Youth Support Guide to=
Drugs
Youth Support Guide to=
Drugs
Welcome !=
Hello!
Welcome to Youth Support House drug information booklet.
D O N ’ T P A N I C !
This is not another boring pamphlet telling you don’t do drug=
s.
It is designed to give you a clear understanding of a variety of illegal and
legal drugs, their effects both short and long term and their potential
dangers!
Picture <= o:p>
This booklet has been written by residents and patients at Youth
Support House - the staff advised and helped - but they didn’t write =
it!
Reasons
why people take drugs!
There are many reasons why people take drugs. A number of factors h=
ave
to be taken into consideration for each individual drug user.
Experiment - Often caused by media and friends.
Publicity and hype on =
the
effects of drugs. Makes people interested as to what they do.
Pressure -&nbs=
p;
To be like friends, to be part of the gang or
group, t=
o avoid
being the odd one out.
Numb feelings - To block out the feelings such as
depression, boredom,
loneliness, hurt, pain,
anxiety,=
fear.
Escapism - to forget the reality of life, because life is too
horrible to face =
sober or
straight. Drugs are used as a coping strategy - to cope for example with unemployment, death, relation=
ship
break down, violence in the home.
Cannabis
Cannabis is one of the world’s most common leisure drugs. It =
is
estimated that at least one in twenty people in the
Other names used - Draw, Puff Weed Spliff,
Hash, Ganja, grass, pot, skunk, black, herb.
Effects - Generally start a few minutes after smoking and may last =
up
to one hour (with larger intake lasts much longer). Cannabis is used to pro=
duce
relaxation, sociability, talkativeness.
Complications - Can cause tiredness, reddening of the eyes, dry mou=
th. An increase in your pulse rate and a drop in blood pressure.<=
/span>
Legal status - Cannabis is a class B drug, this means it’s
illegal to cultivate, produce, supply or possess. The maximum penalty for
possession is five years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Drug Testing - detectable in urine for 2-7 days
after casual use and up to 30 days after heavy use.
Magic
Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms grow in many parts of the country. They contain a d=
rug
that has hallucinogenic effects. Mushrooms can be cooked and brewed into te=
a,
wine etc.
Effects - The effects of magic mushrooms is dependant on their stre=
ngth
and the context in which they are used such as where you are
, who you are with. In=
a
safe secure environment they are less unpleasant than if you are alone or
somewhere unfamiliar. The number of liberty caps taken is usually between 1=
0-30
mushrooms as one dosage. In large amounts the effects are often compared wi=
th
LSD, with perceptions being powerfully changed.
Complications - Sense of time may alter and familiar objects and
surroundings may appear strange and or wonderful or may make you feel stran=
ge
or frightened. These effects last for 6 to 12 hours.
Legal status -=
Magic mushrooms are not illegal to possess as they are availa=
ble
in the wild. However it is illegal to be found using them for intoxication.
They are a class B drug.
Drug testing - can be shown for 2-3 days in urine.
Hallucinogens
Swallowed as a liquid or on blotting paper. Most com=
monly
minute quantities are impregnated on to small squares and then dissolved on=
the
tongue. The squares often have pictures on them - eg
cartoon characters. Last for 8-12 hours. Other n=
ames
used - LSD, Acid.
Effects - Are noticeably a severe change in moo=
d ,
behaviour and perception - eg hallucinations,
delusions, nausea, blurred vision.
Complications - If you are in a bad mood, in unfamiliar surroundings
you may become paranoid and panicky. This can be dangerous for people with
mental health problems and can trigger a psychotic response - eg like schizophrenia. It can also make you feel conf=
used
and disorientated. When the drug wears off, you can feel anxious and depres=
sed.
You can also experience the trip again for a long time afterwards - this is
called flashback.
Legal status - LSD is a class A drug. Th=
is
means possession, manufacture, import is a criminal offence. The maximum pr=
ison
sentence is 7 years and an unlimited fine.
Drug testing - Can show up in urine for 2-3 days.
Amphetamines.
Amphetamine is an appetite suppressant. It is the most common illeg=
al
stimulant. Other names used - Speed, sulph,
Effects - Mainly found as a white powder, sometimes in pill form., usually sniffed can also be injected. Amphetami=
nes
stimulate the nervous system, banish tiredness and produce feelings of
alertness and confidence. As the body processes speed you can feel like your
heart is racing and you are unable to sit down, excessive talkativeness is
common.
Complications- Can give you feelings of having boundless energy. The
need to sleep is therefore reduced. Users quickly establish a tolerance - t=
hat
means the body gets used to the dose and needs far more to get the same eff=
ect.
