The Truth About Drugs v1.2

THE TRUTH
ABOUT DRUGS.
KNOW THE
SCORE
0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM
FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE
Drugs – lots of them –
lots to know about them THINK EVERYONE A
C
B
TAKES DRUGS?
Acid [LSD] Junk [Heroin] D
Base [Speed] Legal Highs
Bhang [Cannabis] Liberties [Magic mushrooms]
E
Billy [Speed] Liquid Gold [Poppers] F
MOST PEOPLE DON’T.

Black [Cannabis] Lucy [LSD] G
Blow [Cannabis] Marijuana [Cannabis] H
Brown [Heroin] MDMA [Ecstasy]
Charlie [Cocaine] Mephedrone Meth [Speed] I
Christine [Methylamphetamine] Mushies [Magic mushrooms] In fact, 60% of 16–24 year olds have never taken an J
Coke [Cocaine] Percy [Cocaine] illegal drug. So how do you know what’s fact and K
Crazy medicine Pills [Ecstasy] what’s fiction? L
[Methylamphetamine] Puff [Cannabis]
Crystal Meth Resin [Cannabis]
This A-Z booklet gives the lowdown on lots legal and M
[Methylamphetamine] Rock [Crack cocaine] illegal drugs. N
Dope [Cannabis] Shrooms [Magic mushrooms] It tells you about their risks as well as their effects O
Draw [Cannabis] Skag [Heroin] and other information that is useful to know. Like P
Drone [Mephedrone] Skunk [Cannabis]
what to do if you’re worried about a mate. Or what Q
Dust [Cocaine] Smilies [LSD]
E [Ecstasy] Snow [Cocaine]
happens when you mix drugs. R
Flash [LSD] Spliff [Cannabis] There are also stories from people who’ve been S
Freebase [Crack cocaine] Tab [LSD]
Ganja [Cannabis] Tina [Methylamphetamine]
there, done that. And details on where to go for T
help and advice so that, when it comes to drugs, U
Gear [Cannabis and Heroin] Toot [Cocaine]
you know the score.
Glass [Methylamphetamine] Trips [LSD] V
Grass [Cannabis] Wash [Crack cocaine] W
H [Heroin] Weed [Cannabis]
Hash [Cannabis] White [Cocaine]
X
Herb [Cannabis] Whizz [Speed] Y
Ice [Methylamphetamine] Yaba [Methylamphetamine] Z
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FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 3
alcohol anabolic steroids A
B
Looks like: Beer, lager, (class C) C
D
alcopops, cider, wine,
spirits and shots. Looks like: Tablets that E
are swallowed or a liquid F
Highs: In small amounts that is injected. G
alcohol can help you
or even kill you. If you Highs: Steroids help H
relax and feel more
sociable. It can make drink alcohol a lot, you build up muscles if you I
your emotions more can end up feeling take them as part of • girls – you can get J
intense, which might be depressed. A long-term a strenuous exercise extra facial hair, a K
ok if you’re in a good drinking habit can cause programme. They deep voice and your L
mood, but not so great if liver, heart and stomach might also help people breasts could shrink
recover faster from such
M
you’re feeling low. problems. You can
exercise.
You might start getting N
also get addicted and paranoid, confused or
Lows: Too much alcohol O
become an alcoholic. Lows: Steroids can make have trouble sleeping.
and you’ll start slurring P
your words and get you aggressive, even if Longer term, they can
you are normally calm. give you high blood Q
clumsy or fall over. You If you’re under R
FA C T
might start crying or
FRANK They can also stop you pressure and liver or
18, it is illegal growing properly. heart problems. After S
getting angry – or do for someone
something you regret. • blokes – you can get
you stop taking them, T
to sell you you might feel tired or
Mixing with other drugs alcohol. And erection problems, U
low for a while. There’s
can be dangerous, and illegal for grow breasts, develop V
drinking too much in one a risk of damaging
someone else acne or your testicles
your veins or muscles if W
go can lead to alcohol could shrink
poisoning which can
to buy it on you inject. X
your behalf. Y
make you unconscious
Z

FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 4 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 5
Ben buzz A
B
C
It’s the way you feel after taking a drug. It depends D
When I think of dealers I think of big time on what the drug is and how much you’ve taken.
And it depends on how you are feeling, where you
E
gangsters or people outside clubs. Not
are taking it and who you’re with. But you might… F
me. All I did was try to sort a few friends out with
some pills and a bit of whizz. The police haven’t G
1. Get high
told me what’s going to happen yet. I could get a H
Some drugs make you feel more alert and
reprimand or a formal warning. I might even have to energetic = cocaine; crack; ecstasy; poppers; I
appear in court. Mum was in a state of shock when speed, mephedrone J
she turned up at the police station. She’s said she’ll K
stand by me but I know she feels let down. 2. Calm down
Some drugs slow you down. They can make you feel L
Ben, 15
calm and sleepy = alcohol; cannabis; gases, glues M
and aerosols [also known as volatile substances]; N
GHB; tranquillisers, heroin O
See THE LAW [page 25]
for more info on what 3. Trip out P
could happen if you Some drugs affect your mind. They distort the way Q
supply drugs to friends you see, hear, feel and smell things = cannabis; R
– even if you give them ecstasy; ketamine; LSD; magic mushrooms S
for free. 4. Get knocked out T
Some drugs block out physical and emotional pain U
= heroin V
But if the high was the only thing that happened, W
wouldn’t everyone be taking drugs? X
See COMEDOWN (page 11) and check out the Y
LOWS throughout this leaflet. Z

cannabis A
B
(class B) C
D
Looks like: Regular users have Long-term use may E
an increased risk of affect memory and F
• hash = blacky-brown
mental health problems, concentration levels,
lump made from resin G
including schizophrenia. which can hinder
• grass or weed = the This could be worse if performance in school,
H
dried, chopped leaves. you smoke a lot, are college or work – in I
Often called ‘herbal’ young and smoke strong some cases causing J
• skunk = a type of
cannabis like skunk. people to give up or K
herbal cannabis. On
Cannabis is particularly drop out. Cannabis has L
risky if you’ve a history of also been associated
average, it is 2-4 times M
mental health problems, with draining people
stronger than other the giggles. It can
depression or paranoia. of energy, leaving users
N
varieties make colours and O
tired and lazy and more
sounds seem brighter P
Usually mixed with likely to sit around than
and sharper.
tobacco and smoked as get on with things. Q
a spliff or joint. Can also Lows: Some people R
be used to make tea or go pale and feel sick,
S
can be baked in ‘hash especially if they’ve Just because cannabis is natural
FA C T
FRANK
cakes’ and cookies. been drinking. Some doesn’t mean it won’t harm you. And
T
people get anxious don’t forget, cannabis is illegal. U
Highs: Smoking a spliff V
or paranoid. Smoking
makes a lot of people
happy and relaxed and
it increases your W
the effects can last a
chances of getting X
diseases like lung
few hours. Some people Y
cancer and bronchitis.
have one puff and get Z

cash The costs are not just financial. Socially A
FA C T
FRANK
and environmentally, drugs take their B
toll. Because drugs don’t just affect the C
Drugs cost. If you take pills every weekend, you people who use them: they impact on D
could easily end up spending quite a chunk of cash the lives of people who become victims
in a year just on the drugs. Stealing to pay for drugs
E
of drug-related crime, and on those who
can land you with a conviction. have to live with the mess that drug users
F
leave behind. G
H
They also affect workers in other countries
It was getting crazy. Each time I did it, I just
who grow the raw materials, and the I
wanted more. I was blowing all my cash on
people who are involved in smuggling J
it – and always looking out for a chance to score.
and transportation. K
My girlfriend was getting fed up with me having no
money so I decided I had to face up to what
L
drugs were costing me. Sean, 18 M
comedown O
N
And there are other costs too: P

With drugs like cocaine, speed and ecstasy the high Q
• to your health is followed by a comedown where you might feel R
• to your safety tired, depressed or physically low.
S
• to your goals With ecstasy, the comedown following weekend T
clubbing can last a few days, and some clubbers U
Drugs can cost you even more. call it “mid-week flu”. With crack cocaine the
V
Check out THE LAW on page 25. comedown is more of a crash and you might crave
more of the drug. When they crash, some people W
can get irritable or aggressive. X
Y
Z

cocaine crack A
B
(class A) cocaine C
D
Looks like: A white (class A) E
powder. It can be F
snorted, smoked or Looks like: Small lumps or rocks G
injected. about the size of a raisin.. It’s called crack because H
Highs: Makes you it makes a crackling sound when it’s being burnt. I
feel wide awake and Usually smoked or it can also be injected. J
confident. It can give Highs: Same short-lived effects as snorting cocaine, K
your ego a real boost, but much stronger and a more intense high. L
so you might end up The hit is quite short-
thinking you’re the world’s lived – 20-30 minutes Lows: Crack cocaine is extremely addictive and it’s M
greatest flirt, dancer or – so people are often an expensive habit because the effects wear off N
comedian [although tempted to take more. so quickly. It can cause mood swings and massive O
usually you’re not!]. After a big night on paranoia. High doses can raise your temperature P
and stop you breathing and, if you overdose, it can
Lows: Because cocaine coke you might feel like
lead to a heart attack and can be fatal. Heavy
Q
is really addictive, a you’ve got flu. R
users often get anxious and paranoid, have trouble
habit can be expensive. Using it regularly can sleeping and feel sick quite a lot. S
Snorting it can destroy the make you feel run-down, T
inside of your nose and panicky and reduce U
high doses can stop you your sex drive.
V
breathing. Even young
people can have a fit or
crystal meth See page 34 W
heart attack after taking X
too much and people Y
have died from overdose. Z

