 A TO Z OF
DRUGS
|
A TO Z OF DRUGS
 
ALCOHOL
Pure alcohol, called
ethanol, is contained in all alcoholic drinks to some degree, which means
that the strength, colour and taste of your favourites tipple, depends
directly on how much ethanol is used and what other ingredients have been
used to create it.
The strength of an alcoholic drink is shown on
the label as a percentage of volume, the higher the volume the stronger
the drink. For example, a tin of lager could be 7% volume, while vodka
could be 50% volume, or proof. Pure alcohol is poisonous.
Alcohol
is absorbed into your bloodstream within a few minutes of being drunk and
is carried to all parts of the body including the brain.
The
amount of alcohol in your body, known as your blood alcohol concentration
(BAC), depends on many factors including how much you have drunk, whether
you have eaten, and what you have been drinking. A full stomach sometimes
delays the time for all the alcohol to be absorbed, so drinking with a
meal, or afterwards, can result in a lower peak BAC.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
In small amounts,
alcohol can help people relax, lose their inhibitions and become more
talkative, because the alcohol is absorbed into your blood stream within
minutes of being drunk.
Large amounts of alcohol amplify these
positive effects, and in some cases the individual can become
over-bearing, aggressive, loud and sometimes violent. Stronger drinks like
spirits, and fizzy drinks like champagne, sparkling cider, or alcopops are
absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, and subsequently increase
drunken symptoms.
Your liver is responsible for removing alcohol
from your body, and it takes about an hour to remove just one unit of
alcohol. One unit of alcohol is the equivalent to a glass of wine, half a
pint of beer or a single measure of spirits. The smaller your build and
the lighter your weight, the same number of drinks can lead to more
alcohol per pound (or kilogram) than a larger person, and therefore a
higher BAC.
There are some health benefits from drinking alcohol,
as doctors say that drinking alcohol in moderation can help prevent
coronary heart disease; although naturally taking regular exercise and
eating a healthy diet can also make a difference. The current recommended
limit on alcohol intake is currently 2-3 units per day for women and 3-4
units per day for men.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Alcohol is a drug
that affects the parts of the brain devoted to making judgements and
physical co-ordination; it is also a depressant.
The more you
drink, the greater the effect on your body, so if you drink heavily, you
run the risk of falling into unconsciousness, which can have dangerous
ramifications to your physical and mental being. For example, if you vomit
while unconscious, or in a deep sleep following a heavy drinking session,
you could choke.
Drinking too much can also lead to alcohol
poisoning, which can be fatal, and according to the National Drugs
Helpline, over 1,000 people under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital
each year with alcoholic poisoning and all require emergency treatment.
Binge drinking, which is classified as drinking more than six
units in six hours, can cause your blood pressure to rise, which,
according to the NHS, can increase your risk of suffering a stroke.
Current medical recommendations suggest that alcohol intake is moderated.
Some medications can also clash badly with alcohol, so you should
always check with either your doctor of pharmacist before starting to
drink if you are taking any form of medication.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Under current UK law,
it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy alcohol, whether in a
supermarket, a pub or an off-licence. It is also illegal to supply someone
under the age of 18 with alcohol.
Anyone under the age of 14 is
not allowed into the bar of a pub unless that establishment has a
'children's certificate'.
However, 16 and 17 year old children are
allowed to buy beer or cider as an accompaniment to a meal, but only in an
area set aside for meals.
The police have the power to confiscate
alcohol from anyone they know to be, or reasonably believe to be under the
age of 18.
Drinking and driving is also a serious offence, and
causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or
drugs means a maximum ten years imprisonment and at least two years
disqualification from driving. Driving or attempting to drive whilst above
the legal limit or whilst unfit through drink or drugs means six months
imprisonment plus a fine of £5,000 and at least one year's
disqualification.
AMPHETAMINES
Other names for
amphetamines include: speed, whiz, uppers, amph, billy, sulphate, grudge,
dexys, blues, base, ups, wake ups, bennies, dexies, black beauties,
jollies, crazy medicine, yaba and crazy horse.
Amphetamines are
man-made drugs that have a bitter taste and usually come as a white,
greyish white, pale pink or yellow powder, and sometimes as a brightly
coloured tablet. Amphetamines can be snorted, swallowed, injected,
dissolved in a drink or smoked. Methamphetamine, also known as ice or
meth, is a very strong form of the drug which is smoked and is lesser
known in the UK. Methamphetamine is also sold as base, which is a white to
yellow paste that is usually swallowed. Amphetamines can also come in a
liquid form, which is injected into the body.
