The Risks
  Use of gases glues or aerosols can cause instant death – even on the first go.
  Squirting the stuff down the throat may cause the body to produce fluid that floods the lungs.  This can be fatal.
  Abusing gases, glues or aerosols can lead to nausea, vomiting blackouts and fatal heart problems.
  Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected.
  There is a risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head.
  Long-term abuse can damage the brain liver and kidneys.

Ketamine

• Name it
  Special K, Vitamin K, K

• Know IT
  Ketamine is an anaesthetic with painkilling and psychedelic properties
  A very similar drug is used by vets when they operate on animals
  Ketamine comes  as tablets, or as powder snorted up the nose
  Ketamine is a prescription only medicine. While possession is not illegal without a prescritption, supply is against the law under the Medicine Control Act.

• The Effects
  Ketamine makes users feel that the mind has been separated from the body. This creates ‘out of body’ and hallucinatory experiences for up to 3 hours
  Like LSD, the effects are influenced by the user’s mood and environment
  During this time, a users may be physically unable to move.

• The Risks
  As Ketamine numbs the body, users risk serious injury without feeling pain.
  The effects can be very alarming if the user is not expecting them
  Excessive doses carry some risk of breathing problems and heart failure
  Ketamine is very DANGEROUS when mixed with alcohol and other drugs.
  The long term effects of recreational use of Ketamine are still not really known.

LSD (acid)

• Name IT

Acid trip,tabs, blotters, microdots, dots, (chemical name:Lysergic acid diethylamide)

• Know it
  LSD usually comes in tiny squares of paper, often with a picture on one side
  The picture says nothing about the likely effect or strength of the drug
  LSD is a Class A drug

• The Effects
  LSD is an hallucinogenic drug. It has a powerful effect on the mind.
  The effects of LSD are known as a trip and can last as long as 8-12 hours.
  While a user is tripping they will experience their surroundings in a very different way.
  The effects depend on the user’s mood, where they are and who they are with.
  Sense of movement and time may speed up or slow down.
  Objects colour and sound may become distorted.
  Users experience trips differently every time

• The Risks
  Once the trip starts, there is no way of stopping it
  A bad trip can be terrifying. Users may feel very threatened and can even forget that the drug is responsible.
  It is impossible to predict a bad trip, but it is more likely to happen if the user is feeling anxious, nervous or uncomfortable.
  Feeling paranoid or out of control can leave users shaken for a long time afterwards.
  Accidents may happen while users are hallucinating.
  Users may experience flashbacks, where parts of a trip are briefly relived some time after the event
  LSD can complicate mental problem such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

GHB (illegal to supply)

• Name IT GHB (sometimes known as GBH) is short for gammahydroxybutyrate.

• Know IT
  GHB comes as a colourless liquid and is sold in small bottles or capsules.
  The liquid is measured out in capfuls and then swallowed.
  GHB has no smell but a salty taste.
  It was originally developed as a medicine for use during surgery.
  GHB is used as an alternative to anabolic steroids.
  Possession of GHB isn’t illegal without a prescription, but supply is against the law under the Medicines Control Act.

• The Effects
  GHB has sedative properties and can produce feelings of euphoria.
  The effects have been known to last for a day.

• The Risks
  Excessive hits could lead to sickness, stiff muscles, fits and even collapse.
  If incorrectly produced, GHB can badly burn the mouth.
  It is VERY DANGEROUS and can be fatal when mixed with other drugs.
  The long-term effects of GHB are not yet fully known.

Heroin (Class A)

• Name IT : Smack, brown, horse, gear, H, junk, skag, jack

• Know IT
  Heroin is a painkilling drug made from morphine which is derived from the opium poppy.
  It comes as a white powder when pure.  Street heroin is usually brownish-white.
  It is snorted, smoked or injected.
  Heroin is a Class A drug.

• The Effects
  In small doses, heroin gives the user a sense of warmth and well-being.
  Higher doses can make them drowsy and relaxed.
  Excessive amounts can result in overdose, coma and in some cases death.
  First-time use often leads to side-effects like dizziness and vomiting.