You can experience disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, acute anxiety, parano=
ia,
weight loss.
Legal status - Amphetamine is a class B drug, this means unauthoris=
ed
supply, possession, manufacture and import is criminal. Maximum sentence is=
5
months in a magistrates court, in crown court 5 =
years.
Drug testing - 2-4 days in urine.<=
span
lang=3DEN-GB style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a hallucinogenic amphetamine chemically related to speed.
Swallowed as a pill or capsule, contrary to popular belief it is not a new
drug, it was first produced in Germany in 1914 as an appetite suppressant -
other names MDMA, ‘E’, ADAM, XTC.
Effects - With ecstasy the effects start after about 30 minutes. Th=
ese
continue for several hours. Users experience a ‘mental calm’ and
heightened perceptions of colour and sound. Hallucinations can be experienc=
ed.
Users report feelings of love and warmth for those around. Appetite is usua=
lly
decreased and after taking ecstasy users are often unable to sleep for seve=
ral
hours afterwards.
Complications - - It can result in ‘heat-stroke’,
exhaustion and dehydration. After the effects of ecstasy wear off users oft=
en
feel lethargic, depressed and drained.
Legal status - ecstasy is a class A drug=
. It
is an offence to produce, supply, import and possess. T=
he
maximum sentence for possession being 7 years imprisonment - for posession with intent to supply - life.
Drug testing - 2-4 days in urine.<=
span
lang=3DEN-GB style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>
Cocaine
and Crack
Cocaine is a stimulant, normally comes in the form of a white powde=
r.
It can be sniffed, smoked or injected. Crack is a crystallised form of cocaine, it comes in the form of small rocks, crystals.
Crack is normally smoked in a pipe. Cocaine powder is quite expensive and c=
an
cost up to £100 per gram. A crack crystal can cost up to £20 ea=
ch.
Other names used - Coke, snow, charlie,
freebase, rocks.
Effects - Cocaine elevates the mood ,
increases alertness and diminishes fatigue, sleep , suppresses appetite and=
can
increase ability to perform physical tasks. Crack effects are similar but
almost immediate and more intense than sniffing cocaine and more
short lived. Cocaine effects last 20 - 30 minutes crack 10-20 minute=
s.
Complications - The short lived high can be followed by feelings of
depression and lethargy. Also paranoia, anxiety and psy=
chotic
behaviour. Tolerance builds rapidly. Large doses may cause convulsio=
ns
and death due to heart failure and heart attack.
Legal status - Cocaine and Crack are class A
drugs. They are illegal to posses and supply. Maximum sentence is 7 years a=
nd
an unlimited fine.
Drug testing - urine 12 hours to 3 days after use.
Heroin
Heroin is a powerful opiate which is derived from the opium poppy. =
It
is used by the medical profession as a pain killer. It comes in the form of=
a
powder which can be off white to golden brown. It can =
br
bought in small bags or wraps and can cost £10-£20. It can be
injected, sniffed or smoked (chasing the dragon). Other names - Smack, skag, H, Henry, Junk
Effects - Users report feelings of warmth concentration and happine=
ss.
Heroin reduces sensitivity and emotional reaction to pain, discomfort and
anxiety. When injected the user will experience an inte=
nsely
pleasurable rush, a euphoric type of feeling. After injecting or smo=
king
the effects are almost immediate.
Complications - larger amounts are needed to achieve the same feeli=
ngs
this can be followed by physical and psychological addiction. You can
experience constipation, excess sweating, a loss=
of
appetite and sometimes a feeling of itches under the skin. The risk of HIV =
is
increased in those sharing injecting equipment. Fixing can quickly lead to
collapse of veins and the longer you take it the harder the come down and t=
he
harder it is to stop.
Legal status - Heroin is a class A drug,=
it is
an offence to produce, import, supply and possess. Maximum sentence for
possession in a crown court is 7 years and in magistrat=
es
court 6 months. Possession
with intent to supply in a crown court life. In a
magistrates court 6 months.
Drug testing - in urine 1-2 days.<=
span
lang=3DEN-GB style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants. It is used
medically for severe insomnia, anti convulsant =
in
epilepsy and occasionally anaesthesia. Often sold as ca=
psules,
pills and sometimes powder. Can swallowed=
or
injected.
Other names used :- downers, barbs, slee=
ping
pills.
Effects:- are similar to alcohol, low do=
ses
produce relaxation. Larger doses impair co-ordination, increase drowsiness,
slurred speech and confusion may occur.
Complications:- physical and psychologic=
al
dependence. Overdose can occur easily especially if mixed with alcohol.