depression ecstasy A
B
Feeling a bit low or moody the day after – or
sometimes even longer – is part of the deal with
(class A) C
D
most drugs.
E
Sometimes it gets more Looks like: Pure ecstasy F
is a white crystal powder
serious. If things don’t After a while I G
make sense any more which scientists call
didn’t feel like
‘MDMA’. Ecstasy sold on as drinking too quickly
H
and you want to curl up myself anymore. I didn’t
and hide, you probably the street usually comes interferes with your I
know where the old me
need to talk to someone in tablets and is unlikely body’s salt balance, J
had gone to.
who can help, such as Sammi, 18
to be pure MDMA. It which can be as deadly K
your GP. also comes in all sorts of as not drinking enough L
colours and designs, and water. Reduce the risks
M
can sometimes be sold by sipping no more
N
drug-impaired driving as powder.
Highs: You have loads of
than a pint of water
or non-alcoholic fluid O
You know that drink-driving is illegal. What you might every hour. There have P
energy. Sounds, colours
not know is that driving when high is also illegal – and emotions feel more
been over 200 reported Q
and you can still be unfit to drive the day after using intense – you might feel
ecstasy-related deaths R
a drug. You can get a heavy fine, be disqualified in the UK since 1990. S
like you love everyone
from driving or even go to prison around you. In some cases E stops T
You need co-ordination, anticipation, concentration the body producing U
Lows: Ecstasy can cause
and good judgement to drive safely. And all of these urine, so if you drink too V
anxiety, panic attacks
things can go out of the window if you’re on drugs. much liquid too quickly,
and confusion. It raises
it can interfere badly
W
The police use roadside tests to find out whether your temperature and
with your body’s salt X
motorists are unfit to drive because of alcohol makes your heart beat Y
balance, which >>>
or drugs. faster. Be careful though,
Z

>>> can be as deadly
as not drinking enough
See HARM (page 19)
What’s in your E?
gases, glues and A
B
aerosols and other
water. You never know
what you’re getting with
See X – the ‘unknown’ C
(page 49) D
volatile substances
an E or how you’ll react.
E
F
Looks like: Gas lighter scare or chase someone G
FRANK refills, cans of hairspray,
deodorants, air
who is high on a volatile
substance as a sudden
H
FRANK is here to give you friendly, confidential
I
fresheners, tins or tubes shock can be fatal.
advice on any subject related to drugs: of glue and nail varnish.
J
They can seriously affect K
• what they are and what they do Highs: Makes you feel your judgment so you
L
dizzy and lose your might try something
• pressure from your mates M
inhibitions. stupid. At the very least,
• looking after yourself you could get a red rash N
Lows: Volatile substances
• what to do if things go wrong around your mouth, be O
can lead to coma and
heart problems and
sick or pass out. P
• where to get help locally
can kill you instantly. Q
It is against R
FA C T
FRANK
FRANK is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People have died the
Calls are free from landlines and some mobiles. You the law for a
first time they’ve used
shopkeeper
S
can talk to FRANK confidentially: them. Squirting gas T
to sell ANY
products into your mouth
• on 0800 77 66 00 product to U
is particularly dangerous
• by textphone [for the hard of hearing] and deadly. It makes your
someone V
0800 917 8765 throat swell so you can’t
under 18 if W
they suspect X
• by going to www.talktofrank.com breathe and makes
they might use
your heart slow down.
it to get high.
Y
• by emailing frank@talktofrank.com It’s important not to Z

