Drugs
If you are thinking about taking drugs, or are affected by family or friends using drugs then it is a good idea to know the facts. Non-prescription drugs are illegal, addictive and unpredictable and are likely to have a serious effect on a person’s physical and mental health. Drugs are often mixed with other dangerous substances so you never really know what’s in them. This means they can vary in strength and you can accidentally overdose, causing unconsciousness and even death. Many so called ‘legal highs’ can also be dangerous to your health as they often include many of the chemicals included in other illegal drugs.
What effects do drugs have?
Drugs affect people in different ways. To help you make an informed decision about whether to use drugs or not you should learn about the effects different drugs can have on you.
For a drugs guide visit the Frank website. Here you will read about:
- the effects of different drugs
- the long-term health risks
- what they look like
- how they are taken
Peer pressure
Many young people start taking drugs because they are pressured to do so by their friends. Your friends should not pressure you into doing anything that you are not happy about. Have the self-confidence and strength to say no, even walk away if you have to. You can read more about peer pressure in our friendship section.
The law
In addition to drugs being bad for your health they are also against the law. Possessing or taking a drug is a criminal offence and each drug carries different punishments. This depends on their class, the governments rating for how dangerous a drug can be to your health.
Class A - cocaine, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, crack, ecstacy
Class B – amphetamines, cannabis, spice
Class C - anabolic steroids, some pain killers, tranquilisers, GHB, GBl, BZP, ketamine
Police have special powers to stop, detain and search people on ‘reasonable suspicion’ that they are in possession of a controlled drug.
Help lines
- Frank - 0800 77 66 00
- Essex Drug Action Team - 01245 434646
- Southend Drug Action Team - 01702 215038
- Thurrock Drug Action Team - 01375 652972
- Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) - Drug and alcohol support service for young people in Essex. Call 01245 493311 to speak to someone.
Useful websites
Frank
Provides a useful A-Z of drugs, plus information if you worried about friends or family.
Essex Drug Action
Drug and alcohol, information and services in Essex.
2 Smart
Information for teens on issues at school and on the street including - knives, bullying, alcohol, and drugs.
The Site
Has a big section on drug safety.
Online tools
Mess with your mind
See how the drug cannabis can mess with your mind.
Drugs boy challenge
Attempting to skateboard under the influence of cocaine, LSD or cannabis probably isn't the most sensible way to get from A to B.
Teen Life Check
NHS Teen LifeCheck for 12-15 year olds. Here you can check out your life and see how you’re getting on.
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