Drugs are illegal, addictive and unpredictable and are likely to have a serious effect on a person’s physical and mental health. Drugs are often mixed with other dangerous substances so you never really know what’s in them. This means they can vary in strength and you can accidentally overdose, causing unconsciousness and even death.
Drugs affect people in different ways. To help you make an informed decision about whether to use drugs or not you should learn about the effects different drugs can have on you.
For a drugs guide visit the 2 Smart 4 Drugs website. Here you will read about:
- the effects of different drugs
- the long-term health risks
- what they look like
- how they are taken
Most drugs initially give people a ‘high’ and this is what can become addictive. However, after the ‘high’ there is a comedown which can be a lot less fun.
Many young people start taking drugs because they are pressured to do so by their friends. Your friends should not pressure you into doing anything that you are not happy about. Have the self-confidence and strength to say no, even walk away if you have to. You can read more about peer pressure in our friendship section.
In addition to drugs being bad for your health they are also against the law. Possessing or taking a drug is a criminal offence and each drug carries different punishments. This depends on their class, the government rating for how dangerous a drug can be to your health.
- Class A - cocaine, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms
- Class B - amphetamines
- Class C - cannabis, anabolic steroids, tranquilisers
If you are 18 or over then you can legally buy alcohol. Research shows that drinking responsibly will not have long term effects on your health. However binge drinking and alcohol dependency can cause serious health concerns such as problems with your liver. Read more about the effects alcohol can have on you.
Try playing the Spliff Pinball Game to see how the drug cannabis can mess with your mind. Think you are clued up on drugs then try playing the games at D World.
Talk to Frank: 0800 776600
Essex Drug Action Team: 01245 434646
Southend Drug Action Team: 01702 608248
Thurrock Drug Action Team: 01375 652972
Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service: 0800 316 5699
Re-Solv (help with solvent abuse): 0808 800 2345
National Drugs Helpline: 0800 77 66 00
Thurrock Community Drug & Alcohol Service: 01375 375361 (9am - 5pm)
2Smart4Drugs
The website has advice and information on drugs, news on all the roadshows around Essex and competitions.
Clouds
Alcohol and drug dependancy treatment centre.
Know Cannabis
This website can help you assess your cannabis use, its impact on your life and how to make changes if you want to.
Talk to Frank
Information and advice about drugs.
Addaction
Information about drugs, local contact information and a choices section where you can see what decisions you would make when faced with a drug situation.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Provides help and support to young people who live with alcoholic parents.
Re-Solv
Help and advice on glue sniffing and solvent abuse.
Channel 4 Health - Drugs
Test your knowledge on drugs and its effects by taking part in interactive quizzes or read the story of a cannabis smoker and the diary of a former drug addict.
HowSmartRU
The Essex Drug & Alcohol Action Team offers lots of advice about drugs and alcohol.
Lifebytes
Provides further information about drugs and the law
Thesite.org
Has a big section on drug safety and includes an a-z guide.
Homeoffice
Government website about tackling drugs and changing lives.
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