The most common form
of the drug is amphetamine sulphate, commonly known as Speed. The purity
of this drug is usually only about 5%, with the rest mixed with other
white powders, ranging from talcum powder and toilet cleaner, to animal
worming tablets. As a result, it is said to be one of the most impure
drugs available in the UK. A new form of amphetamine derivative called
Yaba is currently sweeping the globe, but is still very rare in the UK.
This mixture of methamphetamine and heroin comes in pill form and can
cause hallucinations and keep users awake for days.
Amphetamines
were originally introduced into the UK in the 1930s as a treatment for
colds, flu and hay fever.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
Amphetamines are
stimulant drugs and the effects are very much like an adrenalin rush, with
breathing and heart rate increasing. The appetite is also suppressed and
users feel energetic and confident, with the effects usually lasting for
several hours. The body's temperature increases, the pupils will become
dilated, and there is an increased risk of dehydration.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
The regular use of
amphetamines means the body develops a tolerance, and larger doses of the
drug will be required to achieve the same high, which can lead to
addiction. Users who try injecting amphetamines may suffer from paranoia,
delusions and hallucinations, as well as risking infections such as
hepatitis and HIV through contaminated needles.
Some users become
tense and anxious after taking amphetamines, and can be tired and
depressed for several days. High repeated doses could lead to panic
attacks, hallucinations, and also place a serious strain on the heart. The
comedown from just one use can take a couple of days, sometimes longer,
and concentration and memory will be affected. Subsequently, heavy
long-term use can also lead to problems with mental illness. An overdose
of amphetamines can be fatal and mixing amphetamines with other drugs
increases the danger significantly
What does the law
say?
All amphetamines are
Prescription Only drugs under the Medicines Act, and most are also
controlled as Class B drugs under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. Therefore
it is possible for doctors to legally prescribe them to patients, but to
be in possession of amphetamines without a prescription is an offence. It
is also an offence to supply them or allow premises to be used to produce
or supply them.
Maximum penalties for possession are five years
imprisonment, and 14 years for supplying. If amphetamines are prepared for
injection they become Class A drugs and increased penalties apply, with
seven years for possession. In addition, supplying amphetamines for
injection could lead to life imprisonment.
A conviction for any
offence covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act can affect future employment of
an offender, and many countries will refuse visas to be people who have
been convicted of a drug offence, particularly the USA
AMYL NITRITE
Amyl nitrite is also
known as poppers, butyl nitrate, TNT, liquid gold, rush, ram, thrust, rock
hard, kix.
Amyl Nitrite, more commonly known as poppers, is a
clear or straw-coloured liquid that usually comes in a small bottle or
tube. First produced in the 19th century it was used to ease chest pains
(angina), but the drug first became popular for recreational use in the UK
disco scene of the 1970s, and at dance and rave venues throughout the
1980s and 1990s.
There are many different brand names on sale in
the UK and the liquid is generally inhaled either from the bottle or a
cloth. It is a powerful drug that can give you an almighty burst of energy
for a couple of minutes. It has a sweet odour when fresh, but when stale
develops a smell similar to dirty socks.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
The effects kick in
almost immediately and you experience a brief, but intense head rush that
begins to fade after 2-5 minutes.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
A powerful headache,
feeling faint and sick and a flushed face and neck are common negative
symptoms, and regular use can lead to the development of skin problems
around the mouth and nose. Users have been known to lose consciousness
especially if engaged in vigorous activities such as dancing or running,
and if you have high blood pressure or heart problems you run the risk of
a heart attack.
Taking amyl nitrites with drink or a combination
of other drugs is extremely dangerous. In addition, if you suffer from
glaucoma, amyl nitrite can cause you problems because it increases
pressure on the eyeball. There are no reports of physical dependence or
withdrawal symptoms, but long-term use could build up psychological
dependence.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
It is illegal to sell
amyl nitrites if they are to be inhaled, as this would then be termed a
medicine and should be controlled under the Medicines Act. However there
is a loophole in the law that has allows those selling amyl nitrites to
escape prosecution on the basis that they are being sold as room
deodorisers and not medicines.
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
Also known as
anadrol, anavar, dianabol, durabolin, equipose, finajet, maxibolin,
primobolin, stanozolol, testosterone, winstrol, 'roids.
