Dealing with Drugs health index | Register for Health Care |
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Dealing with Drugs
| Drug | Effect |
| Tobacco | People believe tobacco has a relaxing effect. In real terms it is one of the most addictive substances used. (See Dealing with Smoking) |
| Alcohol | Too much alcohol can cause double vision, poor balance and unconsciousness. (See Dealing with Alcohol) |
| Amphetamines | Amphetamines (including Speed and Uppers) come in various forms and give you a feeling of energy and confidence. Dangers: can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Long term health risks include a poor resistance to disease and infection |
| Cocaine | Cocaine (including snow, rock and crack) is a powerful amphetamine giving you lots of energy and making you feel as if you have unlimited physical and mental strength. Crack is cheaper than cocaine but often more dangerous. Dangers: seriously unbalances your mind. After effects include anxiety or panic attacks and long term health risks include sleeplessness, sickness and weight loss |
| Ecstasy | Known by a variety if nicknames, Ecstasy is taken by young people for extra energy and because of its' feel good' factor. As it wears off, it leaves you feeling depressed with poor body co-ordination. Frequent use can cause anxiety and insomnia. Has been known to contribute to a person's death. |
| LSD | LSD (known as acid), acts in the body for up to twelve hours and affects your mind so that your senses are distorted, making you feel as if you are outside your body (known as a 'trip'). Bad trips can lead to severe depression, panic and unintentional accidents - some fatal |
| Magic Mushrooms | Magic Mushrooms have effects similar to LSD, but regulating the amount taken can be very difficult. |
| Cannabis | Cannabis is regarded by some as a non-addictive drug that has effects and risks similar to smoking. |
| Solvents | Has similar effects to alcohol and can lead to serious health risks and death. Taken usually by inhalation. |
| Barbiturates / Tranquillisers | Have a calming effect but also the potential to kill if not used properly. |
| Heroin | A highly addictive drug that has severe side effects between doses. Once hooked, users need more and more of the drug. Long term use leads to increased dependency and can lead to death. |
Not everyone who uses a drug has a drug 'problem'; not all drugs are addictive. Be aware of the dangers!
- Drugs are powerful chemicals. They can change how you think, feel and behave
- The side effects of drugs can seriously damage your health (see table above)
- Some drugs are addictive
- Drugs can affect your ability to think clearly, resulting in accidents at home or problems at work
Talk to a GP, or a health visitor. Doctors will refer you to a local, regional or national treatment centre. Professional drug services are available in most local areas. (See Counselling and Advice in Yellow Pages)
Support from family and friends is very important.
Release provides information, advice and counselling on drug use and abuse.
388 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT.
Tel. 0171 729 9904
Confidential helpline 0171 603 8654
The National Drugs Helpline gives free advice about drugs for parents or young people, including information about local services.
Tel. 0800 776600
ADFAM National is a charity for family and friends of drug users with a national helpline.
Tel. 0171 638 3700
Drugs Database
http://www.drugs-workplace.co.uk/DATA.html
Try this on-line Drugs Quiz
http://www.drugs-workplace.co.uk/QUIZ1.html
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