Dictionary of Drugs

Drug / Appearance / The Law / What it does / Potential consequences
Alcohol

/ A colourless liquid found in beer, wines and spirits. / It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone aged under 18. It is illegal for an adult to buy alcohol on behalf of someone who is aged under 18, and, illegal for someone aged under 18 to buy alcohol in any licensed premises. / In small quantities it reduces inhibitions, making the user feel more lively, sociable and confident.
In larger quantities it slows down the heart rate and breathing. It slows down reactions and impairs co-ordination. The user feels drowsy and can have trouble standing or walking. This can lead to vomiting, collapse and unconsciousness. / Alcohol is an addictive drug which can lead to long term dependence.
It is a powerful toxin which can lead to liver disease, ulcers, heart and circulation problems.
It is strongly associated with aggression and violence, high crime levels and social problems including domestic abuse.
It is a major cause of accidental injuries, many of which result in fatality.
Drug / Appearance / The Law / What it does / Potential consequences
Anabolic Steroids
/ Anabolic Steroids come in the form of tablets or a liquid which is injected. / Class C / Steroids mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. An increase in these hormones cause a build up in cellular tissue in muscles, which, when coupled with a dedicated exercise regime, can significantly aid body building and muscle development. / Anabolic steroids can cause a person to become uncharacteristically aggressive and moody. In females, they can cause the growth of facial hair, reduce the size of breasts, and, provoke a deepening of the voice. In males, steroids can cause men to grow breasts, experience impotence and the testicles could reduce in size. They can also cause heart and liver problems and may increase a person’s blood pressure.
Drug / Appearance / The Law / What it does / Potential consequences
BZP(Benzylpiperazine)

Drug / Tablets or pills that are shaped in various ways, such as as cartoon characters. It can also come as an off white powder, in a liquid or capsules.
Appearance / Class C
The Law / This is a recreational drug which has a stimulant effect. It is reported that the effects are similar to the effects of amphetamine (speed). For example, someone may feel excited, talkative and full of energy when they use BZP.
What it does / BZP can cause panic attacks, anxiety and paranoia. It can also cause acute psychosis and seizure. It can place excessive pressure on the heart, causing heart problems or a heart attack. It is dangerous to mix this drug with other drugs, as deaths have been reported when people have taken both BZP and MDMA (Ecstasy) at the same time.
Potential Consequences
Cannabis

Drug / Cannabis comes in different forms. It can come as dried/chopped leaves (grass/weed/herbal). It can also come as a black coloured lump from the resin (hash).Less commonly it can be produced as an oil.
Appearance / Class B
The Law / Using Cannabis usually makes someone feel quite chilled out and mellow. Users often report feeling excited (with an enhanced appreciation of light and sound). Users may also feel light-headed, sick, anxious and paranoid.
What it does / Most people smoke Cannabis in a joint. Smoking Cannabis carries health risks such as lung damage or cancer. Cannabis can also cause short term memory loss and lethargy. Cannabis can provoke mental health issues such as depression or schizophrenia. Those with a family history of mental health issues are particularly vulnerable to experiencing mental health issues themselves if they use certain substances. Cannabis is one of these substances.
Potential Consequences
Cocaine

Drug / Cocaine comes as a white or off-white powder. It is separated (cut) into lines on a level surface, which are then snorted (taken) up the nose (usually through a short tight pipe). Cocaine can also be injected or smoked (Crack).
Appearance / Class A
Law / Cocaine is a powerful stimulant substance which usually makes someone feel alert, excited, confident, and often, invincible. The effects last for about 20- 30 minutes.
What it does / In the short term a Cocaine user can experience anxiety, paranoia and insomnia. Users may also experience weight loss and become exhausted. Cocaine users can lose their septum (middle section of their nose) as a consequence of snorting the substance. Rubbing Cocaine on the gums can cause gum disease or cancer. Cocaine use can also provoke heart problems, including heart attack.
Potential Consequences
Crack Cocaine

Drug / Crack is the smokable form of Cocaine. Crack comes in the form of a hard rock which is usually smoked in a pipe.
Appearance / Class A
Law / Crack has the same effects as Cocaine but they are much stronger and users experience a more intense high. The effects usually last for 15 minutes.
What it does / Crack users can experience bronchial problems, anxiety, depression and psychosis. Death can occur, most commonly due to heart failure.
Potential Consequences
Ecstasy