Anabolic
steroids are synthetic drugs that affect your growth, physical development
and the workings of your sexual organs in a similar way to hormones that
occur naturally in the human body. Testosterone is the naturally occurring
hormone found in men which is responsible for these characteristics and
anabolic steroids have a similar effect on the body. Anabolic steroids are
responsible for building muscle and this is the primary reason that many
body builders, athletes and other sports people use them when they train.
Anabolic steroids are occasionally used in the treatment of
anaemia and to help patients recover muscle that has atrophied after a
long period of bed rest. They can be taken in tablet form, but they are
more likely to be injected directly into the muscle in the form of an oily
liquid. They are usually taken in a variety of combinations over periods
of six to eight weeks.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
The general consensus
is that taking steroids in combination with a high protein diet and
intensive training builds body weight and muscle. Users report being more
aggressive, more competitive and have an increased capacity to train
harder. They can help users recover from strenuous exercise, but
aggressive feelings can also be felt up to 24 hours after consumption,
with reports of regular users becoming physically violent and sexually
abusive.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
The regular use of
anabolic steroids can lead to liver failure and raised blood pressure.
Risks for men include: the reduction of sperm output and quality, and in
some cases sterility, the loss of sex drive, erection problems, the
shrinking of testicles, the growth of breasts and acne. Risks for women
include: the growth of body and facial hair, shrinking of breasts,
possible risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, menstrual problems and the
deepening of the voice.
Users can also be affected by sleep
disorders, depression and paranoia. And although the drug is not
addictive, regular use can lead to a feeling of performing poorly when not
taking the steroids. If injected there's a risk of infection from diseases
transmitted through contaminated needles.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Anabolic steroids are
Prescription Only drugs under the Medicines Act, which means only a
doctor, can prescribe them.
They are also classified as class C
drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with the maximum penalty for the
illegal possession of steroids currently standing at two years
imprisonment and/or a fine.
Supplying a Class C drug, such as
anabolic steroids, can lead to five years in prison and/or a fine, even if
no money has changed hands in the transaction
 
CANNABIS
Cannabis is also
known by many different names including bhang, black, blast, blow, blunts,
bob hope, bush, dope, draw, ganga, grass, hash, hashish, hemp, herb,
marijuana, mary jane, pot, puff, northern lights, resin, sensi,
sensemilla, shit, skunk, smoke, spliff, wacky backy, weed and zero.
Cannabis a natural drug derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant,
which is found wild in most parts of the world and easily cultivated in
Britain. It comes in three forms: as a solid dark lump known as a resin,
as leaves, stalks and seeds called grass, or as sticky oil. It can be
rolled with a tobacco in a spliff or joint, smoked on its own in a pipe or
bong, or eaten as part of a cake or cookie. There are different strengths
of cannabis although mostly it is quite mild; some forms such as skunk are
very strong and smokers can have a hallucinogenic reaction.
Cannabis was first documented as a herbal medicine used by the
Chinese in the first century AD and today its properties have been claimed
to ease the pain, nausea and vomiting in advanced stages of cancer, AIDS
and other serious illnesses.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
Getting stoned on
cannabis can makes the user relax, and because of this many users see it
as a natural part of their regular routine that doesn't unduly affect
their judgement and abilities. However, cannabis does cause a number of
noticeable, but usually mild physical effects, including increased pulse
rate, decreased blood pressure, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and an increased
appetite (often referred to as 'the munchies').
Cannabis also
heightens the senses, especially when it comes to colours, taste and
music, and depending on external influences such as expectation and
atmosphere, using it can either produce sociability, talkativeness,
hilarity or episodes of introspective reflection. After taking some of the
stronger varieties of cannabis, or partaking in a prolonged period of use,
the user may feel tired and lacking in energy. If drunk as a tea or eaten
in cakes, the effects of cannabis are much less predictable and can often
be much stronger.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
As well as the risk
of nicotine addiction, the deep inhalation associated with cannabis
smoking does effect the lungs and can lead to cancer and other
smoking-related diseases.
Cannabis use does affect short-term
memory, the ability to concentrate, and co-ordination, all of which could
increase the risk of accidents. As a consequence, it is extremely
dangerous to drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery if you are
stoned. Depending on your mood or atmosphere, the use of cannabis can make
you feel paranoid or anxious, and a sensation of dizziness or nausea can
occur, especially if taken in combination with alcohol.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Cannabis is currently
a Class B substance like Speed. It's illegal to own it and it's illegal to
supply it. It's also an offence to grow cannabis.
