sign in sign up
<<
Home , Poppers

THE TRUTH ABOUT . KNOW THE SCORE

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE Drugs – lots of them – A lots to know about them B THINK EVERYONE C Acid [LSD] Junk [] D Base [Speed] Legal Highs Bhang [] Liberties [Magic mushrooms] E Billy [Speed] Liquid Gold [Poppers] TAKES DRUGS? F Black [Cannabis] Lucy [LSD] G Blow [Cannabis] Marijuana [Cannabis] H Brown [Heroin] MDMA [Ecstasy] MOST PEOPLE DON’T. Charlie [] 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 . 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 Dust [Cocaine] Smilies [LSD] Q happens when you mix drugs. E [Ecstasy] Snow [Cocaine] R Flash [LSD] Spliff [Cannabis] There are also stories from people who’ve been S Freebase [Crack cocaine] Tab [LSD] there, done that. And details on where to go for T Ganja [Cannabis] Tina [Methylamphetamine] 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] X Hash [Cannabis] White [Cocaine] Herb [Cannabis] Whizz [Speed] Y Ice [Methylamphetamine] Yaba [Methylamphetamine] Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 3 A anabolic steroids B (class C) C Looks like: Beer, lager, 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 H relax and feel more or even kill you. If you Highs: Steroids help 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 You might start getting N also get addicted and exercise. Lows: Too much alcohol paranoid, confused or become an alcoholic. O and you’ll start slurring Lows: Steroids can make have trouble sleeping. P you aggressive, even if Longer term, they can your words and get Q clumsy or fall over. You you are normally calm. give you high blood If you’re under They can also stop you pressure and liver or R might start crying or 18, it is illegal getting angry – or do growing properly. heart problems. After S for someone you stop taking them, something you regret. • blokes – you can get T to sell you you might feel tired or Mixing with other drugs erection problems, U alcohol. And low for a while. There’s FRANK can be dangerous, and FACT grow breasts, develop V illegal for a risk of damaging drinking too much in one acne or your testicles someone else your veins or muscles if W go can lead to alcohol could shrink to buy it on you inject. X poisoning which can your behalf. make you unconscious Y Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 4 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 5 A Ben buzz 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 F me. All I did was try to sort a few friends out with are taking it and who you’re with. But you might… some pills and a bit of whizz. The police haven’t G 1. Get high H told me what’s going to happen yet. I could get a 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 2. Calm down stand by me but I know she feels let down. L Ben, 15 Some drugs slow you down. They can make you feel 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; ; 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 6 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 7 A cannabis B (class B) C D Looks like: Regular users have Long-term use may E an increased risk of affect memory and • hash = blacky-brown F 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 cannabis like skunk. people to give up or • skunk = a type of K Cannabis is particularly drop out. Cannabis has herbal cannabis. On 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 tired and lazy and more O sounds seem brighter Usually mixed with likely to sit around than P and sharper. 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 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 or paranoid. Smoking V makes a lot of people it increases your W