Drug / Usually found in pill form, ecstasy comes in a wide variety of different shapes and colours. They often draw their names from the indented images on the face of the pill (for instance ‘doves’ or ’supermen’). A purer form appears as a white crystalline powder called MDMA. This can be snorted, or wrapped in a cigarette paper and swallowed (‘bombed’)
Appearance / Class A
Law / Users usually feel a sense of euphoria. They also feel a great deal of affection for those around them. Sounds, colours and emotions seem more intense.
What it does / MDMA can cause someone to feel stressed, anxious and panicky. It can cause the body to overheat and cause collapse. It can also cause serious dehydration. Some users have found that it stops them from urinating, which can interfere with the body’s salt balance. There have been approximately 200 deaths due to MDMA since 1990.
Potential Consequences
GHB/GBL

Drug / White cystalline powder, tablet, or, a clear liquid which is placed in a clear bottle.
Appearance / Class C
Law / GHB/GBL is often used to spike a person’s drink. In small doses the effects are similar to alcohol, leaving users feeling relaxed, chatty and socialable. In high doses it can cause someone to feel sick and often causes a ‘black out’ (collapse and total memory loss).
What it does / GHB/GBL can cause someone to become unconscious, they may stop breathing and could experience a seizure. It can place someone in a coma-like state for several hours.
Potential Consequneces
Heroin

Drug / Heroin comes from the Opium Poppy. Heroin is usually sold as a powder which is either white, off-white or a yellow/brownish colour. Heroin is usually smoked or injected.
Appearance / Class A
Law / Heroin is a very strong painkiller (analgesic). Users usually feel a sense of warmth, relaxed and untroubled. It is often used as an escapist drug because it stops people from worrying or feeling anxious.Heroin is physically addictive.
What it does / Users usually vomit the first time that they use Heroin. Given time, users need to use more Heroin to get the same effects that they were getting when they first started to use it. Overdosing on Heroin is very common and can cause death. The sharing of needles can lead to blood borne viruses such as Hepatitus or HIV. Injecting can also cause vein damage and collapse, or infections.
Potential Consequences
Ketamine

Drug / UsuallyKetamine comes as a grainy white powder which is snorted/swallowed or bought as a tablet. It can also be injected.
Appearance / Class C
Law / Ketamine significantly reduces the body’s sensitivity to pain and inhibits movement. It can also cause hallucinations or significantly disorientate someone, for example a user may feel that one limb is longer than the other.
What it does / Ketamine can cause people to feel sick. Some users have choked on their own vomit when using Ketamine. Users can injure themselves when disorientated. Users may also feel anxious or confused. Ketamine use has been linked to mental health issues. There are increasing links between Ketamine use and serious bladder weakness/damage.
Potential Consequences
LSD

Drug / Looks like tiny squares of paper called ‘tabs’ usually with pictures on them. The pictures are often of cartoon characters such as Bart Simpson.
Appearance / Class A
Law / LSD is a hallucinogen. It causes people to see things that aren’t actually there. It makes sounds and colours very intense. The effects usually last for about 7 – 12 hours.
What it does / Users can experience a ‘good trip’ where use has been enjoyable. They can also experience a ‘bad trip’ where use can be very scary and cause intense anxiety. LSD can trigger a range of mental health issues. LSD can cause significant disorientation and has been linked to brain damage. People with a family history of mental health issues should avoid using LSD as it is likely to provoke serious mental health issues.
Potential Consequences
Magic Mushrooms

Drug / Raw or dried mushrooms. The appearance varies according to the type of mushroom. The most common is the ‘Liberty Cap’ which is small and tan coloured.
Appearance
/ Class A
Law / Magic Mushrooms are a hallucinogen. They have a similar effect to LSD, though usually milder and less intense. The effects usually last around 4 hours.
What it does / Magic Mushrooms can cause nausea.
They can also cause mental health issues for some users. Those with a family history of mental health issues are particularly susceptible. There is a risk of poisoning if a poisonous mushroom is consumed in error.
Potential Consequences
Mephedrone