Possession can
get you up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine, although most
people are either cautioned or fined. Serious offences of supplying
cannabis can get you up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Supplying includes passing a joint to a mate. If you're convicted,
the court has discretion to take account of the circumstances of the
offender and the offence before passing sentence.
Reclassification of cannabis
The Government will
reclassify cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug, the new legislation
will take effect on 29 January 2004 across the United Kingdom.
Reclassification means the Government acknowledge that cannabis is
not as harmful as other Class B substances like Speed. But the supply and
possession of cannabis will still be illegal. Penalties for supplying will
stay the same (with a maximum of 14 years). The maximum prison sentence
for possession will be reduced from five years to two. Fines and other
non-custodial sentences like compulsory community service will still
apply.
For those over 18, most offences of cannabis possession are
likely to result in a warning and confiscation of the drug. But you could
be arrested if you smoke in a public place, near a place where there are
children e.g a school, or where public order is at risk. Those who
repeatedly commit offences will be arrested and will be prosecuted. If you
are under 18, and it's your first offence of cannabis possession you will
normally be arrested, taken to the police station and given a warning or a
reprimand. If it's not your first offence, you will be given either a
final warning or you will be charged. If you have been given a warning in
the past and you get caught again you'll most likely be charged. When you
get a warning you are referred to the local Youth Offending team (YOT).
Driving while stoned
Cannabis affects your ability
to drive safely. This puts other road users at risk. The police are using
new roadside tests known as Field Impairment tests to determine whether
motorists are unfit to drive. You could be required to provide a blood or
urine sample for analysis. If you are convicted of being unfit to drive
you could face prison, heavy fines or be disqualified from driving.
Fact: Passing drugs among friends is supplying in the eyes
of the law.
Fact: Allowing people to take cannabis in your
house or any other premises is illegal.
Fact: A drug
conviction could stand between you and your ideal job.
Fact: If
the police catch someone smoking cannabis in a club they will have the
power to prosecute the landlord, club owner or person holding the party.
Using cannabis to relieve pain
The possession of
cannabis is an offence whatever you're using it for. The Government is
exploring cannabis-based treatments. These are being tested at the moment
and if they prove successful, the Home Secretary has said he's willing to
change the law to allow cannabis-based medicine on prescription. This
medicine could be available in 2004.
COCAINE
Cocaine is extracted
from the leaves of the coca plant found in South America and is a very
strong stimulant affecting the nervous system. Cocaine comes in the form
of a white powder and became extremely popular as a stimulant or tonic in
the early part of the 20th century, before the 1920 Dangerous Drugs Act
banned its use.
It was also commonly used as a local anaesthetic.
In powder form, cocaine can be snorted up the nose, tasted on the gums, or
dissolved and injected.
Cocaine is also known as C, charlie, coke,
dust, gold dust, snow, white and also bugle.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
Because cocaine is a
stimulant, users feel a sense of well-being, confidence and alertness, and
they are left with a craving for more, as well as a feeling of
indifference. Users will also experience dilated pupils, a rise in body
temperature, and their heart rate and blood pressure will increase. These
effects last for about half an hour, and then users experience the
depression and tiredness of the comedown, which can last for a couple of
days.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
The effects of the
comedown are quite severe, and users often take more and more cocaine to
delay the feelings of depression and tiredness; this often leads to
dependence. Users of cocaine are known to develop a strong psychological
dependence to the drug and a habit can costs thousands of pounds a year,
and prolonged use can also lead to panic attacks and paranoia.
Heavy use of cocaine can cause chest pain, heart problems,
convulsions, and if taken in large enough doses it can be fatal. The
process of snorting cocaine, if done repeatedly, can damage the septum,
which is the small piece of skin and cartilage separating the nostrils, as
well as causing nasal ulcers and nosebleeds. Injecting cocaine could also
lead to the contraction of HIV and hepatitis if contaminated needles are
used.
The long-term use of cocaine can cause serious mental health
problems ranging from mild depression to the extremes of cocaine
psychosis, in which the user has symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Cocaine is defined as
a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and being caught in
possession can lead to a maximum of seven years in prison and/or a fine.
Being caught in possession with intent to supply, or supplying the cocaine
means a maximum prison sentence of life.
Cocaine is classed as one
of the hardest drugs available due to the addictive qualities of the drug
and therefore the most severe penalties can be expected.
CRACK
Crack is a smokeable
form of cocaine that comes in the form of small irregular shaped lumps,
and it is basically a mix of powder cocaine, baking soda and water. It
gets its name from the cracking sound it makes when it is being smoked.
