Drugs & Alcohol

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The World Health Organisation's definition of a drug is 'a substance which on entering the body changes the way the body functions.' The term 'drugs' can refer to medicines, tobacco, alcohol, solvents and illegal substances.

Substance given as medicine: A natural or artificial substance that is given to treat or prevent a disease or to lessen pain.

Controlled substance: An illegal and sometimes addictive substance that causes changes in behaviour and perception and is taken for the effects.

Solvents: Solvents are substances that are inhaled to get 'high'. They include gases, glues and aerosols and come in forms such as petrol, lighter fluid or hairspray.

The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) divides illegal drugs into 3 classes.

'Possession' of a drug means being caught with an illegal drug that is for your own use only. It is the same if you are carrying it or it is found in your home / car.

'Possession with intent to supply drugs' means being caught carrying drugs with the intention of dealing them.

The three classes of drug are:

Class A:

Includes cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD (acid), cannabis oil, magic mushrooms prepared for use
Maximum penalties:
Possession: 7 years prison and/or a fine
Supply: life imprisonment and/or a fine

Class B:

Includes speed
Maximum penalties:
Possession: 5 years prison and/or a fine
Supply: 14 years' prison and/or a fine

Class C:

Includes cannabis, barbiturates and minor tranquilizers (when supplied)
Maximum penalties:
Possession: 2 years prison and/or a fine
Supply: 14 years' prison and/or a fine

The Law - Things To Think About

It is possible to be charged with Joint Possession -if the police believe that the drug is being shared

If you admit to using drugs in the past, then in some circumstances you could be charged with Past Possession

Often, passing an illegal drug to someone else can result in a charge of Supplying - you don't need to be selling a drug. Even returning a drug you have been 'looking after' for a friend can result in a charge of supplying.

It is possible to be charged with Offer to Supply, even if the exchange does not actually take place

If you share accommodation, you could be charged if your flat mate possesses illegal drugs, if it can be proved that you knew that the drug was on the premises

For more details see 'Drugs and the Law' published by Release (020 7729 9904).

Drugs are split into four main groups. (See table further on for more info on individual drugs).

Stimulants: Stimulants make the heart go faster, making you chatty and confident. They can also put a lot of strain on the heart. Users can become depressed after using stimulants.

Depressants: Depressants slow down the heart rate, making users feel relaxed. They can also make users feel depressed, drowsy and unable to concentrate.

Hallucinogens: Users of hallucinogens see things in vivid colours and often see things that aren't really there. The feelings from these drugs can be very intense, and can make you very giggly and 'drunk'. They can also make you paranoid. Depending on your mood and environment, you may have a bad trip, which can be very scary.

Painkillers: Painkillers numb the senses, and can make people feel better. They can be very addictive. Many are prescribed by doctors. 'Recreational' painkillers can be very dangerous.

The Effects - Things To Think About

Whether a drug is legal or illegal, it is important to know its effects and risks. A drug may not be good for you just because it is legal.

Tobacco and alcohol are responsible for more adult deaths than any other drug - because they are used by more people than any other drug.

Solvent abuse kills more young people than any other drug, as they are easily available. Solvents put a great degree of strain on young hearts, often causing heart attacks and other lethal effects.

There are two types of addiction to drugs. Heroin, some painkillers and nicotine are physically addictive, where the body becomes dependent on continued use. Other drugs can be psychologically addictive, where users become mentally dependent on the way the drug makes them feel.

Drugs can change the way you think and behave, and therefore you may do something you wouldn't normally do.

You have no way of knowing how 'pure' some kinds of drugs are, or what they may be mixed (cut) with. For example, two different wraps of speed could have very different effects upon you.

*when prepared **when supplied

When class B drugs are prepared for injection they become class A

'Smoking cannabis clears out your lungs' - FALSE

Like tobacco, long term use of Cannabis damages your respiratory system and is linked to lung cancer

'Cannabis is now legal' - FALSE

Cannabis has been reclassified to class C, but it is still illegal - you can still be arrested for possession of any amount, especially if you are under 18. There have also been some recent reports linking use of cannabis to an increased risk of developing mentail health problems in young people.

'Ecstasy kills more young people than any other illegal drug' - FALSE

Solvents kill more young people than any other drug. Most of the deaths from ecstasy are from heatstroke and not drinking enough water. If taking ecstasy in a club, have a break from dancing, wear something cool and sip water or juice regularly (about a pint an hour). Remember to look after your mates.

'The effects of alcohol are the same for everyone' - FALSE

Age, gender, size, what you have eaten, type of drink, metabolism and how quickly you drink all have an influence over your tolerance to alcohol.

'There is no alcohol in cider' - FALSE

'Taking drugs is safe if you know what you are doing' - FALSE

There is always a risk involved with drugs use. Although knowledge of what you are taking can help you minimise some of the risks, drugs are always unpredictable. For example, you may:

Be more likely to have unprotected sex, or go home with someone you wouldn't normally bother with
Have an accident
Be robbed
Get beaten up or get into fights
Get the 'munchies' and eat loads of junk food
Experience memory loss
Feel depressed for no good reason, sometimes a long time after you've taken something

If you do take drugs, be aware of the effects and risks. Remember - the only way to stay safe and fully in control is to not take them.

Information written by Connexions Black Country Information Team with members of the Sandwell Drugs Action Team and members of Wolverhampton LEA School Drugs Adviser team.