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[drug info]

Everyone knows that the safest form of drug use is not to use them. But if you do use drugs, you can make more informed choices if you learn about the risks and effects first. Here you'll find some essential info about lots of the more commonly used drugs, things like their legal status, what they look like, how they affect your health and what to look out for to reduce the risks.

 

Amphetamines

Other names: Speed, whizz, billy, pink champagne, sulph, dexedrine, dexies, billy whizz, amphet, pep pills.

What the law says: Class B, but Class A if prepared for injection.

Looks like: Speed is usually sold in wraps (small bits of paper folded up with the drug inside). The powder is off-white, yellow or pink and sometimes looks like small crystals. In most cases the purity of the drug is usually only around 5% pure as it is cut with other items such as baking powder, talcum powder, dried baby milk or more harmful substances such as paracetemol or aspirin. Base amphetamine looks like putty and is usually a pinky grey colour.

Effects: Speed is a stimulant, which means it makes you feel wide awake and energetic. It increases heart rate, breathing and blood pressure, widens the pupils in the eyes, and reduces appetite. Over-use can lead to hallucinations, sweating, jaw clenching and irritability. The high lasts for about 3-4 hours, followed by a 'comedown', which can cause aches and pains, hunger and depression.

Health risks: Speed can make you feel anxious, irritable and aggressive. It puts a strain on your heart and mixing it with anti-depressants or alcohol can be fatal. Sniffing it can damage the lining of the nose, rubbing it into your gums can cause your gums to recede and swallowing it can cause stomach problems. Research also shows that users of stimulant drugs are much more likely to have sex without using condoms. Base amphetamine is stronger than speed and the effects last longer which results in a harsher comedown.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't inject speed.
  • Don't mix it with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Don't share any drug taking equipment, as there's a risk of contracting a blood borne virus.
  • Those with heart conditions should always avoid stimulant drugs.
  • All stimulants suppress appetite so you will need to sleep and make sure you eat and drink healthily after a period of use.
  • Don't take too much or use too often. With over-use, anxiety and agitation can turn to paranoia, psychosis and often violent and over-aggressive behaviour. If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or a friend, seek some help and advice.
 

Benzodiazepines

Other names: Nitrazepam/mogadon (moggies), lorazepam/ativan, flurazepam/dalmane, clonazepam/rivotril, oxazepam, flunitrazepam, rohypnol (roofies), temazepam/normison (eggs, temazzies, jellies), bromazepam/lexotan, chlordiazepoxide/librium, diazepam/valium (vallies/yellows).

What the law says: Class C.

Looks like: They usually come as tablets or capsules, often white, yellow or blue pills, depending on their strength.

Effects: They are tranquillisers that can be prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety and insomnia. They calm you down, make you feel more relaxed and less anxious. They can make you sleepy, forgetful and vague and cause a loss of co-ordination.

Health risks: After only a few weeks they can stop being effective without an increase in dose, so you can become dependent quite quickly. They can end up causing sleeplessness and anxiety, as well as short-term memory loss, vertigo, hypotension, loss of libido and blood disorders. Withdrawal can cause headaches, confusion and even convulsions - it is possible to die from benzodiazepine withdrawal.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't mix with alcohol or other drugs as this significantly increases the risk of overdose.
  • Don't crush and inject tablets as this carries the risk of blocked veins and the usual risks associated with intravenous drug use.
  • If you're a long-term user of Benzodiazapines, you're advised to seek medical help for a reduced withdrawal programme, as it can be fatal to just stop using them.
 

Cannabis

Other names: Marijuana, THC, hash, pot, weed, blow black, shit, draw, herb, skunk.

What the law says: Class B.

Looks like: Hash is a black/brown resin that may be soft and malleable, crumbly or very hard. Weed is a herbal cannabis made of small dried leaves and/or flowering heads. Skunk is a type of herbal cannabis that can be 2-3 times stronger than other varieties. Oil is less common in the UK, usually comes in small vials and is light brown.