It's also known as rock, wash and stone.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
The effects of crack
are similar to those experienced by users of cocaine, although the 'hit'
is usually more intense, doesn't last as long, and can be harder to
control. As well as losing their appetite, users often experience a
feeling of well-being and confidence, as well as an indifference to pain
and fatigue.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Again the risks are
similar to those associated with cocaine, although crack users can be
increasingly aggressive and paranoid if they become dependent on the drug.
The comedown experience includes feelings of nausea, restlessness,
sleeplessness and exhaustion.
Crack is a highly addictive drug
that is expensive and can result in fatal heart problems, lead to
convulsions, cause damage to the lungs and create chest pains. Heavy
regular use can affect mental health making users restless, confused and
paranoid.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Crack is a Class A
drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which means it is illegal to be
in possession of, or supply, crack. The maximum penalties for possession
are seven years imprisonment plus a fine, and a supplier will receive a
maximum of a sentence of life imprisonment.
Just as cocaine is
classed as one of the hardest drugs available due to the addictive
qualities, crack cocaine is also considered this way and therefore the
most severe penalties can be expected.
ECSTASY
Ecstasy can also be
known as E, XTC, disco biscuits, burgers, fantasy, hug drug, echoes,
chiefs, mitsubishes, dolphins, Rolexes, adam and X.
Ecstasy is a
man-made psychoactive drug that induces a combination of the effects of
amphetamines and hallucinogens, such as LSD, in the user. Ecstasy usually
comes in the form of different coloured tablets and capsules, which are
swallowed, but it can also be crushed and snorted, or smoked. The hundreds
of different names given to ecstasy often come from the small image that
is stamped on top of each tablet, or from the shape of the tablet itself.
The chemical name for ecstasy is methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA), but many tablets do not contain any MDMA, merely drugs that
replicates similar effects. Because of its unusual properties, ecstasy has
become an extremely popular drug on the dance scene in the UK, and has
been used in nightclubs, parties and raves from the mid-1980s.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
After taking an
ecstasy tablet users commonly feel an initial rush of adrenaline, followed
by a combination of feeling energetic but calm. Colour, sound, and
emotions can seem more intense, and as the drug starts to take effect,
users can experience nausea, as well as an increased heart rate.
In some cases, the jaw will tightens, and the mouth and throat
become dry as the user starts to sweat more; usually in conjunction with
prolonged activity and dancing. A single dose of ecstasy takes effect
after about twenty minutes and lasts for up to six hours.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Ecstasy affects how
the body regulates temperature, and as a result there is a serious risk of
dehydration and overheating if the user doesn't consumer drink enough
liquid to replace the fluid they're losing.
It also increases
blood pressure, placing added strain on the heart. Continual or repeated
doses can make the sensations more acute, and some users experience
flashbacks, leading to panic and anxiety. Co-ordination can also be
affected, and some experts are concerned that use of ecstasy can lead to
brain damage, liver and kidney problems.
According to government
statistics, about 20 people a year die from taking ecstasy, usually as a
result of hypothermia and dehydration. However, there is also evidence
that hyponatraemia (the dilution of the body fluids) can occur when users
drink an excess of water to counter the effects of the drug.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Ecstasy is a Class A
drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which means that doctors cannot
prescribe it, and it is illegal to be in possession of, or supply it.
Maximum penalties for possession are seven years imprisonment plus
a fine, and the penalty for supplying, or possession with intent to
supply, is a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
GHB
Gammahydroxybutyrate,
or GHB, is a salty tasting colourless liquid with no distinguishing smell
that is usually sold in small bottles, or in powder form as capsules. GHB
was originally developed as a medicine for use during surgery, and body
builders can use it to build muscle mass, as an alternative to anabolic
steroids.
It is similar to a chemical called gamma amino butyric
acid, which occurs naturally in the brain. GHB has recently become popular
in dance and rave culture and there is growing concern over its use as a
"date rape" drug.
GHB is also known as liquid ecstasy, liquid X
and GBL.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
GHB is a sedative
that also produces feelings of euphoria. In small doses it can have a
relaxing effect on users, for example, a capful of GHB can make you feel
like you have drunk a few glasses of alcohol; your inhibitions are
lowered, you feel talkative and elated. GHB takes about 10 minutes to an
hour to take effect, and the symptoms can last up to a day.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Using GHB can lead to
stiff muscles and sometimes fits. If it isn't produced properly it can
burn the mouth, and mixing it with alcohol, or other drugs, is extremely
dangerous and can even be fatal. The long-term effects aren't yet known.
