Drugs includes a wide range of substances from medicines that you can buy over the counter or that are prescribed by your doctor which are legal to illegal drugs like cannabis and heroin.
There are four groups of drugs:
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Analgesics
All drugs are potentially dangerous so prescription drugs have precise instructions on how and when to take them, including finishing the course of treatment. If you mis-use drugs you could risk damaging your health, and possibly die if you ‘overdose’. If the drug is not a ‘prescription’ drug it’s illegal and the ‘Misuse of Drugs Act’ divides these drugs into 3 classes.
- Class A – this covers the most dangerous drugs including cocaine, crack, crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin, LSD (Acid), magic mushrooms, methadone and opium.
- Class B, these include amphetamines (speed). Barbiturates, codeine
- Class C, these include cannabis (this may be re-classified as a Class B drug in 2009), ketamine and some tranquillisers
If you’re found in possession of illegal drugs you’ll risk getting fined or a prison sentence.
These websites all have help and advice for you and your friends.
- Talk to Frank
- Addaction
- The site
- Young Minds now has a section relating to cannabis and mental health which may be useful as a reference point.
You may prefer to call the National Drugs helpline on 0800 77 66 00.
If you feel that you, or someone you know has got a problem with drugs you can talk to your Personal Adviser about it, or you could visit one or more of the above links for further information and help.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Health Web Linx for more useful websites.