Effects: Cannabis makes some people happy and relaxed, some people talk a lot and giggle, whilst others may become quieter. Some people experience a greater awareness of music and colours. It increases appetite and can cause vomiting, dizziness and bloodshot eyes. You may feel anxious and panicky especially if you smoke stronger types of cannabis.

Health risks: Long-term use can result in breathing problems and some cancers, especially you smoke it with tobacco. Recent research shows a link between starting to use cannabis at a young age and testicular cancer. It has also been linked with mental health problems. Using cannabis regularly can cause short-term memory loss, de-motivation and tiredness, and affect concentration which can interfere with your ability to study. Research shows that if you are a smoker of cannabis between the ages of 15-25 you are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop a schizophrenic illness than a non-smoker.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't mix it with alcohol, as this can make side effects such as nausea, palpitations and anxiety worse.
  • Don't take too much - due to modern growing techniques cannabis can be stronger now than it used to be.
  • When smoked cannabis produces a lot of tar and it is more carcinogenic than tobacco.
  • If cannabis is eaten it takes longer to have an effect but it increases its hallucinogenic effect and the risk of mental health problems.
  • If you experience paranoia, this is often a warning sign of negative mental health symptoms, so reduce your use and seek some help.
 

Cocaine and crack

Other names: Coca, coke, Charlie, snow, powder crack, rock, bones, stones, freebase.

What the law says: Class A.

Looks like: Cocaine is a fine white powder. Crack is a smokable form of cocaine that looks like small white raisin-sized pellets.

Effects: Cocaine is probably the most powerful stimulant. It makes you feel wide awake, confident and in control, but it increases your heart rate and blood pressure and reduces your appetite. The high is quite short-lived, about 20-30 minutes, so people are often tempted to take more. The effects of crack are more intense still but the effects last for only 5-10 minutes and the eventual comedown can be severe.

Health risks: Even as a recreational user, you can quickly develop anxiety, paranoia and disrupted sleep, making you feel tired and run-down. Snorting it can destroy the inside of your nose and high doses can cause a fit or heart attack - people have died from overdose. Crack users often experience breathing problems, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and violent aggression.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Cocaine and crack are both dangerous, but snorting cocaine is less dangerous than smoking crack.
  • Don't mix either with other drugs or alcohol.
  • Don't inject cocaine.
  • Don't share drug-taking equipment for snorting or injecting, as there is a risk of contracting a blood borne virus.
  • If you're pregnant your baby may be affected, so you should stop use and see your doctor.
  • All stimulants suppress appetite, so your body will need to sleep and be fed after a period of use.
  • With over-use, anxiety and agitation can turn to paranoia, psychosis and often violent and over-aggressive behaviour. If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or a friend, you should reduce use and seek medical help.
  • Research shows that users of stimulants are more likely to have unsafe sex. Always carry condoms if there is a chance you may have sex.
  • Stimulants put a strain on the heart, so those with heart conditions should always avoid them.
  • Anyone using crack should seek specialist help.
 

Ecstasy

Other names: MDMA, 'e', doves, XTC, mitsubishis, apples, rhubarb & custards, callies.

What the law says: Class A.

Looks like: Pure ecstasy is a white crystal powder, which scientists call MDMA. Most commonly it comes as tablets or capsules in all sorts of colours and designs, which often reflect their street names e.g. apples.

Effects: Ecstasy is an upper drug that makes you feel more awake and energetic. The effects start after about 30 minutes and can last for several hours. Users may feel a warm glow spreading through the body and feel increasingly friendly to other people. You may also experience enhanced sounds and colours and increased energy. But that's not all - less welcome effects include dizziness, disorientation, breathlessness, nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, jaw clenching, dilated pupils and loss of appetite. The comedown can also be considerable, leaving you tired and depressed.

