Drug & alcohol information pack

Transcription

1 Drug & alcohol information pack 1

2 Ketamine (K, Special K) The law: Class B (from 2014) Principle effect: Hallucinogen Method of use: Swallowed, snorted, injected Immediate effects: Users say they often feel detached from their body. It is very dose specific at low doses (roughly 100mg), the user will feel euphoric and experience rushes or waves of energy. At higher doses (200mg and over) the user will often experience hallucinations, similar to LSD and the typical out-ofof-body or detached experience. This is often followed by numbness, often in the limbs, and strange muscle movements. Duration: 1 hour Short term risks: Can affect vision and coordination, cause injury and disorientation. It can cause headaches, nausea and unconsciousness. Tolerance develops quickly, requiring more of the drug to achieve the same repeated high Long term risks: Linked to stomach, urinary, kidney, bladder problems and mental health problems. Can lead to dependence. Other information: A dissociative anaesthetic used on humans and animals. Risk of overdose when mixed with alcohol. 2

3 Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice, Herbal Incense, Pot Pourri) The law: Class B from 2009 (* not all products are classified as yet but they are covered by Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (PSA) and have been found to contain illegal compounds it s easier to just stay clear). Category: Depressant Method of use: Smoked Immediate effects: euphoria, relaxation, increased confidence, enhanced senses. Duration: 3-7 hours Short term risks: nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, irregular heart beat, convulsions, panic attacks, temporary psychosis, agitation, anxiety, extreme sweating, upset stomach & diarrhea Long term risks: paranoia, memory loss, depression, suicidal ideation, kidney damage Other information: These drugs have been developed to mimic the effects of cannabis. Powders/crystals created in a lab are sprinkled onto 'herbal smoking mixture' (not cannabis) and the effects felt are from the chemicals, not from the 'plant matter'. The strength of these products varies massively. 3

4 Volatile Substances (Solvents, gas, glue, sniff) The law: Legal to inhale but illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 18. Also illegal for solvents to be supplied to people of any age in the knowledge that they are to be abused. Category: Depressant Method of use: Inhaled Immediate effects: Can instantly kill. Users can feel dizziness, giggly and light-headed. Some hallucinate. Duration: Effects last from a few minutes to 45 minutes. Short term risks: Nausea, vomiting, blackouts, bad cough, spots/sores around mouth and heart problems. Inhaling gases can cause heart failure. Long term risks: Damage to brain, liver, kidneys, nervous system, lungs and reproductive organs. Other information: Physically, the effects of VSA are similar to getting drunk. One factor about solvent abuse is that the products involved have legitimate everyday uses. In the average home, there are over 30 products that could be abused. 4

5 Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas, nitrous, balloons) The law: Covered under Psychoactive Substances Act (except for legitimate use) Category: Depressant / Hallucinogen Method of use: Breathed through a mask, cone, or more commonly, a balloon Immediate effects: Giddiness and a floating sensation. It can cause headaches, nausea, sleepiness and lack of co-ordination. Suffocation can occur if the gas is inhaled for more than 30 seconds. Duration: minute Short term risks: Inhaling directly from the canister can cause frostbite of the nose, lips and vocal chords. Long term risks: Continual use can affect the nervous system. It may also cause numbness in extremities, tinnitus and vitamin B12 deficiency. Other information: A dissociative anaesthetic. In the late 19th century America and England there were crazes for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and ether sniffing, especially at parties for the upper classes and medical students. 5

6 Mephedrone (Drone, Meow, M- cat, Meph) The law: Class B (from 2010) Category: Stimulant Method of use: Swallowed, snorted, injected Immediate effects: Euphoria, alertness, talkativeness and feelings of empathy. It can cause palpitations, grinding of teeth, increased blood pressure and body temperature. Duration: Up to 1 hour Short term risks: Insomnia, anxiety and severe nosebleeds. Associated with intense bingeing, risking overstimulation of the nervous system. Long term risks: Can lead to dependence. Increased risk of decline in physical and mental health. Other information: Similar to amphetamine. Mephedrone is probably the most well-known of a group of drugs derived from cathinone the same chemical found in the plant called Khat. Unlike many other recreational drugs, such as amphetamines and ecstasy, Mephedrone was not first developed as a medicine. 6