• The Risk
  Heroin is very addictive.  Getting the next fix can dominate a user’s life.
  Tolerance develops, which means the user needs more heroin to get the same effect.
  Users who form a habit may end up taking the drug just to feel normal.
  Those who start by smoking or snorting heroin sometimes switch to injection to maximise the high.
  Injecting can damage veins and leads to gangrene.
  Sharing needles or syringes puts users at risk of dangerous infections like hepatitis and HIV.
  Withdrawing from heroin can be very hard.
  Many people manage to kick the drug, but mentally it may take years to be free.

Magic Mushrooms  (Class A when prepared)

• Name IT: 'shrooms, mushies

• Know IT
  Several types of magic mushrooms grow wild in the UK.  The main type is the Liberty Cap mushroom (Psilocybe Semilanceata).
  There are also species that look similar to magic mushrooms but which are poisonous.
  Magic mushrooms are eaten raw, dried, cooked in food or stewed into a tea.
  While it isn’t illegal to possess raw magic mushrooms, it is an offence to possess any preparation of them (e.g. when they are dried or stewed)
  Magic mushrooms, when prepared, are Class A drugs.

• The Effects
  Magic mushrooms have a similar effect to LSD, but the trip is often milder or shorter.
  Magic mushrooms can make users feel very relaxed and ‘spaced-out’.  The effects depend on the user’s mood, where they are and who they are with.
  Magic mushrooms may cause hallucinations – objects, colour and sound become distorted.
  A trip tends to last about 4 hours.

• The Risks
  Magic mushrooms often cause stomach pains, sickness and diarrhoea.
  Eating the wrong kind of mushroom can also cause serious illness and even fatal poisoning.
  If users feel sick they should go straight to hospital with a sample of the mushroom and explain what’s happened.
  Bad trips can happen and can be very frightening.  Once the trip has started, there’s no going back.
  Like any hallucinogen, magic mushrooms can complicate mental problems.

Poppers (Alkyl nitrites) restricted supply

• Name IT : Poppers is a term used for the group of chemicals known as alkyl nitrites.
  Alkyl nitrites include: amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite.
  Trade names include: Ram, Thrust. Tock Hard, Kix, TNT, Liquid Gold.

• Know IT : Poppers come as a clear or straw-coloured liquid in a small bottle or tube.
  The vapour is breathed in through the mouth or nose.
  Over recent years, use of poppers has become more common in dance culture.
  Amyl nitrite is a prescription-only medicine.  Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.

• The Effects
  Users get a very brief but intense ‘head-rush’. This is caused by a sudden rush of blood through the heart and brain.
  Blood vessels dilate (enlarge) resulting in a flushed face and neck.
  Some users say they experience the impression of time slowing down.
  The effects fade 2 to 5 minutes after use.

• The Risks
  Can make some people feel faint and sick, especially when taken while dancing.
  Users often experience a headache afterwards.
  Regular use causes skin problems around the mouth and nose.
  Taking alkyl nitrites is very dangerous for people with anaemia, glaucoma and breathing or heart problems.
  If spilled, poppers can burn skin.
  Poppers MAY BE FATAL IS SWALLOWED.

SPEED (amphetamines) (Class B)

• Name IT : Speed, whiz, uppers, amph, billy, sulphate

• Know IT
  Speed usually comes as a grey, white or dirty-white powder, or sometimes in tablets.
  It can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smokes.
  Speed is the most impure illegal drug un the UK
  Amphetamines are Class B drugs (but carry Class A penalties if prepared for injection)

• The Effects 
  Speed is a stimulant.  It quickens the heartbeat and breathing rate.
  Users may feel confident.  Their minds race and they may feel energetic.
  It suppresses the appetite, but doesn’t satisfy the body’s need for nourishment.
  Some people also become and experience feelings of anxiety.

• The Risks 
  The comedown (tiredness and depression) lasts for one or two days and sometimes longer.
  Sleep, memory and concentration are all affected in the short-term.
  High doses repeated over a few days may cause panic and hallucinations.
  Long-term users may become dependent on the buzz speed gives them.
  Tolerance can develop, which means the user needs more to get the same effect.
  Long-term use puts a strain on the heart.  Overdose can be fatal.
  Use of speed can lead to mental illness such as psychosis.