Health risks: Ecstasy can cause anxiety, panic attacks and confusion. It raises your temperature and makes your heart beat faster. There have been over 200 reported deaths associated with ecstasy use in the UK since 1990. Most deaths occur from overheating in hot, crowded clubs, or from drinking too much liquid too quickly, but some may be due to having a bad reaction or mixing ecstasy with other drugs. Users often feel tired and may have sleep and eating problems, lack energy and feel depressed. With long-term use, there may be a risk of liver damage, brain damage and mental health problems. Ecstasy can also trigger other latent conditions such as epilepsy in some people.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often; take regular breaks from using.
  • Remember that you can never be sure what's in a tablet or how you'll react.
  • Drink water little and often (one pint per hour is advised). Ecstasy inhibits the body's ability to absorb water so over-drinking can cause water toxicity, which can kill. Conversely, not drinking enough and dancing too much can cause the body to overheat.
  • Don't mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
  • If you're dancing in a hot club make sure you take some time out in another area. Most clubs have a chill out room where you will be able to assess more easily how you're feeling.
  • Users may be more likely to have unsafe sex. Always carry condoms if there is a chance you may have sex.
  • The brain and body need to recover so food and sleep are necessary - more pills will only make the situation worse in the long run.
  • Some users have been known to 'soften' the comedown with depressants like valium, heroin or some over the counter drugs. This is 'false recovery' and greatly increases the risk of developing a cycle of dependence.
  • Those with epilepsy should refrain from using ecstasy.
  • Good websites for more info are www.ecstasy.org and www.dancesafe.org.
 

Heroin

Other names: Smack, brown, 'H', shit, gear, skag, harry, horse, jack, junk, brown sugar.

What the law says: Class A.

Looks like: Pure heroin is white, and this is more rarely available. Heroin is usually sold as white, yellowy or light brown powder.

Effects: Heroin is a powerful painkiller. It has a euphoric quality, which means it creates a sense of wellbeing. First-time users often become nauseous and vomit. Heavy use makes you sleepy and incoherent, often the user is seen to slump.

Health risks: Heroin is very addictive and your body gets used to it very quickly. Most risks are around the lifestyle and self-neglect that goes with regular use and with the dangers of infections and abscesses from injecting the drug. Some of the impurities are also a risk to health. Heroin can suppress your cough reflex leaving you open to chest infection, and constipation is also common among users. Overdose is a significant cause of death, especially if the user has been drinking alcohol or using other depressant drugs. Withdrawal is unpleasant and the fear of it can often keep most dependents using.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Don't mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
  • Don't share drug-taking equipment, as there is a risk of contracting a blood borne virus.
  • Help and treatment is available to support users through withdrawal.
 

Ketamine

Other names: 'K', special 'k', vitamin 'k', kettle, Kit Kat, 'liquid heroin'.

What the law says: Class C.

Looks like: Usually comes as a white crystalline powder. It can also be contained in pills sold as ecstasy. In pharmaceutical form Ketamine is a clear liquid for injection.

Effects: Ketamine makes you hallucinate and feel a sense of euphoria, disorientation and a lack of co-ordination. Some users say they have had an 'out of body' experience. It also causes nausea, headaches, loss of bowel control and even temporary feelings of paralysis. The effects can last for about 3 hours - taken by mouth the effects last longer than if the drug is snorted, although numbness is said to increase.

Health risks: Ketamine is an anaesthetic, so there's a risk of injuring yourself without realising you've done it. The risks to your mental health are also extremely high. It has been said that a hot loud club is probably the worst place to take the drug because it is so disorientating, and some unwitting ecstasy users have reported nightmarish experiences. Large doses of Ketamine, or mixing it with alcohol and other depressant drugs, increase the risk of heart failure, unconsciousness, vomiting and choking.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Don't mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
  • If you experience severe stomach cramps or urinary tract infections (such as cystitis) and use ketamine, you should seek medical advice.
  • Don't share drug-taking equipment, as there is a risk of contracting a blood borne virus.
  • Don't take it anywhere you don't feel safe or where there's a risk you could hurt yourself.
  • If you experience paranoia or other negative symptoms from regular use, you should reduce use and seek medical help.
 