Concerns have grown that sex attackers are using the colourless,
odourless liquid to spike victims' drinks, rendering them unconscious, and
campaigners claim that hundreds of women are raped each year after their
drink or food is spiked with GHB.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
At the moment,
possession of GHB is not illegal, but manufacture and supply is, because
the drug is a controlled substance under the Medicines Act 1968.
The government has recommended that GHB be given a drugs
classification, although that has yet to come into effect.
It is
expected that GHB will become a Class C drug. As a Class C drug, under the
Misuse of Drugs Act the drug will still remain illegal and it will be an
offence to be in possession with, in rare cases, a maximum of 2 years
imprisonment. In most cases the drug will be confiscated by the police and
a warning given
HEROIN
Heroin is an opiate
made from the chemical morphine, which is extracted from the dried latex
of the opium poppy. Both morphine and codeine are extracted from the opium
latex, and these chemicals are used to make opiates, such as heroin,
diamorphine and methadone.
Heroin was originally used as a
painkiller in the 19th century, until doctors realised its highly
addictive quality; the name heroin comes from 'heroisch', the German word
for hero.
Pure heroin is a white powder, but street heroin comes
as a brownish-white powder that can be smoked, snorted or dissolved and
injected. Most of the heroin that is smuggled into the UK comes from
southwest Asia in an area known as the Golden Triangle.
Heroin can
also known as brown, china white, dragon, gear, H, horse, junk, skag,
smack and jack.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
Heroin is extremely
fast acting, and within a few seconds a small dose will give the user an
instant feeling of well-being.
Much larger doses can make users
relaxed and drowsy. Heroin use also causes lack of concentration,
suppresses pain, and sometimes induces anxiety and fear. Physical effects
can include blurred vision, constricted pupils, sweating, slow breathing,
as well as nausea and vomiting. In addition, the libido can be reduced and
users might find it difficult to cough.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Heroin is a very
addictive drug, both physically and psychologically, and large doses can
lead to stupor and also coma and, in some cases, it can also lead to
death. Because it is so addictive, users may find themselves taking more
and more heroin just to feel normal, and according to government findings,
users spend, on average, £10,000 a year to fund their habit.
The
purity of street heroin can also vary quite widely, as the drug can be
mixed with other white powders, such as chalk, flour, talcum powder and
caffeine. The impurity of the drug means it's often difficult to gauge the
strength of the dosage, which runs the risk of overdose.
Heroin is
generally injected, which can cause very serious damage to the veins and
also puts the user at risk of infection from HIV, hepatitis and other
diseases transmitted via used needles.
In the first few hours
after the last dose, users will suffer aches, hot and cold sweats,
sneezing and spasms which peak after about three days and fade away after
about ten days. However, fatigue and weakness may last for several months.
The main treatment for heroin addiction is prescribed methadone,
which is a synthetically created opiate. There are also problems with
methadone, as it is still a highly addictive drug, and it has to be
strictly controlled for those wanting to kick the habit.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Heroin is a Class A
drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which means it is illegal to be in
possession of, or supply heroin. The maximum penalty for possession is
seven years imprisonment, and a supplier will receive a maximum sentence
of life imprisonment.
KETAMINE
Ketamine is an
intravenous anaesthetic for use on both humans and animals, which for
medical use comes in liquid form. However, street ketamine is often sold
in tablet form as an alternative to ecstasy, or comes as a white
crystalline powder for smoking or snorting.
Ketamine can also be
called green, K, special K, super K or vitamin K.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
Chemically ketamine
is related to phencyclidine (angel dust and PCP), which means it alters
perception and makes users feel as if their mind has been separated from
their body. This creates hallucinatory experiences that can last for up to
three hours, during which time users may be unable to physically move,
although the effects very much depend on the strength of the dose.
The effects of ketamine are very much influenced by the user's
mood and environment, which is why it is a popular drug on the dance
scene.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Mixing ketamine with
alcohol or other drugs is extremely dangerous, and because the drug also
numbs the body, users risk serious injury without knowing it, as pain is
suppressed. Excessive doses can lead to breathing problems and heart
failure, but the long-term effects of ketamine use are still unknown.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Ketamine is not
controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act and therefore possession is not
illegal. However, it is controlled under the Medicines Act as a
Prescription Only drug, meaning unauthorised supply is illegal and
penalties can be severe.
