Why are drugs divided into classes?
What are Amphetamines? (Speed)
What is Cannabis?
What is Cocaine/Crack?
What is Ecstasy (MDMA)?
What are Heroin & Opiates?
What is Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)?
What are Magic Mushrooms?
What are Poppers?
What are SOLVENTS Gases, Aerosols & Glue?
What are Tranquillisers?

Why are drugs divided into classes?
The law puts illegal drugs into three classes - A, B and C – according to the harm they can do to you, with Class A being the most harmful.

What are Amphetamines (Speed)?
Otherwise known as: whizz, billy, sulphate, uppers, phets, base, ice,and glass.

What & How
Comes as a grey or white powder that is snorted, swallowed, smoked, or dissolved in liquid for injection or drinking. This is the most impure drug around and is often cut with other products, such as baby milk, talcum powder, paracetamol etc.

Effects
Amphetamine is a strong stimulant drug that makes the user feel more alert, confident and energetic by activating or exciting the central nervous system. It is popular as a party drug because it allows the user to dance or talk all night and the effects last for a long time (up to 6 hours). Appetite may also disappear – which can affect your health.

Health Risks
The 'come down' is a result of the energy that has been borrowed to replace the above effects. As the effects wear off, the user feels tired, depressed, hungry and anxious. Excessive long-term use can lead to psychological dependence to avoid the come down and serious problems with mental and physical health. Short term memory and concentration can be affected. Tolerance for amphetamines can build quickly.

The Law
Amphetamines are Class B drugs, but carry Class A penalties if prepared for injection.

What is Cannabis?
Otherwise known as: spliff, marijuana, ganja, weed, hash, skunk, blow, puff, erb, etc.

What & How
Cannabis is a naturally occurring substance from a plant commonly called hemp. It comes in a solid dark lump know as 'resin', leaves, stalks and seeds called 'grass' and also as a sticky oil. Cannabis can be rolled in a joint with tobacco, smoked on its own in a special pipe or cooked in food and eaten. There are various strengths of cannabis, and some such as skunk, northern lights and purple haze can have a very strong and sometimes hallucinogenic effect.

Effects
Getting 'stoned' on cannabis makes most users feel relaxed, happy and generally laid back. Cannabis heightens the senses, and enhances the appreciation of music, taste and colours. It has also been reported to ease the pain, nausea and vomiting in the early stages of cancer, AIDS and other serious illnesses. Cannabis can leave people feeling tired and lacking energy, and may bring on cravings for certain food - 'munchies'.

Health Risks
Cannabis affects the short-term memory and ability to learn and concentrate well. Getting 'stoned' affects co-ordination, increasing the risk of accidents, and impairs driving skills. It can also make users feel paranoid and anxious, depending on their mood and situation. Regular use of cannabis can result in dependence, and many users find cannabis hard to quit. Smoking cannabis can aggravate lung tissue and increase the chances of chest problems. Cannabis can also be detected in the urine for up to 30 days.

The Law
Cannabis is a class C drug. It is illegal to grow, supply, produce or possess cannabis, but not to possess cannabis seeds.

What is Cocaine/Crack?
Otherwise known as: charlie, C, snow, coke, toot, Vialli, rocks, stones

What & How
Cocaine: Cocaine is a white flaky powder derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is odourless, soluble, and has powerful stimulant properties similar to those of amphetamines. Cocaine is usually sniffed or snorted (doing a 'line') through a small tube. It can be dissolved and then injected.
Crack: Crack cocaine is made by chemically altering cocaine powder to form small raisin-sized crystals or 'rocks'.

Effects
Cocaine causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. It produces feelings of well being and confidence, alertness and mental exhilaration. When cocaine is sniffed , the effects come on gradually and peak after 15-30 minutes. When 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.

Health Risks
Repeated snorting can cause damage to the membranes lining the structure separating the nostrils. Chronic sneezing and frequent nosebleeds can be a consequence of snorting cocaine.

Cocaine raises the levels of some chemicals in your brain that gives the high or positive feelings. Once you stop, these chemicals dry up, leading to feelings of anxiety, paranoia, depression and an inability to sleep. These problems are usually more intense when cocaine is smoked as crack. As the effects are short acting, this can result in using too much too often to avoid the ‘come down’. A psychological dependence can develop and this habit can be expensive and hard to control.

Excessive use or higher doses can cause an epileptic fit, a stroke or heart attack. These problems are more intense when smoked as crack, alongside the breathing problems and damage to lungs. Injecting increases the risk of overdose as the drug reaches the brain quicker.

