Drugs

Drugs and what you should know….

There are lots of different drugs available, in many forms and with various effects. Some drugs are legal, some are illegal, but there is no way of knowing how exactly they will affect the person taking them. or some people, experimenting with drugs can be a good experience, however for others the effects can be negative and at worst devastating. Even if you have taken drugs before, you can't guarantee that they will have the same effects each time. You also don't always know what you're really getting as drugs can be mixed or 'cut' with other things. The main thing to remember is that you can do things to try and keep yourself safe but taking drugs IS a risk.

Getting help and advice

Any young person in the borough can get free advice or help for a drug/alcohol problem from T2 Maidenhead. You can refer yourself by calling T2 on 01628 683260 or ask someone to call on your behalf. T2 can see you in their Maidenhead building at certain times that are just for young people (as T2 also has an adult service) or in various outreach venues around the borough. Those who are affected by the drug use of others can also access help through T2. Under 18's can be supported by the young people's service and there is a fortnightly parents and carers group called 'Chatterbox'. Again, for more details of these services or to refer yourself for help, please call T2 on 01628 683260.

Drugs and the law

Illegal drugs are put into three categories - classes A, B and C - with class A including drugs the that are thought to be the most harmful. There are different punishments that relate to these classes and to whether someone is thought to be in 'possession' or 'supplying' drugs. If you are caught with a small amount of drugs (that are likely to be for personal use) it is called 'possession'. Consequences are far more serious when the evidence suggests that drugs are for dealing to others. Even if you give drugs to a friend, this could still be considered as supply. A criminal record could affect your chances of getting a job or going on holiday abroad. Also, remember that drug driving is illegal and carries the same penalties as drink driving. Below are the drug classifications and the maximum penalties:

Class A - Cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, crystal meth, LSD and magic mushrooms.
Class B - Amphetamines (becomes Class A if prepared for injection), cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids (such as 'spice') and mephedrone.
Class C - Anabolic steroids, ketamine, GHB, BZP, GBL and the illegal possession of prescription drugs like tranquillisers.

Penalties for possession and supply

Class A - Up to seven years in jail for possession and up to life for supply.
Class B - Up to five years in jail for possession and 14 year for supply.
Class C - Up to two years in jail for possession and 14 years for supply.

Legal highs

There are often new drugs on the market that are legal and mimic the effect of various illegal drugs. When one is shown to have a harmful effect they can be made illegal. For example, Mephedrone (miaow miaow/magic) was thought to contribute to several deaths throughout the country and has had various harmful affects on other users. It was therefore made illegal on 16th April 2010. It is very important to remember therefore that just because a drug is legal, it doesn't mean it's always safe. These drugs have not been tested and often the full range of effects, including the long term consequences, are unknown. To check what the latest position is with different drugs' legal status, double check on the national drug website http://www.talktofrank.com/.

Drugs and their effects

Drugs can be put roughly into three different categories according to the effects they have on a person. Stimulants or 'uppers' are drugs that speed up your body making you more alert, awake and talkative. However they put a lot of pressure on the heart and can make people aggressive and paranoid. The 'come downs' when the effects of the drug wear off can also be extremely uncomfortable. Stimulants include cocaine, speed, crack, caffeine and cigarettes. Depressants or 'downers' slow you down, making people restful and relaxed. However, slowing down people's minds and bodies, particularly their hearts, can be very dangerous. Depressants include alcohol, heroin, sleeping tablets and ketamine. Hallucinogens or 'trippies' change the way you see or hear things and how you think or feel. They may make things appear which aren't real, making them dangerous and sometimes very frightening. Hallucinogens include acid, magic mushrooms and ecstasy. For a comprehensive list of all the different drugs and their individual effects, go to the national drug website http://www.talktofrank.com/.

Why do people take drugs?

There are as many reasons people take drugs as there are people. However some of the most commonly reported are: -

to fit in with friends/other people
to relieve boredom
to escape from stress such as exam worries or a problem at home
to feel more confident - to take risks and to be different
to have fun and relax or celebrate

Taking drugs may be your personal choice but to minimise risk it is important that you are aware of the potential effects they may have. This includes short term and long term consequences. Even if you have had positive experiences with drugs before, you can't guarantee this will be the same each time.

Some of the risks involved with drug taking are:

taking too much and 'overdosing'
getting into risky behaviour you wouldn't normally do
falling out with friends or family
disruption to your school performance/attendance
having accidents due to your changed awareness
getting a criminal record
becoming dependant or addicted

How can I help someone else?

It's really hard to know what to do if someone around you has a problem with drugs or alcohol, particularly when this is a family member. If you want advice around someone else's drug use then you can call T2 on 01628 683260 Try to think about these points and remember you don't have to be alone.

make sure you're informed about drugs, their effects and the risks as well as local services (T2 is the first place to go for young people or adults)
talk to the person you're worried about telling them what your concerns are and possibly suggesting where they could get help
talk to someone else so you're not alone - call T2
ensure you're protected and are not handling people's drugs, alcohol or equipment for them or going to buy drugs with them

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