LSD
LSD stands for
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, a powerful hallucinogenic drug that is derived
from a fungus found growing on rye and other wild grasses. In 1943, after
accidentally swallowing some of this chemical, a US scientist documented
the first LSD 'trip'.
Since then, the US Army investigated its use
as an agent capable of disabling enemy forces, and it became a symbol of
counterculture for the hippy movement of the 1960s.
Other names
for LSD include acid, trips, blotters, cheer, dots, microdots, drop,
flash, hawk, L, lightning flash, liquid acid, lucy, paper mushrooms,
rainbows, smilies, stars, sugar, tab, window.
LSD is actually a
white powder, but when it hits the streets it is either in liquid form, or
soaked into paper sheets, which are sold individually as 'tabs'. These
paper sheets are cut into small squares and often have pictures on them,
which is why there are so many names for LSD. Only small amounts of the
drug are needed to get an effect, so it can also be absorbed into sugar
cubes and then swallowed.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
The effects of LSD,
known as a trip, are dependant on the individual, how much is taken, how
the user feels and the situation they are in. Trips usually begin about
half an hour after taking the drug, peak up to six hours later and then
eventually fade after about twelve hours. No trip is ever the same.
Because it is an hallucinogenic drug it changes the way the mind
perceives things, so sense of movement can be impaired and time may seem
to speed up or slow down. Colours, sounds and surroundings may become
distorted, and flashbacks, or feelings of the mind being separated from
the body are also commonplace.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Once a trip begins,
there is absolutely no way to stop it, so if a user experiences a bad
trip, there is no escape, and bad trips are known to be extremely
disturbing and frightening. Flashbacks from a trip can be experienced long
after the drug has been taken, and they can be extremely vivid, leaving
the user feeling very shaken and disorientated.
Users can feel
very paranoid and threatened, and the experience of being totally out of
control can have psychological effects. Indeed, LSD can complicate
problems such as depression and anxiety. There is little risk from
overdosing, and deaths directly related to the drug are low, although risk
of having an accident while tripping is increased. LSD is also not
physically addictive, although users can develop a tolerance meaning more
and more is need to achieve the same trip.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
LSD is classified as
a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and it is illegal to be in
possession of, or supply LSD. The maximum penalty for possession is seven
years imprisonment, and a supplier will receive a maximum sentence of life
imprisonment plus a fine.
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
There are around
twelve different varieties of magic mushrooms that grow wild throughout
the UK in autumn, and they have a powerful hallucinogenic effect similar
to LSD. The main type of mushroom used is called liberty cap (psilocybe
semilanceata).
All of these types of mushroom bear close
resemblance to poisonous fungi, which can cause confusing and often fatal
consequences for the user. Magic mushrooms can be eaten raw (though not
fly agaric), or they can be cooked or stewed into a tea and drunk; they
can also be dried and then stored.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
Although, magic
mushrooms have a similar effect to LSD, the trip is often milder and
shorter. Like LSD, the mushrooms alter the way the mind perceives things,
but experiences vary for each individual and it is common for the user to
experience hallucinations and a feeling of euphoria along with a
perception that objects, colours and sounds are distorting.
The
physical effects kick in after half an hour, and they include an increase
in heart rate, blood pressure and pupil size, and depending on the amount
of mushrooms consumed the effects can last up to four hours.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Once the trip has
started there is no way to control or stop it, and a bad trip can be
unpredictable, with users experiencing feelings of paranoia and being out
of control. Users will invariably experience severe stomach pains, as well
as diarrhoea and sickness.
Too often, magic mushrooms can be
confused with other poisonous, sometimes deadly fungi, so if users
experience illness, they should get to hospital as soon as possible with a
sample of the fungi. Users do not become physically addicted and there are
no withdrawal symptoms.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
The law with regard
to magic mushrooms is complicated. The psilocybe mushroom or "magic
mushroom" is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but it
contains psilocin, a hallucinogen, and psilocybin, an ester of psilocin,
which are controlled as Class A drugs.
There have been a number of
court cases concerning the status of psilocybe mushrooms. The courts have
held that a person is not in possession of a controlled drug solely by
reason of his being in possession of a naturally occurring substance - the
mushroom - containing that drug.
The growing of psilocybe
mushrooms and the gathering and possession of them do not contravene the
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
It is, however, an offence under the
1971 Act to possess a "preparation" or "product" of the controlled drugs
psilocin or psilocybin.
