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Drug a definition:
"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.
And if you’re found with drugs on you, you can expect to be arrested and prosecuted and end up with a criminal record which could put the brakes on getting a job.
Even more seriously, if you supply drugs to others you’re looking at the possibility of a long prison sentence.
And that’s before you think about how dangerous taking drugs is. All drugs are potentially dangerous. And because most drugs 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 damage from a physical point of view - like heroin and crystal meth. Other drugs, such as cannabis, can trigger underlying mental health problems such as schizophrenia.
Some drugs can cause more long term damage from a physical point of view - like heroin and crystal meth. Other drugs, such as cannabis, can trigger underlying mental health problems such as schizophrenia.
However, recreational drug use can quickly turn into a user becoming dependent on needing to use them regularly. This is addiction. This can affect physical and mental health as well as having an impact on relationships and social situations.
Drugs fall into three categories: Class A, B or C. Class A drugs being the most dangerous and Class C drugs being less dangerous. However, all the drugs in all three classes are harmful and are addictive.
There are lots of reasons why young people might start using drugs, such as peer pressure, because they think they are fun, to escape problems or simply curiosity.
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 that you may have heard of before include:
• Crack Cocaine
• Crystal meth (methamphetamine)
• Speed (amphetamine)
• Marijuana
• LSD
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Rohypnol/GBH/roofies/date rape drug
• Ketamine
• Steroids
• Meow Meow (Mephadrone)
First aid when dealing with someone under the influence of drugs
Helping an intoxicated person can be difficult because the person may be belligerent or combative. The persons condition may be serious even life threatening.
Signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication:
• Drowsiness, anxiety, agitation, or hyperactivity• Change in pupil size
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed face
Treatment
• Monitor airway breathing
• Assess for other injuries
• Beware of casualty becoming violent
• Snoring sounds indicate an obstructed airway
• If casualty is unconscious, open airway, check breathing, place in recovery position, and call 9-9-9 for an ambulance