happy and relaxed and FRANK chances of getting FACT the effects can last a X diseases like lung few hours. Some people Y cancer and bronchitis. have one puff and get Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 8 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 9 The costs are not just financial. Socially A cash 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 FRANK FACT E in a year just on the drugs. Stealing to pay for drugs 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 N comedown O 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 Drugs can cost you even more. U 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 10 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 11 A cocaine crack 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 coke you might feel like and stop you breathing and, if you overdose, it can Lows: Because cocaine Q you’ve got flu. lead to a heart attack and can be fatal. Heavy is really addictive, a users often get anxious and paranoid, have trouble R 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 See page 34 people can have a fit or crystal meth W heart attack after taking X too much and people Y have died from overdose. Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 12 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 13 A depression ecstasy B Feeling a bit low or moody the day after – or (class A) C sometimes even longer – is part of the deal with 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 which scientists call make sense any more didn’t feel like ‘MDMA’. Ecstasy sold on as drinking too quickly H and you want to curl up myself anymore. I didn’t the street usually comes interferes with your I and hide, you probably know where the old me in tablets and is unlikely body’s salt balance, J need to talk to someone had gone to. to be pure MDMA. It which can be as deadly who can help, such as Sammi, 18 K your GP. also comes in all sorts of as not drinking enough L colours and designs, and water. Reduce the risks M by sipping no more can sometimes be sold N as powder. than a pint of water drug-impaired driving or non-alcoholic fluid O Highs: You have loads of every hour. There have P You know that drink-driving is illegal. What you might energy. Sounds, colours been over 200 reported not know is that driving when high is also illegal – and emotions feel more Q ecstasy-related deaths and you can still be unfit to drive the day after using intense – you might feel R in the UK since 1990. a drug. You can get a heavy fine, be disqualified like you love everyone S from driving or even go to prison around you. In some cases E stops T the body producing You need co-ordination, anticipation, concentration Lows: Ecstasy can cause U urine, so if you drink too and good judgement to drive safely. And all of these anxiety, panic attacks V much liquid too quickly, things can go out of the window if you’re on drugs. and confusion. It raises it can interfere badly W your temperature and The police use roadside tests to find out whether with your body’s salt X makes your heart beat motorists are unfit to drive because of alcohol balance, which >>> Y or drugs. faster. Be careful though, Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 14 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 15 >>> can be as deadly See HARM (page 19) A as not drinking enough What’s in your E? gases, glues and B water. You never know See X – the ‘unknown’ what you’re getting with C (page 49) aerosols and other an E or how you’ll react. D volatile substances E F Looks like: Gas lighter scare or chase someone G FRANK refills, cans of hairspray, who is high on a volatile H deodorants, air substance as a sudden I FRANK is here to give you friendly, confidential 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 might try something • pressure from your mates dizzy and lose your inhibitions. stupid. At the very least, M • looking after yourself you could get a red rash N Lows: Volatile substances around your mouth, be O • what to do if things go wrong can lead to coma and sick or pass out. P • where to get help locally heart problems and can kill you instantly. Q It is against FRANK is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People have died the R the law for a Calls are free from landlines and some mobiles. You first time they’ve used shopkeeper S can talk to FRANK confidentially: them. Squirting gas to sell ANY T products into your mouth • on 0800 77 66 00 product to U is particularly dangerous FRANK someone FACT • by textphone [for the hard of hearing] and deadly. It makes your V under 18 if 0800 917 8765 throat swell so you can’t W they suspect breathe and makes X • by going to www.talktofrank.com they might use your heart slow down. Y it to get high. • by emailing [email protected] It’s important not to Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 16 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 17 A GHB and GBL harm B (class C) C FRANK ADVICE 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 • pace themselves – it can take a while for much the same effect, K because GBL is turned into substances to kick in GHB by the body. L • take a break – if they’re dancing, they should M take regular breaks to cool down, drink water Highs: Can make you feel euphoric, sensual and N uninhibited. Effects can last up to a whole day. and check how they’re feeling O Lows: You might feel sick, you can get muscle • keep hydrated [especially if taking ecstasy and P speed while clubbing]. It’s best to sip juice tremors and you might lose consciousness. It can Q be fatal if it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs. or isotonic sports drinks regularly [no more than Take too much and you’ll start to feel sleepy a pint an hour] R S and out of it. We don’t know what the long-term • 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 withdrawals in some people. • stay with other people – especially if they start 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 18 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 19 A Haylee heroin B (class A) C D E Looks like: Pure heroin is white F The first time I took coke I was at a party and and is rarely seen on the 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 