The courts have held that where the
mushrooms have been prepared (eg by drying or by making into a powder) so
that "they have ceased to be in their natural state and have been in some
way altered by the hand of man" they constitute a "preparation" or
"product" of the Class A controlled drug psilocin. The courts have also
held that psilocybe mushrooms that had been frozen and packaged
constituted a product containing the Class A controlled drug psilocin
SOLVENT ABUSE
When people think of
solvent abuse, the first thoughts are usually about glue sniffing, however
abusers do not just sniff glue. Solvents include all substances that
contain butane or propane gas, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene.
This means that gas refills and lighters, some aerosols, some air
fresheners, some paint, thinners and correcting fluid, all of which
contain butane or propane, can all be sniffed. Even some aerosols
containing whipping cream can be abused.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
The effects of
solvent abuse start almost immediately after inhalation, and last between
15 to 45 minutes, unless the user continues to repeat the dose. Users
normally feel an initial euphoria and lowering of inhibitions that is
followed by feelings that are similar to those when you are drunk;
disorientation, blurred vision, dizziness, slurred speech, drowsiness, and
some people may even experience hallucinations.
Users can also
experience nausea, blackouts and sickness. The after-effects include a
mild hangover that leaves the user feeling tired and lacking in
concentration for about a day.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
The most obvious
risks are the spots or rash, which the user develops around the mouth and
nose; they can also suffer severe headaches. The long-term effects of
solvent abuse include brain damage, and kidney or liver failure.
Many users also place plastic bags over their heads to get the
full effect from the solvents, and this can lead to accidental
suffocation, while other users face the risk of choking on their own vomit
if they blackout. Tolerance to solvents does develop in regular users,
which can develop into heavier use, but although physical dependence has
not been reported, there are many severe withdrawal symptoms.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Solvents are used
around the home every day so it is not illegal to possess them. However,
the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 makes it illegal for a
retailer to sell a volatile substance to anyone under the age of 18 if
they believe it will be used for inhaling to cause intoxication.
It is also illegal for a retailer to supply gas lighter refills to
anyone under the age of 18, and breaking this law could lead to six months
in prison or a maximum £5,000 fine.
TOBACCO
Tobacco is name for
the dried leaves of the tobacco plant, which include the highly addictive
active ingredient nicotine. Tobacco is most commonly smoked, either in the
form of a cigarette, cigar, or in a pipe. Snuff is a form of tobacco that
is sniffed up the nose.
Up until the 1960s, it was believed that
smoking tobacco was good for your health, but after it became public
knowledge that smoking can cause cancer, people in most developed
countries started to kick the habit and the number of smokers started to
decline. In the UK about 30% of the population are smokers, who contribute
almost £10 billion every year to the government in excise duty on tobacco
and cigarettes.
WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
The main active
ingredient of tobacco is nicotine, which is a very fast-acting stimulant
that increases blood pressure and pulse rate, and first-time users can
experience dizziness and nausea. The general effects of smoking tobacco
differ in individuals, but regular smokers often find that it helps to
relax them, combat stress, alleviate anxiety, suppress boredom and help
concentration.
WHAT ARE THE
RISKS?
Tobacco smoke, which
is inhaled into the lungs, contains more than just nicotine. The list of
government permitted addictives includes acetone, used to make paint
stripper; ammonia, contained in toilet cleaners; butane, a form of lighter
fuel; and beta-naphthyl methylether, more commonly known as mothballs.
Smokers also take the risk of inhaling hydrogen cyanide, the poison used
in gas chambers; methanol, a rocket fuel; arsenic; and carbon monoxide,
the poisonous gas in car exhausts.
Other ingredients found in
tobacco products include cocoa, sugars and dried fruit extracts that are
used to enhance the taste.
Nicotine is an extremely addictive
chemical, and users soon build up a tolerance and run the risk of becoming
chain smokers. Regular smoking greatly increases the chances of developing
serious illness, such as cancers, heart disease and bronchitis.
Smokers can also suffer from bad breath, nicotine staining on the
teeth and fingers and coughs and chest complaints. Smoking results in the
premature death of over 100,000 people in the UK every year.
There
is also a risk to non-smokers though breathing in secondary smoke, known
as passive smoking.
WHAT DOES THE LAW
SAY?
Tobacco is legal and
therefore it is not an offence to have it on your person, or use tobacco
based products.
However, under the Children and Young Persons
(Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991, it is illegal to sell tobacco products
to anyone under the age of 16 and, if caught, shopkeepers can be subjected
to heavy fines.
TRANQUILLISERS
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