Legal highs

Other names: Herbal highs including Spice, Sence and Magic. Other legal highs include: salvia divinorum, party powders, party pills, kratom, GBL, BZP.

What the law says: Currently legal substances. Some legal highs such as Spice, GBL and BZP will be classified as Class C drugs by the end of 2009.

Effects: Legal highs are substances that have the same or similar effects to illegal drugs. This may be because, for example, a herbal mixture is coated with a chemical or a substance is being used in an unlicensed way. Remember - legal highs say on the packet that they are not fit for human consumption.

  • Salvia divinorum: This rare plant is smoked or chewed to give hallucinations. It recently drew controversy after the suicide of an American teenager who had used it.
  • Party powders: These attempt to mimic drugs that are snorted, mainly cocaine. They often contain caffeine, although the active ingredients vary. The effects last about 30 minutes and they may cause dehydration and increased heart rate.
  • Party pills: These include a wide range of products that may be chemically similar to amphetamines or ecstasy but are not controlled under the law. The active ingredients are not known but they may state that they contain geranium extract, caffeine and ketones. They are marketed to boost energy and heighten awareness. It is advised not to mix these with alcohol. They are sometimes sold as 'plant food'.
  • Kratom: This is the powdered extract from plants grown in South East Asia. Its effects vary from person to person. It has stimulant qualities, though can work as a depressant for some people.
  • GBL (gamma-butyrolactone): This is a solvent used in cleaning fluids, stain removers, plastics and pesticides. It is closely related to GHB, which was banned five years ago. It is a fast-acting drug, with hypnotic and euphoric effects, especially when mixed with alcohol. GBL can also cause nausea, coma and death.
  • BZP (benzylpiperazine): This was originally used as a worming treatment. Its effects are similar to ecstasy, with decreased appetite, increased heart rate and tingling skin. Senses of taste, sound and colour may be enhanced and effects last between 4-8 hours. You may be unable to sleep for as long as 10 hours after taking the drug, as well as having hangover like symptoms, some memory loss, anxiety and possible convulsions. BZP contains Piperazine, which is a prescription only medicine in the UK, therefore selling BZP as a party drug is illegal.

Health risks: Herbal highs are described on packaging as herbal incense or herbal blends. However the reality of these substances is far from harmless. As well as the listed ingredients which are typically things like baybean, blue lotus, dwarf skullcap, Indian warrior, lion's tail and marshmallow, they also contain one or more synthetic chemicals, which mimic the effects of drugs like cannabis on the body. The mixture and quantity of the chemicals is generally unknown, which means you can't be sure what you're taking or the potential harm it may cause. There are concerns that they can be as powerful as skunk (a potent form of cannabis).

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Don't mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
  • Don't share drug-taking equipment, as there is a risk of contracting a blood borne virus.
  • Remember that you can never be sure what's contained in it or how you'll react.
  • If you experience negative symptoms, you should reduce use and seek medical help.
 

LSD

Other names: Lysergic acid diethylamide, tabs, trips, microdots, strawbs, blotter, acid.

What the law says: Class A.

Looks like: It looks like crystals in its pure form but it is dissolved and soaked into sheets of paper and cut into small squares called tabs. These are often printed with popular designs.

Effects: LSD makes you hallucinate. It works on the brain causing changes to the way you think, feel and see things. Most commonly, objects such as walls become distorted, the way people or objects look changes and floating patterns appear in the air. Users can enter a dream-like state, become very self-aware and feel as though they are experiencing moments of enlightenment. However, they can also feel high levels of anxiety, dizziness or disorientation. Trips are unpredictable and vary from person to person. It takes between 30-60 minutes to take effect and the effects can last 8-12 hours.

Health risks: LSD can trigger a range of mental health problems, so anyone with a history of these problems should avoid LSD. It is thought that LSD can cause permanent eye damage. There is also a risk of injuring yourself while using LSD as users will often feel disorientated. Some users experience 'flashbacks' of an LSD trip, weeks, months or even years after taking it. LSD interacts badly with alcohol and cannabis, increasing side effects such as nausea and anxiety.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Don't mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
  • Only take LSD in an environment where you feel safe, with people that you trust and at a time when you feel content and relaxed.
  • To support someone who's having a bad experience on LSD, try to ensure that they're sitting in a quiet and calm environment and reassure them that what they're experiencing is the effects of the drug and it will pass.
 