GHB and GBL harm A
B
(class C) FRANK ADVICE
C
D
Substances are not safe and can cause long- E
Looks like: They are clear term harm. The safest option is not to use drugs.
liquids with no smell, which
F
taste slightly salty. They come Anyone who does take drugs should: G
in small bottles or capsules. • avoid mixing drugs – see MIXING IT [page 35]
H
Sometimes comes in powder for more info I
form. GHB and GBL have J
much the same effect, • pace themselves – it can take a while for
substances to kick in K
because GBL is turned into
GHB by the body.
L
• take a break – if they’re dancing, they should
M
Highs: Can make you feel euphoric, sensual and take regular breaks to cool down, drink water
and check how they’re feeling
N
uninhibited. Effects can last up to a whole day.
O
Lows: You might feel sick, you can get muscle • keep hydrated [especially if taking ecstasy and P
tremors and you might lose consciousness. It can speed while clubbing]. It’s best to sip fruit juice
or isotonic sports drinks regularly [no more than Q
be fatal if it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
Take too much and you’ll start to feel sleepy a pint an hour] R
and out of it. We don’t know what the long-term S
• keep track of the amount they’re using –
effects of GHB are but you can become physically to avoid an overdose
T
dependent on high doses with dangerous U
• stay with other people – especially if they start
withdrawals in some people. V
to feel ill
W
• take it easy the morning after – to help their X
body recover. That means simple, healthy stuff
Y
like water, toast and orange juice
Z

Haylee heroin A
B
(class A) C
D
E
Looks like: Pure heroin is white
and is rarely seen on the
F
The first time I took coke I was at a party and
up for a good time. I felt like I was IT after I’d streets. Street heroin is more G
done it. After a while, coke was ruling my social life. likely to vary in colour from dark brown to yellowish H
But the highs weren’t as good as they used to be, off-white. It can be smoked, snorted or dissolved in I
so when someone suggested crack I decided to try water and injected or heated and inhaled [called J
it. Before long, that was what I’d choose if I could ‘chasing the dragon’].
K
get my hands on it. The only thing was, I always felt Highs: Heroin slows your body down and stops pain. L
really ill afterwards. One night, a couple of guys I Most people get a big rush or buzz a few minutes
was with were smoking heroin to get through the
M
after taking it, which can make them feel good N
crash. They said I should take some. I‘d always seen about themselves.
myself as someone who took drugs to have a laugh. O
This made me realise I was in too deep. Getting into Lows: Heroin is very addictive and your body gets P
heroin was never part of the plan. Haylee, 17 used to it very quickly so you have to take more
Q
and more just to feel ‘normal’ and avoid severe
withdrawals. You can get sleepy, dizzy or vomit;
R
too much can put you in a coma or even kill you, S
especially if taken with alcohol. If you take it with T
other drugs – including alcohol – you are more likely U
to overdose. V
See page 23 for info on INJECTING W
Also see UNCONSCIOUS
X
Y
Z

holidays injecting A
B
C
Wish you were here? Cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and speed are D
sometimes injected.
Weather is hot – so Friendly locals – and E
there’s more chance of you’ll be treated like a It takes the drug straight into the bloodstream so it F
getting dehydrated if local if you get caught gives people a quicker, bigger high. G
you’re taking ecstasy or with drugs.
speed. Putting alcohol
H
Injecting can massively increase the risk I
FA C T
FRANK
into the mix can make Some countries
FA C T
FRANK
of an overdose, cause vein damage,
things even worse. have much J
ulcers and gangrene and spread HIV and
Loads to do – but don’t
stricter laws
viral hepatitis. Injecting a ‘speedball’ – K
than in the L
get off your head so cocaine and heroin – can be deadly.
UK – there’s
you can’t find your way M
a death
back to your hotel or sentence for N
end up doing something some drug O
you regret.
New experiences –
offences in
Thailand,
jobs Q
P
different food, scenery, Malaysia, R

clubs and people. Is it Singapore, Drugs can make a job – or school or college –
really hard work. S
wise to experiment Indonesia, Iran
and Algeria.
T
with something like They can mess up the way you act, how well you
drugs when you’re in Some countries can focus, what you remember and how you deal
U
an unfamiliar place? will not let you with people. And a drug conviction might stop you V
And that’s without the in in the first getting your dream job or lose the one you have. W
risks you face if you place if you X
get caught [see have a drug Y
FRANK fact]. conviction.
Z