X Also see UNCONSCIOUS Y Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 20 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 21 A holidays injecting 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 with drugs. you’re taking ecstasy or H speed. Putting alcohol Injecting can massively increase the risk Some countries I into the mix can make of an overdose, cause vein damage, have much J things even worse. ulcers and gangrene and spread HIV and stricter laws viral hepatitis. Injecting a ‘speedball’ – K Loads to do – but don’t than in the get off your head so cocaine and heroin – can be deadly. L FRANK UK – there’s FACT FRANK FACT M you can’t find your way a death back to your hotel or sentence for N end up doing something some drug O you regret. offences in jobs P New experiences – Thailand, Q different food, scenery, Malaysia, R Drugs can make a job – or school or college – clubs and people. Is it Singapore, S Indonesia, Iran really hard work. wise to experiment T with something like and Algeria. 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 22 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 23 A ketamine the law B (class C) C There are two offences police can charge you with D if you are caught with drugs: E Looks like: Usually comes as a Possession • this isn’t the first time F grainy white powder which is you’ve been caught snorted or bought as a tablet. If you are caught with G drugs the police will Dealing H Ketamine makes you Highs: always take action, hallucinate (see and hear (which includes the I even if it’s only a things that aren’t there). You offences Possession With J small amount. What can experience the effects Intent to Supply, Offer to K happens depends on for up to 3 hours [depending Supply and Supply) the circumstances. You L on the dose] and you might have an ‘out of body’ might get a warning Dealing is much more M experience. and have the drug serious and includes N 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 share with your mates. knowing you’ve done it. Sometimes people are arrested. The police will Q think it’s more serious if: physically incapable of moving. It can cause panic A drug dealer could end attacks, depression and, in large doses, can make R • you’ve been caught up in jail for a long time mental health problems like schizophrenia worse. S with class A drugs [see maximum penalties 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 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. FRANK FACT Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 24 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 25 The three Classes of illegal drugs A Illegal drugs are put into three categories: ‘legal highs’ B Class A, B and C. Class A are the most harmful C and have the biggest penalties. Looks like/used: D • there are many different ‘legal highs’ but most Drug Maximum penalties 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 ecstasy, heroin, consumption. In an attempt to get round this I Supply or Supply – Life in LSD and magic sellers refer to them as research chemicals, plant J prison and an unlimited fine food or bath crystals. mushrooms (raw 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 Possession With Intent to for injection), Possible side effects and risks: O Supply or Supply – 14 years in mephedrone 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 • It is becoming increasingly clear that ‘legal highs’ steroids, ketamine and an unlimited fine S and tranquillisers are far from harmless and have similar health risks 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 26 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 27 It is likely that drugs sold as a ‘legal A high’ may actually contain one or more LSD B substances that are actually illegal to (class A) C possess. Some websites selling “legal highs” D are actually selling substances which FRANK FACT E contain illegal substances. Looks like: Tiny squares of paper called ‘tabs’, usually F Just because a substance is called a with pictures on them. G ‘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 out of it. But long-term look in the mirror or months after the event. 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. T and weight. And your eyes were black and I 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 28 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 29 A magic mushrooms mates B (class A) C Got a mate taking drugs? D Is it doing your head in as well as theirs? You could E Looks like: Raw or dried try talking to them. Check out the tips below: mushrooms. There are two 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 you want them to do? Highs: Like LSD, but the trip if you can’t accept K 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. R aren’t really there] and this can be frightening. You 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 If you have a mental health problem, magic the drugs. The drugs U mushrooms might complicate it. And there’s always aren’t doing anything to 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 30 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 31 A mephedrone methadone 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- has similar effects to heroin, H white or yellowish powder although it doesn’t give the which is snorted like cocaine I same degree of high. It is or wrapped in paper and 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 32 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 33 A mixing it B (class A) C All drugs carry risks. But mixing them can make D things a lot more dangerous. E aka Methylamphetamine – heroin or tranquillisers [like cocaine Crystal Meth F and alcohol and speed] + alcohol G Looks like: It’s a type of ‘Downer’ drugs like this These both put pressure H 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 are combined, as they but lasting between 4 and 12 hours. It suppresses of one don’t L make the ’downer’ the appetite and keeps you awake. kick in straight away so M effect even stronger people take something N Lows: Crystal meth is very addictive and people and can have fatal else. This can give an often end up bingeing on it. It can cause mental consequences. O unpleasant effect and health problems and affect your appearance. Your P can put a serious strain teeth and gums could rot away [known as ‘meth heroin + cocaine Q 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 34 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 35 A Nick overdose 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 you’ll need urgent take too much. didn’t want my mates to think I couldn’t L handle it. Nick, 16 medical attention. 