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STREET NAMES - tabs, trips, blotters, microdots.
WHAT IS ACID/LSD
Acid is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters your perception of the outside world.
Usually coming in the form of small squares of paper or tiny pellets (around £1-£5 a hit), acid can take anything from 20 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, with trips usually lasting around 7 to 12 hours. There's no real way of knowing how strong a tab is or how it will affect you.
EFFECTS
Acid can turn you into a gibbering, giggling wreck but at the same time make the world seem like a magical place. During the course of a trip, colours intensify, everyday objects become bizarre and can sometimes take on wonderful new forms. All of your senses can distort or become confused.
Because of the unexpected and random effects of taking acid/LSD, it's always best to take it somewhere you feel comfortable and safe, preferably surrounded by friends you trust.
Some people may experience flashbacks days or even weeks after taking acid, where it can feel like they're reliving certain elements of their trip.
DANGERS
There are no known physical side effects associated with acid use, nor is there any evidence of brain damage. There are some psychological risks, however, particularly for those with a history of mental problems.
People have been known to harm themselves under the influence of acid, so be sure to have responsible friends around you.
THE LAW
LSD is classified as Class A under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
STEET NAMES - booze, bevy, shorts, glasses, tipple, cans, snorter, bubbly, vino, amber nectar, mother's milk, dram, etc
WHAT IS ALCOHOL
Alcohol is a depressant that can effect people in a huge variety of ways - some people find that it relaxes them, others lose their inhibitions and/or shyness completely, whilst for others it slurs their speech into an almost inaudible mumbling. In some instances it can induce a psychotic episode. In the majority of cases alcohol in the bloodstream interacts with every organ in the human body.
Unlike the other drugs mentioned in this info section Alcohol comes in thousands of different forms world-wide. It is distributed in many forms, from bottled drinks heavily flavoured or sugared so that the alcohol itself is not apparent, to 'spirits' which can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
It is introduced into food in many different ways too - it can be in a sauce or gravy poured over food, baked into the food (as in cakes, puddings etc.), whipped into the food (as in trifles, ice-cream or flavoured creams), mixed into the ingredients (as in jellies, fruit compote etc), or just drizzled onto the food neat.
In it's pure form Alcohol is poisonous.
It's important to note that even though alcohol is legal and freely available, it is still a very powerful and addictive drug that continues to have a devastating effect on many people's lives.
EFFECTS
Most people find that alcohol brings about a reducing of inhibitions, increased relaxation and sociability and a desire to talk more openly. Continued increases of doses leads to a loss of control, blurred/double vision, dizziness, wobbly legs, sickness and even loss of consciousness. It slows reaction times, so some activities - like driving, cycling and operating machinery - can become dangerous.
Alcohol use has been linked to a large number of social problems; including domestic violence, violent crime and unsocial behaviour. Loss of inhibitions can lead to increased aggression in behaviour.
DANGERS
Regular use of alcohol can lead to tolerance, leading to the need to consume more and more to get the same effect. There are a large number of calories in most alcoholic drinks, leading to weight increase. Physical dependence can occur - much like other addictions - where the user becomes physically and mentally ill if they do not drink alcohol.
Taking large doses of alcohol can cause temporary or permanent memory loss.
Long-term use of alcohol causes many indirect physical illnesses - these include liver damage/sclerosis, stomach cancer, heart disease, vascular damage, eye damage, malnutrition, kidney disease, reduced immune system capability and structural damage caused by falls (most common form - head injuries. Alcohol will also reduce a persons sensitivity to pain. As a result it is possible to suffer injuries and not realise until the alcohol wears off - burns, cuts, bruises and even frostbite might go unnoticed until it is too late.).
Alcohol is estimated to cause over 28,000 excess deaths per year in England and Wales and 2,000,000 deaths per year worldwide.
Alcohol causes dehydration. Taking alcohol with other drugs that also cause dehydration, for example speed and ecstasy, is potentially fatal.
An adult body breaks down alcohol at the rate of one unit per hour - molecules of alcohol may remain in someone's body for up to a week after their 'session'.
Taking alcohol with other drugs that have a depressant effects (for example heroin, methadone and prescribed medicines such as temazepam, diazepam or valium and antihistamines) may lead to unconsciousness.
