Drugs
The truth is that drug use can never be 100% safe and sometimes it can kill. If you are going to take drugs, it is important you know as much about the potential risks as possible and that you follow these guidelines :
- Make sure you are with friends - being with people you know can help when you come down.
- Always tell each other what you're taking.
- Avoid drugs if you're feeling depressed or anxious - they could make you feel worse. Drugs affect people in different ways depending on your weight, physical fitness and emotional well being.
- Don't buy from strangers, you can never be sure of what you're getting. Drugs may be stronger/purer than you anticipate or may be contaminated with other substances.
- Don't be pushed into taking drugs you're not happy about.
- If you're injecting drugs, never inject alone. Always use clean needles and don't share equipment.
- If you're caught with an illegal drug you may be asked to leave university, or worse still, you could end up with a criminal record.Different drugs carry different risks.
- Drugs such as heroin, alcohol or tranquillisers can lead to physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
- Drugs like amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine are uppers - they speed the body up - and can be dangerous for people who have heart or blood pressure problems.
- Drugs like heroin, alcohol, GHB and solvents are downers - they slow the body down - and can be very dangerous if mixed because the body can stop altogether. This is an overdose and can be fatal.
- Drugs like LSD, magic mushrooms and Ketamine are hallucinogenic and can lead to people 'freaking out' and doing dangerous things.
Anybody with a mental illness should steer well clear of these drugs and cannabis as well.
The following list of drugs and their effects is not exhaustive.
Amphetamines
Give a feeling of energy and confidence and cause extreme talkativeness. They can also result in alternating moods of elation and depression, aggressive behaviour, a dry mouth, no appetite, an inability to sleep, exhaustion, and toxic psychosis. There is also a danger of addiction, depression, panic, paranoia and hallucinations.
Anabolic Steroids
Used to build up muscle tissue, heavy regular use in men can lead to impotence, shrunken testicles, aggression, violent behaviour, as well as liver and blood pressure problems. Stopping use can help alleviate many of these problems. In young people, growth can be stunted.
Cannabis
It may make people feel more relaxed and talkative, as well as dreamy and slightly confused but can also result in a lack of co-ordination, red eyes, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and can sometimes cause paranoia. It is dangerous and illegal to drive under its influence. If smoked it can cause lung damage.
Cocaine/Crack
Similar to amphetamines - increased alertness and excitation, as well as depression and sleeplessness. Dangers are also similar, but in addition include nose ulcers and convulsions. It is generally considered more addictive than amphetamines.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy can make people very friendly towards each other or give them a feeling of extra energy. Thirst, sleeplessness, depression, confusion and paranoia can also result from its usage. Dozens of deaths have been associated with ecstasy and drinking too much water. While it is important to drink water to stop dehydration, too much can have serious implications.
GHB and Rohypnol ('date rape' drugs)
GHB and Rohypnol are used by attackers to spike their victim's drink in order to incapacitate them. Both drugs are tasteless and odourless so most victims are unaware that it has been slipped into their drink. It is now being used as a recreational drug. It produces a state of relaxation and the feeling of being drunk. Mixed with alcohol the effects of both drugs are intensified.At a bar or club, make sure you NEVER leave your drink unattended!
Heroin
Heroin, methadone and other opiates such as morphine and codeine, initially give a feeling of total relaxation and detachment from pain and anxiety. They make people drowsy, happy and laid back. Once physical dependence occurs, the pleasure becomes less and less and users need more to get the same effect. Death can occur through respiratory failure, heart attack and inhalation of vomit, and the risks are greater if other drugs (e.g. alcohol) are used at the same time.
There is a needle and syringe exchange service at Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service.
KetamineKetamine
an hallucinogenic drug that can cause vomiting, nausea, slurring of speech/vision, numbness and possible temporary paralysis. The trips are intense and lifelike leaving users confused between what's real and what's not. An increase in energy, feelings of aggression and synaesthesia ('hearing' colours - 'seeing' sounds) are other side effects. Frequent use can result in dependency and psychosis.
LSDPerceptual
changes occur to sight and sound. Users may experience illusions and hallucinations, which can be frightening or unpleasant. The trip usually fades after about 12 hours depending on the dose, but you often do not feel 'normal' until after you have slept. Acid can cause delusions of a paranoid nature, unpredictable behaviour and sometimes create dangerous situations for everynone. Recurrence of trips can happen even though no LSD has been taken recently.
Magic Mushrooms
Similar to LSD and can be mild or strong depending on the number taken. They take effect after about 1/2 hour, and usually last about 6-8 hours. Several mushrooms found in this country are of similar appearance to Magic Mushrooms but are extremely dangerous and can kill. PoppersThe effects start straight away and only last a few minutes. There is a rushing feeling as the heart accelerates. This can be dangerous for those with heart or blood pressure problems. Other effects include severe headaches, dizziness and nausea.
Solvents & Glues
These are a dangerous way of getting 'high'. Following inhalation, the effects are similar to being drunk. They can also cause a rash round the nose and mouth, stomach cramps, hallucinations and illusions, damage to lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. Death has occurred by suffocation, accidents and heart attack.Tranquillisers and BarbituatesRisk of addiction and overdose, as strengths vary between brands. Their effects are similar to alcohol with sedation, uncoordinated movements and sleepiness.
If you have become addicted, you should get medical help before trying to stop using them, as withdrawal has severe side-effects including depression and convulsions.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Anyone wanting more information about drugs is welcome to come to AWARE and ask. Complete confidentiality and non-judgmental advice and information are assured.
OR
Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service (BADAS)
1/2 Bridewell Lane, Bath
Tel: 01225 469 479
National Drugs Helpline (free 24 hours confidential service)
Tel: 0800 77 66 00
AWARE, 1 East Level 3,
Tel: 01225 (38) 6906