ketamine the law A
B
(class C) There are two offences police can charge you with
C
D
if you are caught with drugs:
E
Looks like: Usually comes as a
grainy white powder which is
Possession • this isn’t the first time F
you’ve been caught G
snorted or bought as a tablet. If you are caught with
drugs the police will Dealing H
Highs: Ketamine makes you
hallucinate (see and hear
always take action,
(which includes the I
even if it’s only a J
things that aren’t there). You offences Possession With
small amount. What
can experience the effects
happens depends on
Intent to Supply, Offer to K
for up to 3 hours [depending
the circumstances. You
Supply and Supply) L
on the dose] and you might have an ‘out of body’ Dealing is much more M
might get a warning
experience. serious and includes N
and have the drug
Lows: It’s an anaesthetic and stops you feeling pain, confiscated or, if it’s being caught with drugs O
so you’re in danger of injuring yourself badly without more serious, you will be that you were going to P
knowing you’ve done it. Sometimes people are arrested. The police will share with your mates.
Q
physically incapable of moving. It can cause panic think it’s more serious if:
attacks, depression and, in large doses, can make
A drug dealer could end R
• you’ve been caught up in jail for a long time S
mental health problems like schizophrenia worse. [see maximum penalties
with class A drugs T
Large doses can make it difficult to breathe and on page 26].
can cause heart failure. If you’re sick, there’s a risk U
you could choke on your vomit. A criminal record could affect your V
FA C T
FRANK
See SAFETY [page 40] chances of getting a job or going on W
holiday abroad. Remember – drug-driving X
is as illegal as drink-driving and carries the
Y
same penalties.
Z

The three Classes of illegal drugs
Illegal drugs are put into three categories:
‘legal highs’ A
B
Class A, B and C. Class A are the most harmful C
and have the biggest penalties. Looks like/used:
D
Drug Maximum penalties
• there are many different ‘legal highs’ but most E
come as pills or powders F
Class A – cocaine Possession – 7 years in prison
and crack cocaine, and an unlimited fine • under current medicines legislation it’s illegal to G
crystal meth, sell, supply or advertise ‘legal highs’ for human H
Possession With Intent to consumption. In an attempt to get round this
ecstasy, heroin, I
Supply or Supply – Life in sellers refer to them as research chemicals, plant
LSD and magic
prison and an unlimited fine
J
mushrooms (raw food or bath crystals.
K
or processed) Feels like: L
Class B – cannabis, Possession – 5 years in prison • mimics the effects of illegal drugs, such as cocaine M
speed (speed is and an unlimited fine and ecstasy N
Class A if prepared
for injection),
Possession With Intent to Possible side effects and risks: O
mephedrone
Supply or Supply – 14 years in P
prison and an unlimited fine • there has been very little or no useful research into
the effects of many ‘legal highs’ Q
Class C – anabolic Possession – 2 years in prison R
steroids, ketamine and an unlimited fine • It is becoming increasingly clear that ‘legal highs’
are far from harmless and have similar health risks
S
and tranquillisers
Possession With Intent to to illegal drugs T
Supply or Supply – 14 years in U
prison and an unlimited fine • reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or
V
paranoid states, seizures, coma and even
death are possible side effects W
X
• Using with alcohol or other drugs can increase
the risk
Y
Z

It is likely that drugs sold as a ‘legal LSD A
FA C T
FRANK
high’ may actually contain one or more B
substances that are actually illegal to
possess. Some websites selling “legal highs”
(class A) C
D
are actually selling substances which E
contain illegal substances. Looks like: Tiny squares of
paper called ‘tabs’, usually
F
Just because a substance is called a G
with pictures on them.
‘legal high’ doesn’t mean that it is either H
safe to use or legal to possess and supply. Highs: The experience or “a trip” makes you
hallucinate [see or hear things that aren’t there] I
and feeds off your imagination for up to 12 hours. J
Colours and sounds can be more intense, and K
objects, time and movement are often distorted. L
looks Lows: If you panic on a trip it can be scary and M
confusing. A bad trip can be your worst nightmare N
One E or a few spliffs come to life – you could harm yourself while having O
will make you look a bit I couldn’t bear to a bad trip and you might also get flashbacks days P
or months after the event.
out of it. But long-term look in the mirror Q
drug use can affect any more – I looked There’s no evidence to suggest LSD does any R
your appearance really old, my skin was long-term physical damage, but if you have S
including your skin, hair pasty and spotty, my mental health problems, it can make them worse.
and weight. And your eyes were black and I
T
If you have a history of serious mental health
personal hygiene might hadn’t even bothered problems in your family, LSD may accentuate any U
end up taking a back to keep my clothes vulnerability to mental health problems. V
seat too. clean. Stacey, 17 W
X
Y
Z