THE LAW
The taking of all Alcohol in this country is legal. It is legal to produce alcohol in the form of beer or wine, but the use of a 'still' to produce 'spirits' is illegal. Alcohol use only becomes illegal when involved in driving a vehicle or a public order offence when someone's behaviour becomes disruptive/aggressive.
STREET NAMES - Speed, whizz, amphet, billy, billy whizz, pep pills, sulph, uppers and wake ups.
WHAT ARE AMPHETAMINES
Amphetamines stimulant (upper) drugs which come as white, grey or pink powder (sulphate), as tablets or more rarely as paste.
EFFECTS
- When amphetamines are swallowed, the effects come on gradually and last longer than with other methods.
- Sniffing takes effect faster than swallowing them, but can damage the nose.
- They produce sensations of alertness, confidence and well-being, and increased levels of energy and stamina.
- They lessen the desire to eat or sleep.
DANGERS
Regular use can produce cravings for the drug and use can become compulsive, and a need to increase the dose to get the same effect.
When the drug wears off there can be an unpleasant 'comedown'. Users feel tired, lethargic and depressed, leading some people to take more to try and avoid the comedown.
Although it is rare, high doses can cause seizures and death from overdose.
Loss of appetite may lead to weight loss and eating problems. Many users become physically run down, which leaves them susceptible to a wide range of infections.
Excessive use of amphetamines can cause short-term mental health problems such as paranoia and psychosis.
Injecting is a very dangerous way of using amphetamines:
the possibility of overdose increases because the drug reaches the brain very quickly;
- repeated injections can damage veins, leading to abscesses and thrombosis;
- sharing injecting equipment can spread hepatitis and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
THE LAW
Amphetamines are Class B drugs. It is illegal to be in possession of them without a doctors prescription. It is also illegal to supply them.
The maximum sentence for possession is 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine. The maximum single sentence for supplying (including giving some to a friend) is 14 years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
It is not illegal to possess amphetamine that has been prescribed for you by a doctor.
STREET NAMES - Blow, dope, ganga, grass, hash, marijuana, pot, resin, skunk, spliff, wacky backy and weed.
WHAT IS CANNABIS?
Cannabis comes as a greenish brown block made from the plant resin. Herbal cannabis is the leaves and flowers of the dried plant. It is the most commonly used illicit drug in the UK.
The most common way of using cannabis is to smoke it with tobacco in a 'joint'. Pipes, bottles, hot knives, buckets and bongs are also used to smoke the drug. Cannabis can also be eaten raw or by cooking it in cakes.
EFFECTS
- In small quantities, users find cannabis both relaxing and stimulating. The senses are heightened and users often find it makes them hungry.
- The drug is often used in a group, since it increases perceptions of sociability.
- The effects are usually easily controlled and there are no after-effects or hangover.
- In larger quantities (or with stronger types), cannabis users may experience nausea, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia.
DANGERS
Smoking cannabis can make throat, chest and lung problems (such as bronchitis) worse.
Smoking cannabis can trigger underlying mental health problems in some people.
While under the influence of cannabis, it is dangerous to operate machinery or drive any vehicle.
Cannabis can affect short term memory, making study or work more difficult.
Cannabis can be psychologically addictive. Some regular, heavy users may find it difficult to adjust to not using the drug.
THE LAW
Cannabis is a class B drug. It is illegal to be in possession of it or to supply it to other people. It is also illegal to grow plants or to allow people to smoke it on premises you are responsible for.
STREET NAMES - For Cocaine: C, beak, charlie, coke, dust, gold dust, lady, nose candy, snow, toot, white and yeo.
For Crack: base, free base, gravel, rocks, stones and wash.
WHAT ARE COCAINE AND CRACK
Cocaine is a white powder (cocaine hydrochloride) made from the coca plant. Crack-cocaine is made by chemically altering cocaine powder to form crystals or 'rocks'. Cocaine powder is usually sniffed up the nose. It can also be injected. Crack is usually smoked on foil, in a pipe or in a glass tube.
EFFECTS
- They are stimulant (upper) drugs that cause a rush of energy.
- They cause a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
- They also lead to alertness, exhilaration and feelings of well-being and confidence.
- These effects are usually more intense when cocaine is smoked as crack.
- When cocaine is sniffed, the effects come on gradually and peak after 15-20 minutes.
- When cocaine is injected, the effects are felt almost immediately and much more intensely.