Tobacco ( illegal to supply to under 16's)

• Know IT
  Tobacco contains a drug called nicotine which is very addictive.
  It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell tobacco to under-16s.

• The Effects
  Nicotine is a powerful and fast-acting drug.
  When smoke is inhaled, the nicotine effects hit the brain about 8 seconds later.
  Nicotine speeds up the heart rate and increases blood pressure.
  First-time users may feel sick.

• The Risks 
  It’s VERY EASY TO GET HOOKED.  Most smokers wish they’d never started.
  Smoking is expensive.  Ten cigarettes a day will cost upwards of £500 per year.
  Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, many of which are harmful to health.
  Smokers are more likely to suffer coughs and chest problems.  A long-term tobacco habit can lead to cancer, emphysema and heart disease – all of which can kill.
  Breathing in other people’s smoke (passive smoking) can cause breathing difficulties, asthma and even cancer.
  Tobacco contributes to at least 2000 limb amputations and 111,000 premature deaths in the UK each year.

Tranquillisers (illegal to supply)

• Name IT : Chemical names include: diazepam, temazepam(mazzies), nitrazepam, etc
  Trade names include: Valium, Ativan, Mogadon(moggies), etc.

• Know IT
  Tranquillisers are prescribed by GPs as short-term treatment for anxiety, depression and sleep problems.
  They are misused by some people to counter the effects of stimulant drugs, or taken in combination when users are unable to obtain alcohol or heroin.
  Tranquillisers can be supplied lawfully only by a pharmacist to someone with a doctor’s prescription.
  While possession isn’t illegal without a prescription  (except in the case of temazepam), supply is against the law and Class C penalties apply.

• The Effects
  Tranquillisers calm down users and slow them down mentally.
  They relieve tension and anxiety.
  Higher doses can make users drowsy and forgetful.

• The Risks
  Tranquillisers slow down reactions, making accidents more likely.
  They are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS if mixed with alcohol.
  Tolerance can develop.  Users can become dependent, especially if they rely on the drug to calm them or help them sleep.
  Users trying to quit may suffer panic attacks.
  Injecting crushed tablets or the contents of capsules is VERY DANGEROUS and can be fatal. 

• Helplines
  The National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00 offers free and confidential advice about drugs all day, every day, and can refer you on to local drugs services.
  Release (0171) 603 8654 a 24-hour confidential helpline offering advice on drug use and legal issues. The ‘Drugs in Schools Helpline’ 0345 36 66 66 (Mon–Fri 10am–5pm) offers advice, information and support for those concerned about a drug incident in school.
  ADFAM National (0171) 928 8900 provides a confidential support and information helpline for families and friends of drug users. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm.
  Families Anonymous (0171) 498 4680 operates self help groups around the country for families and friends of people with a drug related problem. Mon–Fri 1pm–5pm.
  

Alcohol

Drinkline  Helpline 0800 917 8282 gives confidential information and advice and can put you in touch with your local alcohol advice centre for one-to-one help. Mon–Fri 11am–11pm.
Alcohol Concern (0171) 928 7377 offers general information about alcohol. Call to find your nearest alcohol advisory service.
Al-Anon Family Groups (0171) 403 0888 provides self-help sessions for people whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking.

Local sources of information

Your local health authority or trust’s health promotion unit can give you information about drugs, alcohol and local services.
Your GP can refer you on to local drugs and alcohol counselling agencies. Or look in the local telephone directory (usually under ‘Drugs’ or ‘Alcohol’)
Your local Alcohol Advice Centre (in most areas) can provide confidential counselling for people with drink problems.
Your child’s school (if your child is of school age) – most have a policy on drug education and managing drug and alcohol related incidents.
The local police – most have a Community Liaison Department, which is more concerned with prevention than enforcement. They may be able to answer your questions about the local drug/alcohol scene, and the law.