Methadone

Other names: Meth, linctus, green, juice, physeptone, amps.

What the law says: Class A if possessed without a prescription in your name.

Looks like: It's a liquid, usually green but can also be orange, yellow, brown, blue or clear. Pale green tablets and injectable ampoules are also less commonly available.

Effects: Methadone is a manufactured drug that has similar effects to heroin although it's longer acting (24 hours) and less intense. Some users experience an intense allergy like itchiness. It is used as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction.

Health risks: Methadone is addictive and withdrawal is said to be longer and more unpleasant than that of heroin, though tolerance takes longer to develop. Overdose is common in users who are not used to the drug or have lost their tolerance. Injecting ampoules can lead to vein damage and injecting crushed tablets carries serious risk of vein blocking and abscesses. Mixing methadone with alcohol carries increased risks of passing out and, as with heroin, the cough reflex is suppressed leaving the user prone to choking on their own vomit. Methadone can cause overdose and death - as little as 5mls (one teaspoon) can cause death especially to a child, young person or someone who has never taken methadone or any other opiate drug before.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Don't mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
  • Don't share drug-taking equipment, as there is a higher risk of contracting a blood borne virus.
  • If you experience negative symptoms, you should reduce use and seek medical help.
 

Mephedrone

Other names: M-Cat, MMCAT, MC, mieow, meow, 4MMC, plant fertiliser.

What the law says: Class B.

Where does it come from?: It's a totally manmade chemical related to cathinone, the active drug in the African shrub 'Khat'. There are a number of different variations on the market, including methylone, which has similar effect but is more 'trippy'.

Looks like: A crystalline powder. The colour varies from white or off-white to yellow or brown. It could be a drier white, fluffy powder but many current supplies are more crystalline. The crystals may have a damp consistency that makes it harder to divide the mephedrone into lines. It may also have an unpleasant smell that's a mixture of crabs or shrimps with a sweeter, coconut smell.

Effects: Mephedrone is a stimulant and has similar effects to cocaine, speed and ecstasy. Stimulants make you feel wide-awake and energetic. The effects of mephedrone can come on in a head rush and be overpowering - some people feel or are sick. The effects of a single dose can last for at least an hour. Some say it lasts for much longer. It's difficult to say exactly how long it lasts because many people who use mephedrone use it regularly throughout the night with some saying that they loose all sense of time, otherwise known as 'mephedroning'.

Mephedrone can cause jaw clenching and teeth grinding which can damage your teeth. Keep sugar free gum on you and chew it if you start grinding or clenching.

Some say there's a gentle comedown from mephedrone, but most people say they feel exhausted, depressed, confused and disorientated, with a sore head. You won't be able to sleep properly after mephedrone. Drink a pint of water before you go to bed to help prevent getting dehydrated.

As with any drug, effects vary from person to person and depend on:

  • how much you take
  • the purity (or adulterants)
  • how often you take it
  • what other drug you take with it
  • how you take it
  • your mood, who you're with and where you are

Health risks: The biggest risk is heart failure, so don't use mephedrone at all if you have an existing heart problems or high blood pressure. Also don't use it if you're on prescribed medication as some of these mix badly with mephedrone. Drugs such as ecstasy can also occasionally cause death because of a direct poisonous effect on the body, so it's likely this will also apply to mephedrone.

Is mephedrone addictive? Most people who use mephedrone use it on an occasional basis, although, like with any drug, it seems that some use it daily and pick up a mephedrone habit. It's not thought that mephedrone has a physical withdrawal, but as yet we don't know much about the long-term use of mephedrone. If you're experiencing problems controlling or stopping your use please contact us.