- When crack is smoked, the effects are felt immediately but wear off very quickly.
DANGERS
A common problem with cocaine and crack is spending too much money on it and getting into debt.
Cocaine and crack use can become compulsive, and regular users may find it difficult to stop.
The side-effects can include depression, agitation, anxiety and paranoia. The intensity of these problems depends on how much and how often cocaine is use. These problems are usually more intense when cocaine is smoked as crack. Smoking crack can lead to breathing problems and damage to the lungs. Repeated sniffing of cocaine damages the membranes in the nose. Excessive use or high doses can cause an epileptic fit, a stroke or heart attack.
Injecting cocaine or crack is very dangerous as the possibility of overdose increases because the drug reaches the brain very quickly.
STREET NAMES - E and others often depending on the shape, colour and motif on tablets and capsules, such as angel, apple, burgers, dollar, love doves, lips, star, white doves and XTC.
WHAT IS ECSTASY
The chemical name for ecstasy is 34 Methylendioxymethylamphetamine or MDMA.
EFFECTS
- It produces a relaxed, euphoric state without hallucinations.
- It takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking the tablet with little rushes of exhilaration which can be accompanied by nausea.
- 60 to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects. Sensations are enhanced, music sounds better.
- Users often report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the drug, people can easily bring themselves down to deal with an important matter.
- The effect that makes ecstasy different from other drugs is the sensation of understanding and accepting others. Users feel as though barriers disappear, as well as feeling less inhibited.
- The effect of 'real' ecstasy subsides after 3 to 4 hours.
DANGERS
It is not clear how ecstasy affects the human brain. Some research suggests there could be a permanent change in brain chemistry as a result of taking the drug, other research contradicts this.
It is difficult to know what is in a tablet. Strengths vary and some tablets sold as ecstasy have other drugs in.
There have been over 200 deaths in the UK associated with ecstasy. The majority of deaths have been caused by ecstasy induced heat stroke. Taking real ecstasy causes a rise in body temperature. In a smaller number of individuals this rise in body temperature - together with the hot environment of a club, energetic dancing and not drinking water - has resulted in death. If taking ecstasy in a club, take breaks from dancing and sip water regularly. Water will only prevent dehydration - it is not an antidote to other things that can go wrong as a result of taking ecstasy.
Users often feel 'down' a few days after taking the drug. This is partly caused by ecstasy's action on the brain, lack of sleep and a suppressed appetite, so it is important to get plenty of sleep and eat healthily.
THE LAW
Ecstasy is a class A drug. It is illegal to be in possession of it or to supply it to other people.
The maximum sentence for possessing ecstasy is 7 years in prison plus an unlimited fine, and for supplying ecstasy (including giving a tablet to a friend) is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
STREET NAMES - boy, brown, china white, dragon, gear, H, harry, horse,junk, scat, skag and smack.
WHAT IS HEROIN
Heroin is a pain-killing drug made from the opium poppy.
EFFECTS
- Heroin is a sedative (downer) drug. It relaxes the brain and slows down the heart, breathing and reactions.
- The user feels physically and mentally calm.
- At high doses the user can become drowsy and fall asleep.
DANGERS
If the user takes too much heroin, they can overdose - their breathing stops. The purity of heroin can vary, making it difficult to gauge the strength.
The risk of overdose increases if other drugs are used at the same time, especially 'sedative-type' drugs such as alcohol, methadone, and tranquillisers.
Anyone using heroin regularly may become addicted. They may experience:
- tolerance - a need for larger doses to get the same effect;
- withdrawal symptoms - runny nose, sweats, chills and cramps, if the drug is stopped.
Injecting is a very dangerous way of using heroin, the possibility of overdose increases because the drug reaches the brain very quickly.
STREET NAMES - Ketamine Hydrochloride, Special K, K, Dorothy
WHAT IS KETAMINE?
Ketamine is a short-acting general anaesthetic that has hallucinogenic and painkilling qualities that seem to affect people in very different ways.
First used as a recreational drug in 1965, ketamine - chemical name 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)- cyclohexanone - most commonly comes as a powder, but can also be in a liquid or tablet form.
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 by Calvin Stevens at Parke Davis Labs while searching for PCP anaesthetic replacements. Ketamine was used for anaesthesia, but in the 1970's patients began to report unwanted visions while under its influence.