7 Poppers (Liquid Gold, Amyls, Rush, Room Odouriser) The law: Poppers are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but amyl nitrite is regulated under the Medicines Act They are NOT covered by Psychoactive Substances Act Category: Stimulant Method of use: inhaled / sniffed (Some people prefer to dip a cigarette into the popper bottle and inhale rather than sniff straight from the bottle) Immediate effects: They give a head-rush 'high' that lasts a couple of minutes. May make an orgasm feel like it lasts longer; may make an erection feel stronger (although some men have trouble getting an erection after sniffing poppers); and may make it easier for some people to have anal sex by helping to relax the anal sphincter muscles. They can leave some people feeling sick or faint with poor co-ordination. Duration: Few minutes Short term risks: They can cause your blood pressure to drop to a dangerous level. You can die due to injury to red blood cells and reduced oxygen supply to vital organs. You may lose consciousness and could die through choking on your vomit. Using poppers with alcohol can increase this risk. Poppers are linked with risky sexual behaviour and may lead to catching a sexually transmitted disease. They can burn your skin on contact and can kill you if you swallow them. They're highly flammable. They can cause nausea, headache, and disorientation. Fatal sudden sniffing death syndrome has been reported due to development of an abnormal heart rhythm when taking poppers. Long term risks: Extremely high doses can cause the potentially fatal methaemoglobinaemia whereby the blood is unable to carry oxygen to cells in the body (similar to what happens during Carbon Monoxide Poisoning). 7

8 Alcohol (legal with age restrictions) booze, beverages, juice, hooch, toddy, tipple, moonshine The Law: It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 It is illegal to drive or attempt to drive when under the influence of alcohol; this means having a blood concentration of 80mg per 100ml, which is notoriously difficult to judge. Penalties include disqualification, a large fine and possibly a prison sentence. The best advice is not to drink and drive. Category: Depressant Method of use: Swallowed Immediate effects: Increases confidence, lowers inhibitions, can relax you, can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, tired and cause you to slur your words. It takes approximately one hour for each unit of alcohol to leave the body e.g. 1 pint of Stella = 3 unit = 3hours to leave the body. Short term risks: Intoxication can lead to accidents, vulnerability, risky behaviour, memory loss and alcohol poisoning. Hangovers can cause dehydration, headaches, sensitivity to bright lights and noise, leading to you not being able to carry out your day-today activities such as work and college. Mental and sexual health can be affected, e.g. S.T.I. s, feelings of guilt and remorse. Long term risks: Regularly drinking above the recommended allowances can put you at higher risk of high blood pressure, liver cirrhosis, cancers, and strokes. It can lead to changes in physical appearance such ageing, weight gain, and thread veins. Heavy users can develop brain damage, loss of memory, and have problems with the nervous system. Alcohol use can and does have a huge impact on family, relationships and work. Recommended allowances for over 18 s: A maximum of 14 units per week for both men and women, units should be spread over 3 or more days and it is recommended to have 2 alcohol free days per week. NO safe drinking limits for U18s alcohol can damage development of brain and body Govt. recommend that U15s shouldn t drink any alcohol 8

9 Cannabis (Skunk,Herb, Hash, Grass, Weed, Draw, Pot, Green, Mary Jane / MJ, Hashish, Reefer, Ganja, Marijuana, Smoke, Cheese, Resin, Soapbar, Solid) The law: Class B Category: Hallucinogen / Depressant Method of use: Comes as leaves, stalks and seeds, often called grass, weed, herb; the bud of the female plant, often sold as skunk, Cheese, in solid lumps often known as resin ; or sticky dark oil. Can be smoked or cooked and eaten with food. Immediate effects: Users can feel chilled out or talkative. Colours and sounds may be enhanced and time distorted. Some may get the giggles or feel the urge to eat. If taken in food, effects can be stronger and harder to control. Some of the negative effects may be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety and paranoia. Short term effects: Impairs ability to concentrate and carry out simple tasks. Driving is very risky, as perception is altered. Can lead to tiredness, lack of motivation and affect short term memory. Long term effects: Regular heavy use can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems such as psychosis. It can cause paranoia and anxiety. It can reduce sperm count in men and lead to heart and breathing problems. As it is generally smoked with tobacco and without a filter, it increases health risks associated with tobacco use such as cancer and can lead to nicotine addiction. Very heavy use can lead to withdrawal symptoms. 9