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 36 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 37 A poppers questions? 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 . 0800 77 66 00 or at talktofrank.com or by email E They are sold in sex shops, [email protected]. FRANK is available 24 hours F clubs and gay bars. G H Highs: You get a head rush recovery position that lasts a couple of minutes. I 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 Lows: The effects don’t last long and can leave M recovery position while people feeling sick, faint and weak. They can give N you’re waiting for help to you a severe , or a rash around your nose arrive. Always call 999 straight O and mouth. They can burn your skin if you spill them away if you think someone is not P 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, or if you are anaemic or have glaucoma [an eye R disorder]. Some men say they have trouble getting risks 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 38 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 39 A safety sex 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 look twice at. G 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 night of passion into a big night of nothing. J – some drugs can • getting in with the Regular heroin users can lose their sex drive K cloud your judgement wrong crowd – you altogether. You could end up taking more risks so you might do might end up getting L and do things you wouldn’t normally do, like something you regret. involved in crime. M 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 40 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 41 A skunk speed B (class B) (class B) C D E [but Class A if prepared Skunk is a very strong form F of cannabis that is usually for injection] 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 hungry. It can cause hallucinations if you sniff a lot in O or traditional herbal an increased risk of a short space of time. cannabis it can have developing serious 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- 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 use it a lot, you could get more colds, flu and sore forms of cannabis. more. You just don’t U know how it will affect throats. Injecting carries the usual risks associated 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 the future. comedown which makes you feel irritable and can W much more THC [the last for one or two days. X Y Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 42 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 43 A tobacco tranquillisers B Looks like: A brown, flaky (class C) C mixture of dried and rubbed 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. capsules, injections and If you take tranquillisers J Lows: is a highly addictive drug. It speeds suppositories [tablets with other ‘downer’ K up the and increases your blood you put up your bum]. drugs like alcohol you L pressure. Smokers get hooked very quickly and it might accidentally Highs: Tranquillisers calm M 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 people have them on smokefree line on 0800 022 4332 or log on at melted-down capsules O prescription. They make www.smokefree.nhs.uk/). can block veins and P you feel more relaxed may kill you. You can Q and less anxious but big become dependent Long-term addiction can lead to cancer doses can make you R quite quickly – some and serious lung and heart problems. sleepy and forgetful. S people get addicted Smoking has been linked to 2,000 They’re used as chill-out T after using them for amputations and 106,000 premature drugs on the club scene. U deaths a year in the UK. Smoking when just four weeks – and FRANK pregnant can put your baby at risk. FACT withdrawal can cause V pounding , W sickness and confusion. X Y Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 44 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 45 A unconscious Vicky 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 didn’t notice that Danni was missing. We found her G 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

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 46 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 47 A warning signs X – ‘the unknown’ 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 What’s in it: can’t see. Inhaling use is becoming a problem. E hot glass is not a • with cocaine you F Such as: good idea might get a wrap G • losing interest in things you used to enjoy padded out with sugar How you react to it: H or talcum powder • things not going so well at home • 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 the strain’ will affect • not caring how you look with caffeine, speed or M 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 that you’ll regret in the overdosed on pure Q morning • losing touch with your true friends heroin because their 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 • batches of skunk U strange happens, have been found V the trip could turn that contain very tiny into a nightmare W glass beads which you X Y Z

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 48 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 49 A your life, your future ZZZZZZZZZ B C FRANK ADVICE Zoned out...zonked…zombie… D Drugs might make you high. But they can also It’s up to you to set your own limits when it comes E make you tired…and boring…and help you to drinking and drugs. 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 0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 50 FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE 51 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 [email protected]

FRANK can also tell you what services are available in your area.

0800 77 66 00 TALKTOFRANK.COM FRIENDLY, CONFIDENTIAL DRUGS ADVICE