Drugs
Drugs are substances taken into the body which change the way we feel or act. They affect the central nervous system and may alter perception, mood, consciousness, personality or behaviour.
Quick links on this page
Effects on the individual
How a drug affects an individual will depend on the:
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amount taken and combination with other substances such as prescribed medication
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how it's taken (smoking and injecting give a quicker and more intense experience; as a drink or eaten takes longer and lasts longer)
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purity and exact chemical composition
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environment where it's taken
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individual factors such as physiology, general health, mood and expectations
Recreational drug use can easily become problematic and result in damaging effects on a person's health, wealth, performance and personal relationships.
Mixing it
It may be tempting to use a drug to soften the effects of another, such as smoking cannabis after a speed trip. Yet this could increase your paranoia.
Mixing drugs is unpredictable and can be dangerous, for example
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alcohol and cocaine produces cocaethylene which is highly toxic and vastly increases the risk of sudden death
For more information on combining different drugs, visit the FRANK webpage
Types of drugs
Drugs fall into 3 main categories
Stimulants
such as caffeine and khat (legal) or cocaine and amphetamines (illegal)
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increase breathing, heart rate and blood pressure
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increase confidence and make you talk more
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reduce hunger, and need for sleep
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increase alertness
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cause changes in body temperature and sweating
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cause paranoia and aggression
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reduce inhibitions and increase risk taking behaviour
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induce psychosis and sexual dysfunction
Depressants
such as alcohol and diazepam (legal) or heroin and GHB (illegal)
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reduce breathing, heart rate and blood pressure
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reduce alertness and coordination
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reduce inhibitions and increase risk taking behaviour
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increase risk of overdose when taken with other substances
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cause sexual dysfunction
Perception altering drugs
such as salvia divinorum (legal) or magic mushrooms and LSD (illegal)
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cause hallucinations
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increase self awareness
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cause euphoria
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cause anxiety and mood swings
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cause paranoia
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decrease or increase inhibitions
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cause psychosis
(Adapted from Legal Highs:the facts)
Skunk, smack and shrooms.......
There are hundreds of drugs and even more slang names, so visit the FRANK website for the up to date drugs A-Z, plus information on effects, risks and the law.
The legal status of drugs is complex and changes all the time. Visit TheSite.org for more on current law around different drugs and your rights if suspected of possession or possession with intent to supply.
If prosecuted for drugs possession or supply you could face
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suspension or exclusion from university
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eviction from your accommodation
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effects on your future career, particularly in medicine, nursing and law
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limits on the countries you can travel to
'Legal highs'
Just because a drug is not technically illegal (yet), it doesn't mean it is safe. N.B The government has brought in temporary bans for previously 'legal highs'.
So called 'legal' or 'herbal highs' are designed to mimic class A, B or C drugs such as cocaine or cannabis but may not have been tested for human consumption.
New drugs are constantly being developed and long term effects on the body and brain are unknown.
Download the leaflet, Legal Highs:the facts from Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership (you need to print pg1 and 2 from campaign leaflets and resources)
See the NHS Choices webpage on 'legal highs'.
The Talk to Frank website also has a page on 'legal highs'.
Staying safe
You are at greater risk of physical or sexual assault when under the influence of drugs. Watch this video on Night time safety from Loughborough Students' Union.
You may appear threatening to others and this will affect their behaviour towards you.
Top tips for staying safe
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Drugs aren't compulsory. Know the facts, know yourself and resist pressure. Visit FRANK for more
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If you're dancing and under the influence, take regular breaks to chill out and sip non-alcoholic drinks (about a pint per hour)
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Have a friend looking out for those under the influence who knows what to do in an emergency:
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put the person in the
recovery position. Follow this link on
YouTube
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call 999 and tell the paramedics what drugs have been taken
Getting help
If things are getting too much, don't keep it a secret
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Chill Out Sound Support is a Nottingham city service for non-injecting drug users. They provide drug awareness and harm minimisation advice, support and treatment. Various clinics including Cripps health centre. Call 0115 845 2361 or email chillout@nottinghamcity.nhs.uk
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The Health Shop offer substance use advice and support, needle and syringe exchange and a specialist anabolic steroid clinic (RIPPED) at their Broad Street premises or the Waverley Health Centre. Call 0115 947 5414
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FRANK is an independent website giving friendly, confidential drugs advice, with a comprehensive drugs A-Z, personal stories, videos and a freephone, text and email service
Drug diary
Date: ……………
Drug diary
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Day
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Time taken
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Drug and amount
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How taken (route)
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When, where, who with?
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How did you feel?
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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Source: FRANK, NHS Choices, Chill Out Sound Support, TheSite.