10 Ecstasy ( E, Pills, Sweeties, X, XTC, MDMA powder form) The law: Class A Category: Hallucinogen / Stimulant Method of use: Synthetic drug, which is likely to be adulterated. Usually comes as a tablet/capsule for swallowing or a powder which can be snorted, swallowed, smoked or injected. Immediate effects: When swallowed it takes minutes for effects to start and these can be; increased energy, empathy, euphoria, heightened perceptions, disturbances to thinking and memory, reduced hunger. Effects can last 4-6 hours. Can cause nausea, vomiting, clenched jaw, muscular tension, dry mouth and make the penis shrink. Short term effects: Risks of contracting blood borne virus (e.g. HIV, hepatitis) if injected or snorted with shared equipment, e.g. bank notes. Higher blood pressure, overheating and dehydration users are advised to sip water to rehydrate if dancing, and not have alcoholic drinks. The comedown can occur a few days later making you feel low, fatigued, with headaches, hunger, irritability and emotional oversensitivity features of the come-down. Long terms effects: Mood and movement disorders, cerebral haemorrhage, cardiac failure and liver damage. 10

11 Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The Law: It an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess with intent to supply, possess on custodial premises, import or export psychoactive substances. The act applies across the UK and will came into force on 26 May NPS attempt to imitate the effects of illegal substances - stimulants, cannabis, depressants or hallucinogens - by either mimicking the pharmacological effects of a specific drug, or by subtly modifying the molecular structure of existing illegal drugs. Reducing harm/managing risk Reducing harm Self Age, gender, previous experience, mood, expectations, genetics, body weight, height, culture, health, etc. Substance Dose, purity, frequency, method of delivery, mixing Drug(s) used Setting Social environment (Party), safety of environment (Driving),Temperature, Alone/friends, etc. 11

12 Categorising Substances Classification of drugs and their penalties: Class Drug Possession Supply and A B C Crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone, methamphetamine (crystal meth) Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (eg mephedrone, methoxetamine) Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines (diazepam), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), piperazines (BZP), khat Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both (except anabolic steroids - it s not an offence to possess them for personal use) production Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both The government can ban new drugs for 1 year under a temporary banning order while they decide how the drugs should be classified. 12

13 Specialist websites / resources: Pavilions A-Z of drugs, useful links section etc. ACMD Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs Michael Linnell Highway Code Angelus Foundation Pavilions drug & alcohol services (over 18 s): Pavilions main referral hub & East access point Drop-in: Mon Fri 10am - 4pm, Thurs 10-7pm, Sat 10-1pm. Address: Richmond House, Richmond Road, BN2 3RL t: / Freephone e: info@pavilions.org.uk Pavilions LGBT Worker Gary Smith supports anyone who identifies as LGBT and wants help to reduce or stop their substance use. t: e: gsmith@pavilions.org.uk Pavilions Families & Carers Team & West access point support for the family and loved ones affected by someone else s substance misuse. Address: 9 The Drive, Hove, BN3 3JE t: e: familyandcarers@pavilions.org.uk Pavilions Women s Service - women-only drop in including needle exchange services (Monday afternoons 2.30pm pm) & crèche facilities. Address: 11 Richmond Place, Brighton, BN2 9NA t: e: info@pavilions.org.uk 13

14 Citywide services: Contraception & Sexual Health Services Address: Reception Desk, Brighton SHAC - Morley Street Clinic, Morley Street, BN2 9RE t: e: RU-OK? (Under 18 s substance misuse services) Address: 1 Regency Road, BN1 2RU t: e: Safe space YMCA Downslink Group open on Friday and Saturday nights to support anyone who has become intoxicated, distressed or injured during their night out. Opening times: Fridays & Saturdays 11pm - 3:30am Address: St. Paul's Church, West Street t: e: rose.allett@ymcadlg.org 14