magic mushrooms mates A
B
(class A) Got a mate taking drugs?
C
D
Is it doing your head in as well as theirs? You could E
Looks like: Raw or dried
mushrooms. There are two
try talking to them. Check out the tips below: F
types; the ‘Liberty Cap’ is 1. Decide what you want 5. Listen to them. If they G
small and tan coloured. The to say before you begin. go for help, offer to go H
‘fly agaric’ looks like a red What do you think the with them. I
and white toadstool. problem is and what do
At the end of the day,
J
Highs: Like LSD, but the trip you want them to do? K
if you can’t accept
is often milder and shorter 2. Pick your moment. their choices, you L
and typically lasts about 4 hours. People feel giggly Talk to them when need to decide whether M
and confident. Taking lots of mushrooms can distort you’re calm and when you want to carry on N
colour, sound, objects, time and movement. they are not high. being mates.
O
Lows: Mushrooms make some people dizzy, sick or 3. Avoid asking ‘why?’ If they need help [or you P
have diarrhoea. They can make you hallucinate Instead, ask questions need help to deal with Q
[which means you could see or hear things that that start with how, them], FRANK can help.
aren’t really there] and this can be frightening. You
R
when, what or where.
could get flashbacks where you re-live part of the S
trip and, as with LSD, bad trips can be terrifying. 4. Focus on them, not T
the drugs. The drugs
If you have a mental health problem, magic U
aren’t doing anything to
mushrooms might complicate it. And there’s always
you – your mate is. You
V
the risk of taking a poisonous mushroom by mistake W
as they look quite similar. need to explain how
their behaviour affects X
you. Are they unreliable? Y
Moody? Broke? Z

mephedrone methadone A
B
(class B) (class A) C
D
E
And not to be confused with Methadone (not be
Methadone! confused with Mephedrone) F
is a manufactured drug that G
Looks like: A fine white, off- H
has similar effects to heroin,
white or yellowish powder
which is snorted like cocaine
although it doesn’t give the I
or wrapped in paper and
same degree of high. It is J
used as a substitute for
swallowed (‘bombed’ is the K
heroin in the treatment of
slang name for this). It can
heroin addiction.
L
also be smoked and in some rare cases people M
inject it. It also comes in capsules and pills. N
Highs: Users feel alert, confident, euphoric and O
talkative, and some feel greater empathy with P
people nearby.
Q
Lows: Mephedrone can cause anxiety and R
paranoia and can overstimulate the nervous S
system which can cause fits, agitation and T
hallucinations. It can also overstimulate the heart
and circulation. It has also been linked to a number U
of deaths in the UK. V
W
X
Y
Z

methamphetamine mixing it A
B
(class A) All drugs carry risks. But mixing them can make
C
D
things a lot more dangerous.
E
aka Methylamphetamine –
Crystal Meth
heroin or tranquillisers stimulants [like cocaine F
and alcohol and speed] + alcohol G
Looks like: It’s a type of ‘Downer’ drugs like this These both put pressure H
amphetamine that comes as slow down your heart on the heart, increasing
a tablet, powder or crystals. rate and breathing. the risk of heart attack. I
Overdose is much more J
Highs: Gives a very intense stimulants + stimulants
likely when these drugs K
rush similar to crack cocaine Sometimes the effects
but lasting between 4 and 12 hours. It suppresses
are combined, as they
of one stimulant don’t
L
make the ’downer’ M
the appetite and keeps you awake. kick in straight away so
effect even stronger N
people take something
Lows: Crystal meth is very addictive and people and can have fatal
often end up bingeing on it. It can cause mental consequences.
else. This can give an O
health problems and affect your appearance. Your
unpleasant effect and P
heroin + cocaine can put a serious strain Q
teeth and gums could rot away [known as ‘meth
Known as a ‘speedball’, on the heart.
mouth’] and you could get nausea, vomiting and R
this can be deadly.
diarrhoea. Some people get skin ulcers through ecstasy + cannabis S
picking at bugs they imagine are crawling under cocaine + alcohol Sometimes people T
their skin. While on the drug, users often indulge in Produces a highly toxic take cannabis to take
risky sexual behaviour. substance in the body the edge off an ecstasy
U
called cocaethylene trip. But instead of V
which affects your calming you down, it W
heart and stays in your could make you anxious X
system longer than and paranoid. Y
cocaine alone. Z

Nick overdose A
B
C
There’s no such thing With some drugs like D
We’d been hanging out, having a few drinks as a safe amount to cocaine and heroin,
take. And you don’t your tolerance can
E
and then went back to my friend Paul’s F
house. His brother and a couple of other mates had know how you might build up very quickly,
been clubbing and had all taken some Es. I don’t react differently to other so you need more and G
know what else they’d had but they were all off people. But an overdose more to get the same H
their heads. His brother rolled a spliff and it started is when you take so high. If you then take a I
doing the rounds. Paul took a puff and passed it to much your body can’t break your tolerance J
me. I’d never done cannabis before so I tried it – I cope. If this happens goes down. It’s easy to
K
didn’t want my mates to think I couldn’t you’ll need urgent take too much.
medical attention.
L
handle it. Nick, 16
M
N
panic O
P
When someone’s on ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms or Q
speed there’s a risk they might panic. So how do R
you deal with it? S
• calm them down and be reassuring
T
U
• steer them clear of crowds, noisy music and
V
bright lights
W
• tell them to take long slow breaths X
• if someone’s high [especially on volatile Y
substances], don’t scare them – it could kill them Z

