Drugs

Drugs are substances that change how your body and mind work. Some drugs are legal, like medicines prescribed by a doctor or things like caffeine or nicotine (though there are age restrictions on buying these). Illegal drugs are controlled by law because they can be harmful and are not meant for medical use. People might take drugs for many reasons – curiosity, to feel good, to fit in, or to try and cope with difficult feelings. However, all drug use carries risks, and understanding these risks is really important.

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When should you worry?

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Advice and Guidance

What Drugs Can Do to Your Body and Mind

Drugs can have all sorts of effects, and they vary depending on the type of drug, how much is taken, and the person taking them. Your body and brain are still developing when you're young, which can sometimes make the effects of drugs more unpredictable and potentially more harmful in the long term.

Short-term effects can include:

Feeling dizzy, sick, or confused
Changes in mood (like feeling very happy, anxious, or paranoid)
Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
Changes in heart rate and breathing
Feeling sleepy or restless

Long-term effects can be more serious and might include:

Damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or heart
Serious mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or psychosis
Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
Developing a dependence or addiction, where you feel you can't cope without the drug
Increased risk of serious illnesses

Even trying a drug just once can have unexpected and dangerous results.

How Drugs are Classified in the UK

In the UK, illegal drugs are categorised into three classes – Class A, Class B, and Class C. This classification is based on the perceived harm the drug causes, both to individuals and society. The class of a drug affects the penalties for possessing or supplying it.

Class A: These are considered the most harmful drugs. Examples include heroin, cocaine (including crack cocaine), ecstasy (MDMA), and LSD. The maximum penalties for possession and supply are highest for Class A drugs.
Class B: These are considered less harmful than Class A drugs but still carry significant risks. Examples include cannabis, speed (amphetamine), ketamine, and mephedrone. Penalties for possession and supply are lower than for Class A but are still serious.
Class C: These are considered the least harmful in terms of classification, but can still cause harm and are illegal. Examples include anabolic steroids (unless prescribed) and some tranquillisers. Penalties for possession are generally lower, but supply penalties can still be significant.

There can also be 'Temporary Class Drug Orders' for new psychoactive substances. It's important to remember that even Class C drugs are illegal and can be harmful. The law can be complex, and being caught with drugs can lead to a criminal record, fines, or even prison.

Peer Pressure and Drugs

As you get older, you might find yourself in situations where people around you are trying or using drugs. Peer pressure is when you feel pushed or influenced by your friends or people you want to fit in with to do something you might not otherwise do.

It's completely normal to want to fit in, but your true friends will respect your decisions, even if they're different from theirs. Saying no can be hard, but it's a really important skill to develop.

Here are some tips for dealing with peer pressure:

Be prepared: Think about what you might do or say if you're offered drugs.
Say no clearly and confidently: You don't have to make excuses. A simple "No thanks" or "I'm not into that" is fine.
Have an excuse ready: If it feels too difficult to just say no, you could have a reason prepared, like "I've got something important tomorrow" or "My parents would kill me!"
Hang out with people who respect your choices: If your friends are pressuring you to do things you're uncomfortable with, they might not be the best friends for you.
Remove yourself from the situation: If you're feeling pressured, it's okay to leave.
Remember your values: Think about what's important to you and stick to it.

Remember, you have the right to make your own choices about your body and your health.

How Drugs Can Affect School

Drug use can have a big impact on your education. It can make it harder to concentrate in class, affect your memory, and lead to you missing school. This can result in:

Falling behind in your schoolwork
Lower grades
Problems with teachers and school staff
Disciplinary action, including exclusion

Schools have rules about drugs to keep everyone safe. If you're caught with drugs at school, there can be serious consequences according to the school's policy and the law.

Consequences of Drug Use

Beyond the health risks, drug use can lead to a range of other problems:

Legal problems: As mentioned, being caught with drugs can lead to a criminal record, fines, and potentially imprisonment. This can affect your future job prospects and ability to travel.
Financial problems: Drugs are expensive, and a drug habit can quickly lead to debt. You might feel pressured to steal or do other illegal things to fund drug use.
Relationship problems: Drug use can strain relationships with your family and friends. They may worry about you or struggle to understand your behaviour.
Impact on your future: Drug use can get in the way of achieving your goals, whether that's doing well in school, getting a job, or pursuing your hobbies.
Putting yourself in danger: When you're under the influence of drugs, your judgment is impaired, which can lead to taking risks you wouldn't normally take and ending up in dangerous situations.

Worried About a Friend or Family Member's Drug Use?

It can be really tough and worrying if you think someone you care about is using drugs. You might feel scared, confused, or unsure what to do. It's important to remember that you're not alone and there is help available.

Here are some things you can do:

Talk to them: Let them know you're worried about them in a calm and non-judgemental way. Try to listen to what they have to say.
Talk to a trusted adult: This could be a parent, teacher, school nurse, counsellor, or another family member. They can offer advice and support and help you figure out the best way to help your friend or family member.
Contact a support service: There are organisations that offer confidential advice and support for young people worried about someone else's drug use. (See the resources section below).
Look after yourself: Supporting someone with a drug problem can be emotionally draining. Make sure you have someone to talk to about how you're feeling.

You cannot force someone to stop using drugs, but you can offer support and encourage them to get help.

Resources and Help in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Dorset

If you are in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, or Dorset and need help or advice about drugs, whether for yourself or someone else, there are local services that can support you. These services are confidential and have trained staff who can provide non-judgemental help.

Specifically for you:

Hampshire 24/7: This service provides confidential drug and alcohol treatment for young people aged under 25 in Hampshire. You can find their contact details through the Hampshire County Council website or a general search.
Drugs Alcohol Support & Health (DASH): Based in Southampton, this service supports young people under 25 with drug and alcohol issues.
Drug and Alcohol Support Service for Young People (DASS): This service is for young people under 19 in Portsmouth.
Inclusion IOW: This service provides support for young people and adults on the Isle of Wight.
EDAS: This is a free confidential drug and alcohol service for under 25s who live in the Dorset Council area.

General Drug and Alcohol Support (often cover young people too, or can signpost):

Inclusion Recovery Hampshire: Drug and alcohol treatment service for adults over 25 in Hampshire, but can likely advise for younger people or families.
Change, Grow, Live (CGL): They have services in Southampton and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, offering support for drug and alcohol use for adults, and often have pathways for young people or can direct you to the right service.
REACH (Dorset): Offers help for people living in the Dorset Council area to cut down or stop drug or alcohol use.

National Resources (also available wherever you are in the UK):

FRANK: A national drug education service. Their website (TalktoFrank.com) and helpline (0300 123 6600) offer friendly, confidential advice about drugs.
Childline: Offers support for young people under 19. You can call them free on 0800 1111 or chat to them online. They can help with any problem, including worries about drugs.
The Mix: Provides support for young people aged 16-25 on a range of issues, including drugs.

If you're unsure which service is right for you, you can also talk to your GP, school nurse, or a school counsellor. They can help you find the right support.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You don't have to deal with drug-related issues on your own.

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