Legal status - Barbiturates are class B drugs. This makes it illega=
l to
possess or supply maximum magistrates sentence is 12 month prison. Crown co=
urt
sentence is a maximum of 14 years.
Drug testing - 1-2 days in urine.<=
span
lang=3DEN-GB style=3D'font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are sedatives and inc=
lude Valium=
, Temazepam, Ativan, Libriu=
m and
are used medicinally to treat periods of anxiety and insomnia. They usually
come in tablet or capsule form although liquid is available but less common=
.
Effects - When taken in small doses, benzodiaz=
epines
have an anxiety reducing effect and may help the user to feel more relaxed. Many of the effects can be likened to those of
alcohol. When taken in larger doses they may produce intoxication and deep
sleep, however they lose their effects very quickly.
Complications - Continual use can lead to both physical and
psychological addiction and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced on sudde=
nly
stopping. In severe cases, convulsions, hallucinations tremors and disorien=
tation
may be experienced. Injecting can cause muscle disintegration and deep vein
thrombosis, with some users losing their limbs.
Legal status - Benzodiazepines are cont=
rolled
drugs and legal to possess if you are medically prescribed them. Otherwise =
they
are a class C drug. Illegal supply carries a 3 month maximum sentence in th=
e magistrates court and 2 years in Crown court.
Drug testing - 1-2 days in urine - longer if
injected.
Solvents
Solvents are substances such as Butane gas, aerosol sprays, solvent
based glues, tippex thinners and petrol solvent=
abuse
means breathing in the vapours given off by substances such as those listed
above.
Effects - Happening quickly as the substance enters the bloodstream=
via
the lungs. The effects are similar to alcohol an initial feeling of well be=
ing
and energy. Then dizziness, numbness and dissociation and sometimes
hallucinations and delusions can occur. When the solvent has worn off, you
usually forget what has happened and may feel hung over.
Complications - solvents sprayed directly into the mouth can cause
swelling in the throat area and can cause suffocation. A period of depressi=
on
can often follow the more pleasant effects of inhalation. Headaches and a s=
ore
throat can occur more often with regular use.
Legal status - It is an offence to supply anyone under the age of 18
when the supplier has reason to believe it will be used to achieve
intoxication.
Rehabilitation
Going to a drug agency=
- Someti=
mes
using drugs can become a problem. You may feel you have a serious problem w=
hich
knowing everything there is to know about drugs will solve. Worrying about =
what
sort of treatment you will get, having to talk to complete strangers about =
your
drug use and fears is very hard. These worries are perfectly understandable.
Going to a drug agency won’t solve all your problems. You’ve go=
t to
want to help yourself and be ready to use the support they offer to your own
advantage. A lot depends on what drugs you are using and how long you have =
been
using them - and on how much you want to give up or control your drug habit=
.
Advice and counselling
services - Geared to be user-friendly and less medically orientated. Good f=
or
information or if you need to talk about some of your problems. They can al=
so
help you get drug treatment and refer you to other sources of help.
Community Drug teams <=
/span>- quite o=
ften
they run a needle and syringe exchange scheme. More lik=
ely to
have social workers, community psychiatric nurses (CPN=
s)
and doctors available in addition to counsellors. A lot prescribe dr=
ugs
and they don’t have access to GPs. They can also refer to other types=
of
treatment if necessary.
Drug dependency clinic=
s - these =
are
generally hospital based services where you can get medical treatment. The =
main
things they offer are going in for a detox and =
care
and support when you come out.
Residential rehabs - A shor=
t sharp detox plus therapy of at least one type is always on =
the
menu. Also training in a range of =
lifeskills
and education.
Other possibilities - Needle=
and
syringe exchange schemes - operate in a few chemists also.
Outreach - In some areas there are outreach workers who make it the=
ir
business to take a service to users who don’t usually come to them. <=
span
class=3DGramE>Often women working the street.
Detoxing
Detoxing is the physical and
psychological process of the drugs you have been taking clearing out of your
system.
Your body adjusting to being drug free.
Your mind and feelings adjusting to being drug f=
ree.
The best time to detox is when things a=
re as
good as they are likely to get in terms of support ,
accommodation and your state of mind. Planning will usually increase your
chances of success and the more you want to do it for yourself, the more you
are likely to succeed. Understanding why you take drugs is important.
The more reasons you can find that are for you rather than to please
other people, the more likely you are to succeed.
Further
information can be obtained from :-
National drugs help line - 0800 77 66 00
free confidential 24 hours.
Youth Support
13 Crescent Road