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The definition of "Drug":
"Any chemical substance taken into the body which alters the way the body functions and/or the individual’s emotional state or behaviour."
Illegal drugs are exactly that – ILLEGAL.
If you’re found with drugs on you, you can expect to be arrested and prosecuted ending up with a criminal record which could put the brakes on getting a job.
Even more seriously, if you supply drugs to others you could get a long prison sentence.
And that’s before you think about how dangerous taking drugs is.
All drugs are potentially dangerous and because most are illegal there's no way to control what goes into them. These substances interfere with the way your body works by altering your internal chemical processes.
Some drugs can cause more long term physical damage - like heroin and crystal meth. Other drugs, such as cannabis, can trigger underlying mental health problems like schizophrenia.
All drugs are potentially dangerous and because most are illegal there's no way to control what goes into them. These substances interfere with the way your body works by altering your internal chemical processes.
Some drugs can cause more long term physical damage - like heroin and crystal meth. Other drugs, such as cannabis, can trigger underlying mental health problems like schizophrenia.
Recreational drug use can quickly turn into a user becoming dependent on needing to use them regularly. This is addiction and can affect physical and mental health as well as impacting on relationships and social situations.
Drugs fall into three categories: Class A, B or C. Class A drugs are the most dangerous with Class C drugs being the least dangerous. However, all three classes of drugs are harmful and addictive.
There are lots of reasons why young people start using drugs, such as peer pressure, because they think they are fun, to escape problems or simply because they are curious.
Addiction:
An emotive term, generally taken to mean the compulsive use of a drug with attendant damaging effects on the individual, those around them and on society.
Illegal drugs you might have heard of:
• Crack cocaine
• Crystal meth (methamphetamine)
• Speed (amphetamine)
• Marijuana
• LSD
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Rohypnol/GBH/roofies/date rape drug
• Ketamine
• Steroids
• Meow Meow (Mephedrone)
First aid when dealing with someone under the influence of drugs
Helping someone who is under the influence of drugs can be difficult because they could be aggressive or eager to argue or fight, but their condition could be serious or even life threatening.
Signs and symptoms of someone under the influence of drugs:
• Drowsiness, anxiety, agitation, or hyperactivity• Change in pupil size
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed face
Treatment
• Monitor their airway breathing
• Assess if they have any other injuries
• Beware of the person you are helping becoming violent
• Snoring sounds could mean their airway is obstructed
• If the person you are helping is unconscious, open their airway, check their breathing, put them in the recovery position and call 999 for an ambulance.