The Law
Cocaine in all forms is a Class A drug. It is illegal to produce, supply, or possess cocaine. It is also illegal to allow premises to be used for supplying or producing cocaine. The maximum sentence for possessing cocaine or crack is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

What is Ecstasy (MDMA)?
Otherwise known as: E, Doves, disco biscuits, echoes, hug drug, burgers, fantasy, Bruce Lee’s

What & How
Ecstasy usually comes in a tablet form, occasionally a capsule and very rarely as powder. It is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. Very occasionally it is snorted, smoked or injected. Tablets come in different shapes, colour and sizes and change from week to week. Ecstasy is made up of a mixture of drugs, including a synthetic drug called MDMA, and is classed as a hallucinogenic amphetamine. Police analysis show tablets also contain amphetamine, LSD, Ketamine, caffeine, or a combination of drugs. Others have no drug content whatsoever.

Effects
Proper Ecstasy triggers the release of serotonin, the same chemical the brain produces when you are in love. The effects usually come on 20-40 minutes after taking a tablet with rushes of exhilaration, which can be accompanied by nausea (coming up/rushing). The user feels the peak effects after some 60-90 minutes. Sensations are enhanced and music sounds better. The energy buzz means users may dance for hours. Ecstasy creates a sense of understanding and accepting others, a ‘loved up’ feeling as barriers disappear and people feel less inhibited. These effects tend to last 3-6 hours.

Health Risks
Taking ‘real’ ecstasy will cause a rise in your body temperature. In the hot environment of a club, combined with energetic dancing and not drinking water or isotonic drinks, the user is at serious risk of dehydration and overheating. This can be potentially fatal.
The comedown can take hours or happen very quickly. This includes feeling exhausted and tired, from being kept awake and if dancing. As the levels of serotonin have been depleted, this may lead the user to feel depressed. Some users have reported bad experiences on ecstasy, including paranoia and confusion. Very little is yet known about the long-term effects of taking ecstasy.

The Law
Ecstasy is a Class A drug. It is illegal to reproduce, supply, or possess the drug. Supplying ecstasy can result in life imprisonment and a fine.

What are Heroin & Opiates?
Otherwise known as: smack, brown, horse, gear, junk, H, jack, scag.

What & How
A brownish-white powder that can be snorted, smoked (‘chasing the dragon’), injected just below the surface of the skin (‘popping’) or directly into a vein (‘mainlining’).

Effects
Heroin is a strong painkiller and kills both emotional and physical pain. Small doses can give the user a sense of warmth and well being, while larger doses can make them drowsy and relaxed. The sudden ‘hit’ from injecting directly into the bloodstream produces an intense rush of exhilaration.

Health Risks
First time users may experience nausea or vomiting, especially after injecting. Heroin is very addictive and a habit can be formed. Users may develop a tolerance and have to take more Heroin to get the ‘hit’ they want. Withdrawal can be difficult and can result in a period of diarrhoea, insomnia, hot and cold sweats and cramps. This is known as ‘cold turkey’ Excessive doses can result in overdose or coma and can even be fatal. Street Heroin can also be dangerous as it can be too pure, or ‘cut’ (mixed) with other dangerous substances. Due to the cost of Heroin, some users may find themselves involved in crime and/or prostitution to fund their habit.

The Law
Heroin is a Class A drug with a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and/or a fine for possession, and life imprisonment and/or a fine for supplying. This includes giving it away for free and can be any amount that the court feels is too large to be for personal use.

What is Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)?
Otherwise known as: Acid, tabs, trips, blotters, microdots, dots, sugar, sid, liquid, Bart Simpsons

What & How
5mm squares of paper often with a picture on one side, which are swallowed. Also dropped onto a sugar cube, in gelatine sheets or strips, tiny pellets, pills or capsules.

Effects
LSD is a hallucinogenic or psychedelic drug that can affect people’s perceptions. The experience is often called a ‘trip’ because it is like a journey into another world. Sense of movement and time can speed up or slow down, while colours and objects can be distorted. The ‘trip’ can lasts for for 8-12 hours during which all your senses can become confused and distorted.

Health Risks
There are no physical side effects associated with LSD. However, there are psychological ones. A ‘bad trip’ can be a frightening experience. People may feel fear and paranoia and panic may arise. Dizziness and disorientation may also occur. As judgement is impaired accidents can happen so users should not drive or operate machinery while under the influence. Once a ‘trip’ starts - good or bad - it cannot be stopped.

Long term effects include the possibility of ‘flashbacks’ where the user re-lives elements of the trip some time after the event. LSD use can also trigger underlying mental health problems and complicate existing problems such as depression and schizophrenia.

The Law
LSD is a Class A drug with a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment for possession, and life imprisonment for supplying (which could include giving a dose to a friend).

What are Magic Mushrooms?
Otherwise known as: Mushies, happies, sillies, shrooms, purple passion, caps

What & How
Various types of magic mushrooms grow wild in the UK; the most widespread being the Liberty Cap (Psilocybe Semilanceata). Magic mushrooms can be eaten raw, dried, cooked in food, or stewed in tea.