EFFECTS
Some people describe a speedy rush within a few minutes of sniffing the powder (20 minutes if taken as a pill, much quicker if it is injected), leading to powerful hallucinations and even out of body experiences (often referred to as the 'K Hole') and with physical incapacitation.
Music can sound heavy, weird and compelling. Lights seem very intense. Physical co-ordination can become very poor along with an overall feeling of numbness.
Some people can feel paralysed by the drug, unable to speak or speaking with a heavy slur. Others can either feel sick or actually throw up.
It is stronger than the same amount of speed or coke and the more you take, the stronger the effects.
DANGERS
Ketamine blocks nerve paths without depressing respiratory or circulatory functions - it is an anaesthetic. Movements may become swift or you may be unable to move at all. In other words, due to the imprecise dose and strength of Ketamine used it is hard to judge what the outcome will be.
The long-term effects of taking ketamine regularly are unknown. As it is an anaesthetic qualities, like alcohol, people have not known they have hurt themselves until the next day. If Ketamine is taken with respiratory depressants, primarily alcohol, barbiturates, or Valium it may induce unconsciousness which could lead to cardiovascular failure.
Not known o be physically addictive, many users develop a strong habit of use.
The Law
Ketamine was classified as a Class C drug under the Under the Drugs Act 2005, with the legislation taking effect from 1st Jan, 2006. The maximum penalty for possession is 2 years in prison and 14 years for supply. You can also get an unlimited fine for both.
STREET NAMES - Aero, butane, glue and sniffers.
WHAT ARE SOLVENTS
Solvents are substances that are inhaled to get a 'high'.
They include glues, lighter fuel, petrol, aerosols and nail varnish removers.
The average home may contain over 30 sniffable products.
The vapour or gas from a solvent is inhaled through the mouth or nose to get 'high'. Plastic bags are sometimes used to sniff glue - this increases the risk of suffocation.
Most users are 12-16 year old. They tend to experiment with solvents on a 'one off' basis or short time. Only a few use solvents regularly or long term.
EFFECTS
The effects of solvents are similar to being drunk on alcohol.
Users feel drowsy and unsteady on their feet.
Inhalation causes the drug to take effect very rapidly, causing a euphoric 'rush'.
The effect wears off quickly, within 30-45 minutes.
DANGERS
Solvents can cause disorientation and sometimes unconsciousness.
Each year 60 to 100 young people die after using solvents in the UK.
More and more of the deaths are a direct result of the solvents' effect on the body, especially when spraying lighter fuel straight down the throat.
Sniffing can have an effect on the heart - physical exertion or fright can then cause heart failure.
Deaths can also result from indirect causes such as:
- choking on vomit whilst unconscious
- accidents as a result of being in an isolated or dangerous place
- suffocation through a plastic bag placed over the head.
Accidents are more likely if under the influence of solvents.
THE LAW
It is not illegal to buy or use solvents.
It is illegal for a shop 'knowingly' to sell solvents for the purpose of inhalation, to young people under 18 years old.
It is also illegal for a shop to 'knowingly' sell butane gas lighter fuels to under-18s, in any circumstances.
In any of the following situations get medical help immediately...
Cocaine
In an overdose situation, expect them to be confused and dizzy with a dry throat. Their breathing will be erratic, usually with short gulps followed by deep gulps.
Speed
Collapse can occur after overdosing on speed.
Ecstasy
Look out for hyperventilation, high temperature and unconsciousness.
Heroin
The telltale signs are slow or erratic breathing, tiny pupils, semi-consciousness with little or no response. Lips and skin can turn a deathly shade of blue with blood pressure falling to very low levels. If not treated rapidly, coma and death can follow.
Poppers
Can cause collapse if overdone. Poppers are poisonous if swallowed.
GHB
Look out for convulsions, inability to breathe. In serious cases or reactions coma can occur.
Ketamine
Temporary and sometimes near-total paralysis, nausea, vomiting and heavy slurring of speech can occur.
Magic Mushrooms
By far the greatest risk here is from someone eating the wrong type of mushroom by mistake, resulting in poisoning. In some cases this can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, breathing difficulties, black outs and, in those rare cases where a poisonous mushroom has been ingested, death.
Rohypnol and other 'date-rape' drugs
Slurring, sleepiness, near paralysis.
Drug Images
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