Drug / A fine, white or
off- white powder. Usually snorted or ‘bombed’ (powder wrapped in tobacco paper and swallowed).
Appearance / Class B
Law / It can make a person feel euphoric, alert and talkative, like amphetamines; with feelings of empathy likeMDMA (Ecstasy).
What it does / It can cause death. It can place significant pressure on the heart, leading to serious heart related problems. It can cause anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks. The consequences of Mephedrone are still being discovered.
Potential Consequences
Methamphetamine

Drug / It is a form of amphetamine that comes as a tablet, powder or crystals.
Appearance / Class A
Law / Gives a very intense rush similar to Crack Cocaine but lasting between 4and 12 hours. It suppresses the appetite, keeps a person awake and significantly increases energy levels. It also enhances a person’s self esteem.
What it does / Can cause cardiovascular damage, including heart attack. High risk of experiencing psychosis as a consequence of Methamphetamine use.
It can significantly impact on a user’s appearance, for example teeth may rot away.
Potential Consequences
Poppers

Drug / Poppers come in small bottles filled with liquid chemicals called alkyl nitrates. They are sold in sex shops, clubs and gay bars. The liquid should be sniffed but never swallowed.
Appearance / Legal (not classified)
Law / People usually get a head rush that lasts a couple of minutes, followed by a headache which can last for up to 24 hours.
What it does / Poppers usually make someone feel sick and faint. User will experience a severe headache and develop a rash around their nose and mouth after use. Alkyl nitrates are poisonous, so, if drunk, they could cause death.
Potential Consequences
Speed

Drug / Can be a white, off-white, yellow or pinkish powder. Usually sold in small wraps.
Appearance / Class B but Class A if prepared for injection.
Law
/ Speed is a stimulant drug which makes the user feel alert, confident and full of energy.
It can cause a tighteness of the jaw which causes some people to grind their teeth and chew continuously. Speed usually makes people very talkative and physically active.
What it does / Speed can cause anxiety, paranoia and irritability. Speed places significant pressure on the cardiovascular system. The comedown from using Speed can be very intense and includes: tiredness, depression, low self esteem and aches and pains. Speed is the least pure street drug. It is often cut with other substances which can cause physical damage when used. For example, speed is often cut with baby milk and talcum powder. These are very dangerous if speed is injected as they clot easily in the blood.
Potential Consequences
Solvents

Drug / Gas lighter refills, cans of hairspray, deodorants, air fresheners, tins or tubes of glue, nail varnish and petroleum products.
Appearance / Not illegal
Law / Solvents usually make people feel dizzy and experience a feeling which is similar to that of being drunk. Often people lose their inhibitions.
What is it / Some people experience a fatal toxic reaction to the volatile substance that they have used. Volatile substances can also cause heart failure or suffocation. Solvents can also cause lung, liver and kidney problems. Most users experience nausea and dizziness.
Potential Consequences
Tobacco
/ Dried, yellow-brown shredded leaves / Cigarettes cannot legally be sold to anyone under the age of 18 / Smokers say that tobacco can help them to relax and to suppress their appetite, helping them to stay slim. It contains a drug called nicotine which affects brain activity, creating strong cravings. / Tobacco is an addictive drug and users can become long term dependant. It is the main cause of lung disease and lung cancer, as well as cancer of the mouth, jaw and throat. It is also a major factor in heart disease and circulation problems. It is the main cause of preventable death in the UK and is responsible for 80,000 deaths per year. It is also harmful to non-smokers when they are exposed to second hand smoke and can harm unborn babies
Drug / Appearance / Law / What it does / Potential consequences
Tranquillisers
/ Tranquillisers are prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety and insomnia. They can come as tablets, capsules and injections. / Class C/not illegal if prescribed by a doctor. / Tranquillisers calm people down. Some people have them onprescription to help them with short periods of severe anxiety or insomnia. They are also used to treat epilepsy. They should not generally be prescribed long term because of the risks (see potential consequences). They make you feel more relaxed and less anxious but big doses can make a person feel very drowsy and forgetful. / Withdrawal symptoms from using tranquillisers can be quite severe. People often feel anxious, sick, restless and experience headaches. Some tranquillisers can cause short term memory loss.

The Law