How to reduce the risks: Mephedrone is not a 'safe' drug. There's a level of risk with any relatively unknown substance. And from what is known of it so far, there's a significant level of risk and so mephedrone should be treated with great caution. The risks will almost certainly be greater where large doses are used, the drug is used for extended periods of time, or mephedrone is combined with other drugs - especially other stimulants or drugs that elevate serotonin or dopamine. Even when used with care and at moderate doses, some experienced users are reporting negative symptoms.

 

Over-the-counter drugs

Most commonly misused: Codeine-based painkillers and cough and/or cold mixtures.

What the law says: Legal substances.

Effects: The table below shows the three main types of effect and the types of over-the-counter drugs that may cause them. Remember - if you mix depressant effect drugs with sedative effect drugs you greatly increase the risk of overdose and death, and this applies to ALL legal and illegal drugs.


Depressants Stimulants Sedatives
Effect Mild euphoria
Relaxation
Decreased heart rate
Decreased blood pressure
Increased effects of alcohol
Often physically addictive		 Excitement
Alertness
Agitation and anxiety
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure		 Sleepiness
Drowsiness
Increased effects of alcohol
Used in Cough/cold linctuses
Painkiller analgesic capsules
Diarrhoea preparations		 Cough/cold treatments
Decongestants (especially 'non-drowsy')		 Anti-histamines
Cough/cold treatments
Some night time sleep aids

Health risks: Misusing over-the-counter drugs can mimic the symptoms of a clinical drug addiction. This can happen even if you don't take large amounts of one of these drugs - in fact many people become dependent on having to take a daily amount that is under the maximum recommended dosage, but they have done this over many years. Most people become unintentionally addicted to these products after first using them to treat an actual physical complaint. Over-use of painkillers such as paracetemol can damage the liver and a dose of 15 tablets at once can cause death.

How to reduce the risks:

  • Don't take too much or use too often.
  • Don't mix them with other drugs or alcohol.
  • If you experience negative symptoms or have been using over-the-counter products on a regular basis, you should seek medical advice before stopping use, as you may need a managed withdrawal programme.
 

Volatile substances

Types of substances: Gas, glue, lighter fuel, thinners, chroming, petrol, solvents, hairspray, butane, all aerosols.

What the law says: Using these substances is not illegal. The law treats some solvents like alcohol, making the vendor responsible for deciding if the products are going to be misused. However, it is an offence to sell lighter fuel to anyone aged under 18.

Effects: The effects are almost immediate and have been described as very like being extremely drunk i.e. lack of co-ordination, dizziness and disorientation, and often nausea. With further use, you may experience vivid hallucinations, seeing or hearing things. Experiences can vary widely and the effects are unpredictable. Often after the effects have worn off (between 15-45 minutes) you experience a 'hangover' effect with headache, neck stiffness and chest pains.

Health risks: These substances are a massive health threat, especially to young people who tend to be the most common users. At least one person dies from volatile substance misuse in the UK every week and many are first time users. Death or serious injury is usually due to one of the following:

  • Toxic reaction
  • Heart failure - especially after physical exertion soon after use
  • Suffocation - butane inhaled into the mouth can cause swelling of the trachea
  • Unconsciousness and vomiting - choking on your own vomit
  • Damage to the liver, lungs and kidneys - there is also evidence that they impair brain function, especially memory and concentration abilities.

How to reduce the risks:

  • There is no safe way to inhale chemicals and the risks are as high for those sniffing for the first time, as they are for someone who has been sniffing for many years.
  • Don't sniff alone or in hard to reach areas such as derelict land or canal paths. If a problem does occur, help will be unavailable or take a long time to arrive.
  • Learn the recovery position so you can stop unconscious friends choking.
  • Don't excite a user by chasing them - this can result in Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome.
  • Don't spray volatile substances directly into the throat as this can cause the tissue to freeze and swell, causing suffocation.
  • It is extremely dangerous to place a plastic bag over the head, as this can cause suffocation and asphyxiation. Never use this method if you are on your own.
  • Volatile substances are flammable so don't go near naked flames such as cigarette lighters.