Effects
The effect of magic mushrooms is similar to that of LSD, but the ‘trip’ is generally shorter (about 4 hours) and milder. Magic mushrooms induce feelings of euphoria, excitement, or relaxation causing the user to feel spaced out. Visual and/or sound hallucinations can occur, particularly when high doses are taken.

Health Risks
Ingesting magic mushrooms can cause stomach pains, nausea and vomiting. Many magic mushrooms are poisonous, and there is a danger of eating the wrong types of mushroom, which may lead to serious health problems and even death. Bad ‘trips’ can also occur, which last until the effect has worn off. Magic mushrooms, as with any hallucinogen, can complicate existing mental health problems, and bad ‘trips’ are more likely to occur with users who are depressed.

The Law
Picking, possessing or eating raw magic mushrooms is not illegal, however magic mushrooms are classified as a Class A drug when they are dried, or crushed or prepared to be used as a drug.

What are Poppers?
Otherwise known as: Liquid gold, high-tech, rave, rush, ram, thrust, locker room, snappers, hard, kix, TNT

What & How
Poppers is the term for a group of chemicals known as Alkyl Nitrates that include Amyl Nitrate, Butyl Nitrate and Isobutyl Nitrate. They come as a clear or straw-coloured liquid in a small bottle. The vapour is inhaled through the mouth or nose from a small bottle or tube, generally costing around £2-£5, although some people dip cigarettes into the liquid and inhale.

Effects
The effects are instantaneous but brief and can cause the mother of all headaches. These effects are caused by a sudden rush of blood to the heart and brain causing arteries to dilate. Users report a heightened sense of awareness and giddiness known as a ‘head rush’, and may also have the experience of time slowing down.

Health Risks
Regular use can cause skin problems around the mouth and nose. Poppers can be fatal if swallowed. People who have glaucoma, anaemia, breathing or heart problems should avoid using them. Researchers based at the US National Institute on Drug Abuse have suggested that amyl may cause ‘sustained alterations to the human immune system’.

The Law
Amyl Nitrate can only be issued by pharmacies under the Medicine Act. Possession is not illegal, but supplying it can be an offence. Drug convictions can affect future employment and also applying for visas for foreign travel.

What are SOLVENTS Gases, Aerosols & Glue?
Otherwise known as: Glue sniffing, solvent abuse

What & How
Solvents can be found in household items such as lighter gas refills, fuel canisters, aerosol cans, tins or tubes of glue, paints, thinners, and correcting fluids. The vapours are sniffed or breathed into the lungs.

Effects
Solvent inhalation is similar to being drunk for a short period of time. Breathing and heart rate are depressed, and users experience feelings of unreality. Users may also feel thickheaded, dizzy, giggly and dreamy. They may feel nauseous and may vomit, with larger doses users may hallucinate. The effects are short and last between 15-45 minutes, but use may cause headaches and/or feelings of drowsiness after use.

Health Risks
Abusing gases, aerosols or glue can kill, even on the first go. Users risk suffocation if inhaling solvents from a plastic bag. Long term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys. Repeated use of leaded petrol can cause lead poisoning. Sniffing solvents reduces breathing and heart rate and can cause damage to the membrane.

The Law
It is illegal to supply solvents to persons under the age of 18 if they know that the product is intended for abuse.

What are Tranquillisers?
Otherwise known as: Product names include: Valium, Mogadon (‘moggies’), Librium. Chemical names include: Temazepam; also known as: Tems, Temazzies, Eggs, Green Jellies, Norries, Rugby, lorazepam, nitrazepam.

What & How
Tranquillisers are prescribed by doctors for the treatment of anxiety, depression, tension problems and sleeping disorders. They can come in tablets or gel filled capsules, and are used by some people to counter the effects of stimulant drugs.

Effects
People who use Temazepam, for example, are often over-excited, sometimes even hostile or aggressive, and judgement is impaired. You may have a false sense of confidence, or even believe you are invincible or even invisible!

Depending on the amount used the effect can last for 3-6 hours. High doses can make users drowsy and forgetful, or behaviour can become exaggerated.

Health Risks
Users can become dependent; withdrawal symptoms include sleeplessness, anxiety, and panic attacks, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors and even hallucinations. Symptoms can persist for weeks after stopping the drug. Combined with other drugs, especially alcohol, fatal overdose can occur.

You may become more promiscuous causing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Thrombosis (a blood clot) may occur if drugs that should not be injected - such as Temazepam – are injected, as the gel in the capsules can re-solidify after injecting.

The Law
Possession of tranquillisers is not illegal without a prescription. Temazepam is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971, as a schedule 1 drug in Class A of the Act. Any person may possess a schedule 1 drug as long as it is in its original medicinal form. In any other form (for instance, if prepared for injection) this offence carries a maximum sentence of 2 years and an unlimited fine. It is an offence, however, to possess tranquillisers for supply; the maximum sentence is 5 years and an unlimited fine.