poppers questions? A
B
C
Looks like: Poppers come in Don’t keep them bottled up. FRANK can give D
small bottles filled with liquid you friendly, confidential help and advice on
chemicals called alkyl nitrites. 0800 77 66 00 or at talktofrank.com or by email
E
They are sold in sex shops, frank@talktofrank.com. FRANK is available 24 hours F
clubs and gay bars. G
Highs: You get a head rush
that lasts a couple of minutes.
recovery position I
H
Sniffing poppers during sex If someone’s J

can make sexual organs feel bigger and make in a bad way K
orgasms feel like they last longer. on drugs, put L
them in the M
Lows: The effects don’t last long and can leave
recovery position while
people feeling sick, faint and weak. They can give N
you’re waiting for help to
you a severe headache, or a rash around your nose
arrive. Always call 999 straight O
and mouth. They can burn your skin if you spill them P
away if you think someone is not
or kill you if you swallow them. Taking poppers is a
breathing properly or is unconscious. Q
bad idea for anyone with chest or heart problems,
R
risks
or if you are anaemic or have glaucoma [an eye
disorder]. Some men say they have trouble getting S
an erection after sniffing poppers. Poppers are T
not addictive but they are toxic. Using Viagra and No drug is completely safe. There are lots of U
poppers together can affect your heart. different risks: V
• HARM – see page 19 W
• SAFETY – see page 40 X
• LOWS – these are different for each drug. See their Y
individual pages for more info.
Z

safety sex A
B
C
You are at risk when you are on drugs: Some drugs make you less choosy D
Volatile substances [which include gases, glues and
• being reckless – some • being attacked –
aerosols], GHB and alcohol make you less inhibited,
E
drugs can make you make sure your drinks
so you might pull someone you wouldn’t usually F
feel invincible, putting aren’t tampered with G
look twice at.
yourself or others at risk so you’re not at risk of
H
of injury. drug-assisted sexual Some drugs let you down
assault. Alcohol, tranquillisers and heroin can turn a big I
• making bad decisions J
night of passion into a big night of nothing.
– some drugs can • getting in with the
cloud your judgement wrong crowd – you
Regular heroin users can lose their sex drive K
so you might do might end up getting
altogether. You could end up taking more risks L
and do things you wouldn’t normally do, like M
something you regret. involved in crime.
forgetting to use a condom.
N
Some drugs can be deceptive O
Lots of people think cocaine, speed and ecstasy P
are good for sex. They might make you feel horny,
Q
but you might not be able to follow through.
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

skunk speed A
B
(class B) (class B) C
D
E
Skunk is a very strong form [but Class A if prepared
for injection]
F
of cannabis that is usually
produced using special G
Looks like: Usually sold in wraps like cocaine. The H
growing techniques. On powder is off-white or pink and sometimes looks like
average it is 2–4 times stuff that gets you high] small crystals. Base speed is pinky-grey and feels like I
stronger than hash. It was than ordinary cannabis. putty. Speed is dabbed on the gums or sniffed in J
called “skunk” because So be aware: skunk can lines. It can also be rolled up in cigarette paper and K
some forms have a really mess you up. swallowed, mixed in drinks or injected. L
powerful smell.
Mental health Highs: Speed makes you feel wide awake, excited, M
If you inhale just as much If you smoke cannabis chatty and full of energy and stops you feeling N
as you would for hash regularly, you have
or traditional herbal
hungry. It can cause hallucinations if you sniff a lot in O
an increased risk of
cannabis it can have developing serious
a short space of time. P
a much stronger effect. mental health problems, Lows: Speed puts a strain on your heart and taking it Q
It has become more including schizophrenia. with anti-depressants or alcohol can be fatal. It can R
common in recent years Smoking skunk might make you anxious, low, irritable or aggressive and S
than the less potent increase these risks even too much sniffing of it can damage your nose. If you T
forms of cannabis. more. You just don’t use it a lot, you could get more colds, flu and sore
throats. Injecting carries the usual risks associated U
know how it will affect
You need to watch out
your mental health in with needle use. The high is followed by a long, slow V
for skunk, as it contains comedown which makes you feel irritable and can W
the future.
much more THC [the last for one or two days. X
Y
Z

