Drugs
- The facts
- What types of drugs are there?
- What does the law say?
- Why do people take drugs?
- Are your friends taking drugs?
- Addiction (dependance)
- Side effects
- Tom's story
The facts
It depends on what you try. You're not likely to get addicted to cannabis after one smoke, but injecting heroin or smoking crack could be a different story. You also have to take into account that trying something just once could kill you if you take too much. And the risk of having a fatal accident while you're 'high' is always there, even if it's small.
What types of drugs are there?
There are five types of drugs that people take for non-medical purposes.
These are:
- Stimulants: these stimulate the central nervous system and make you hyper-alert and energetic. They include ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine and crack, as well as the legal drugs tobacco and coffee.
- Depressants: these slow down the central nervous system and are sometimes called 'downers'; they make you feel sleepy. They include cannabis, heroin, methadone, tranquillisers, barbiturates and alcohol.
- Hallucinogenics: these heighten your senses - smell, sight, taste, hearing and touch. They include ketamine, LSD, magic mushrooms.
- Body builders: these make the body heavier, stronger and more masculine. They include steroids, nandrolone, or human growth hormone.
- Anaesthetics: these numb your body so you can't feel pain. They include ketamine.
What does the law say?
There are four kinds of offence related to illegal drugs:
- possession
- importing or growing illegal drugs
- possession with intent to supply drugs to other people
- supply of illegal drugs to other people (this includes something as simple as sharing a drug with a friend).
If you're under 16 and commit one of these offences, the youth justice system will decide what punishment you should receive. If you are over 16, you are considered to be fully responsible for your actions and you could go to an adult criminal court.
The law puts illegal drugs into one of three categories; A, B and C according to the harm they can do to you. Class A is the most harmful. The maximum sentence for possessing Class A drugs (such as LSD, cocaine and heroine) is seven years in prison plus an unlimited fine; for supplying, life in prison plus an unlimited fine. For possessing a class C drug (such as cannabis and steroids) the maximum penalty is two years in prison and a fine; for supplying, a maximum of 14 years in prison plus an unlimited fine.
However, recent changes to the law on cannabis mean that people under 18 caught in possession of the drug for personal use will be arrested and normally given a formal police warning.
Why do people take drugs?
For all sorts of reasons. Sometimes because they like the way drugs make them feel. Sometimes because everyone else seems to be taking them; it may be that they live in an area where there is a drugs culture and it's almost impossible not to get sucked in.
Others may take drugs as a way of escaping from problems at home or at school. And some young people start taking drugs simply because they're curious to find out what it's like.
Are your friends taking drugs?
The answer is probably 'no' although that's not what they'll say. The drugs most commonly taken by young people are alcohol and tobacco, not illegal drugs. Research shows that about one third of 15 year olds have tried an illegal drug, usually cannabis. This means that two-thirds haven't. There are some suspicious signs which could alert you to the fact that a mate is taking drugs:
- always tired; not interested in anything
- moody and sometimes aggressive
- no appetite
- no interest in personal appearance
- never has any money - always asking you for it
Addiction (dependence)
Being addicted to a drug means that it has taken over control of your life. Because of what it's doing to you, it's probably affecting the lives of your family and friends as well. You have to keep taking the drug in order to feel okay. If you don't, your body doesn't function properly. The more of the drug you take, the worse your health becomes. Your social life disintegrates and you may even feel suicidal. It can be hard to ask for help, but it will be the most important thing you do to get your life back on track.
Side-effects
Drugs don't always help you feel happier, more energetic and more confident. There may be side-effects you don't want. Some drugs make you extremely anxious and panicky, give you headaches and make you sick. Some drugs have been linked to cancer, chest pains and breathlessness and some can stop you growing normally. Of course, the risk of becoming addicted is very strong with nearly all drugs.
Tom's study
Tom's mum had recently split up with his dad. She had a new boyfriend who made it clear that he didn't want Tom around. Tom turned to his friends for support and one of them told him he'd feel better if he started smoking. Tom enjoyed cannabis and went on to try Es and then coke. His girlfriend said he had to kick his habit or she would dump him. She went with him to a youth centre where he was put in touch with the local Drug Dependency Unit. The people there asked no questions, but simply gave him the help he needed.