If you are worried about a friends drug or alcohol use, or perhaps you yourself are using, then you need to know the facts, what to look for and where you can go to talk and get help.
There are many reasons why you or your friends might try drugs or drink alcohol - curiosity, pressure from mates, to "fit in", or maybe to escape from personal problems.
Drugs and alcohol contain addictive substances. Continued use, even if you think you are using casually, can lead to addiction. All drugs have negative physical and mental health effects, both in the short and long term, and can severely damage your relationships with friends and family.
Drug users may also turn to other forms of crime to support their habit - quite simply, drugs can destroy lives. Be smart, say "no" to drugs.
The facts
There are three classes of drugs - Class A, Class B and Class C.
The level of harm associated with a particular drug determines which of the three classes it belongs to. Class A contains drugs which have the most harmful effects and carries the highest level of punishment if you are caught supplying or in possession - how do you feel about a 7 year prison sentence?
Remember - All drugs are illegal and extremely dangerous.
Younger than 17? If you are and are caught in possession, the Police have a right to inform your parents.
The drugs
There are many types of illegal drug in the UK. The ones you've probably heard of include Heroin, Cocaine, LSD, Speed and Cannabis. Now, remember each drug has a class? The information below details these and other types of drug by which class they fall in and gives you an idea of the punishment for being caught in possession.
Class A - Heroin, Cocaine, LSD, Ecstasy, Magic Mushrooms - Up to 7 years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both)
Class B - Speed and Amphetamines - Up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both)
Class C - Cannabis, GHB, Tranquilisers - Up to 2 years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both)
Alcohol and cigarettes do not fit in to a class as they are not illegal, however, the age of consent to purchase alcohol and cigarettes is 18. Purchasing or consuming alcohol and cigarettes below this age is illegal. The consumption of alcohol and the smoking of cigarettes on a regular basis can also lead to addiction, the health effects of which are no less serious than that of illegal drugs.
Signs of drug/alcohol abuse
There are many signs to look for in those whom you suspect of abusing drugs or alcohol or which may be noticeable in yourself if you are a user. These include anxiety, tiredness, increased levels of stress, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and appearing withdrawn, distant or vacant. This is not a definitive list, if you recognise any of these symptoms in a friend, it does not mean they are a drug user - there may be other issues.
Where can I go to get help?
If you're worried about yourself or a friend, there are plenty of people you can chat to. How about calling in to your nearest youth centre and speaking to one of the workers there? You will have an opportunity to express your concerns, in confidence, and you'll receive free, helpful advice. You can also call Slough's Health Improvement Team or the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, details of which are below. Alternatively, you can talk to Frank on 0800 776600.