tobacco tranquillisers A
B
Looks like: A brown, flaky
mixture of dried and rubbed
(class C) C
D
leaves of the tobacco plant, E
which is smoked or sometimes Looks like: Tranquillisers F
chewed. Sometimes cannabis are prescribed by G
is added to make a ‘spliff’ or joint. doctors to treat anxiety
H
and insomnia. They Lows: Some cause
Highs: Regular smokers say it helps them relax and
can come as tablets, shortterm memory loss. I
feel less hungry. J
capsules, injections and If you take tranquillisers
Lows: Nicotine is a highly addictive drug. It speeds suppositories [tablets with other ‘downer’ K
up the heart rate and increases your blood you put up your bum]. drugs like alcohol you L
pressure. Smokers get hooked very quickly and it might accidentally M
Highs: Tranquillisers calm
can take years and a huge effort to kick the habit. overdose. Injecting
people down. Some N
(For friendly advice on giving up, call the NHS crushed tablets or
smokefree line on 0800 022 4332 or log on at
people have them on
melted-down capsules O
prescription. They make P
www.smokefree.nhs.uk/). can block veins and
you feel more relaxed
may kill you. You can Q
and less anxious but big
Long-term addiction can lead to cancer become dependent R
FA C T
FRANK doses can make you
and serious lung and heart problems. quite quickly – some S
sleepy and forgetful.
Smoking has been linked to 2,000 people get addicted T
They’re used as chill-out
amputations and 106,000 premature after using them for
drugs on the club scene.
just four weeks – and
U
deaths a year in the UK. Smoking when
pregnant can put your baby at risk. withdrawal can cause V
pounding headaches, W
sickness and confusion. X
Y
Z

unconscious Vicky A
B
C
If someone’s gone overboard with alcohol, D
volatile substances, heroin or poppers, there’s a We were celebrating Becky’s birthday
risk they might lose consciousness. and ended up at a club. We’d all been E
so into the music and dancing that, at first, we F
Call 999 immediately and place them in the G
didn’t notice that Danni was missing. We found her
RECOVERY POSITION
slumped on a sofa – completely out of it and not H
breathing properly. We got someone from the club I
to help. While we were waiting for the ambulance, J
they gave her mouth-to-mouth and put her on her
side so she wouldn’t choke if she was sick. She’s
K
OK now but we were so lucky we found L
someone who knew what to do. Vicky, 18 M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

warning signs X – ‘the unknown’ A
B
C
If you or your mates take drugs regularly or over a There’s always an element of the unknown with drugs. D
long period, look out for signs that suggest the drug
use is becoming a problem.
What’s in it: can’t see. Inhaling E
• with cocaine you
hot glass is not a F
Such as: good idea G
might get a wrap
• losing interest in things you used to enjoy padded out with sugar How you react to it: H
• things not going so well at home
or talcum powder
• lots of drugs affect I
• you won’t know for the heart and body J
• not being able to concentrate
sure what an E’s got temperature. The way K
• skipping school, college or work in it. It’s often mixed that your body ‘takes L
with caffeine, speed or the strain’ will affect M
• not caring how you look
other chemicals how you are feeling
• feeling depressed N
• most heroin bought What happens that night: O
• feeling jittery on the street is impure.
• you may do something P
Some people have
• becoming a drug bore
overdosed on pure
that you’ll regret in the Q
• losing touch with your true friends heroin because their
morning R
• only going out somewhere if there’s a chance body is only used to an • if you’re on LSD and S
you will score drugs impure dose you’re not in a good T
mood or something U
• batches of skunk
strange happens, V
have been found
the trip could turn
that contain very tiny
into a nightmare
W
glass beads which you X
Y
Z

your life, your future ZZZZZZZZZ A
B
C
Zoned out...zonked…zombie… D
FRANK ADVICE
It’s up to you to set your own limits when it comes
Drugs might make you high. But they can also E
to drinking and drugs.
make you tired…and boring…and help you F
achieve a big fat zero. G
Take it easy and make sure you know what
the risks are. And don’t be persuaded by other H
people to do things you’re not sure about. I
J
But remember, most people don’t do drugs.
K
It’s your life – shouldn’t you be in control? L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

0800 77 66 00
TALKTOFRANK.COM
FRANK is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Calls are free from landlines and some mobiles.
You can talk to FRANK confidentially:

on 0800 77 66 00
by textphone (for the hard of hearing)

0800 917 8765
by emailing frank@talktofrank.com
FRANK can also tell you what services are

available in your area.
0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM
FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE

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THE TRUTH

MOST PEOPLE DON’T.

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different food, scenery, Malaysia, R

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Sniffing poppers during sex If someone’s J

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You can talk to FRANK confidentially:

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FRANK can also tell you what services are

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