Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking & You

A Guide for Students Living in Aston University Residences 00. Contents 01. Introduction 3 Dear Student

Contents Introduction

01 Introduction Dear Student 02 Understanding Drugs We are sure that you will have a great time at Aston 03 Illegal Drugs University and that you will meet new people and make friends whilst trying out new things. We really 04 Drugs - The Negative Effects want you to enjoy yourself and the City of Birmingham 05 Help and Advice while achieving academically. 06 Drugs - Zero Tolerance With this new found sense of freedom, it would be wrong of us to think 07 Alcohol - The Effects that none of our students will drink or take drugs whilst at Aston. We have produced this booklet to guide you through a few facts, the effects (both 08 Alcohol and Your Study physical, mental and on your ability to study) plus where to turn to for help 09 Smoking with these issues. We want you to be informed, so you can assess the risks and consequences 10 Useful Numbers of the actions you take, as well as staying healthy, safe and happy so that you get the best out of your university life.

“We want you to be informed, so that you can assess the risks...” 02. Understanding Drugs 02. Understanding Drugs 5 Drugs and Their Uses Drugs and Their Uses Understanding Drugs

Aston University is concerned about the use of all illegal drugs such as cannabis, crack, cocaine, ecstasy, crystal meth, heroin, Mephedrone (MCAT) and amphetamines (speed). We know our students are also likely to come into contact with other substances such as prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, steroids and solvents. All of these have different physical and mental effects when used or misused, as well as some carrying legal penalties if caught with them. People experiment with drugs for many different reasons: some do it out of curiosity, to have a “good time”, because of peer pressure, to improve athletic performance or maybe to ease stress, anxiety or depression. This booklet is designed to help with any questions you have concerning these substances. 03. Illegal Drugs 03. Illegal Drugs 7 Penalties Penalties

Illegal Drugs

Supply and possession is an arrestable offence. Buying C illegal drugs for a friend or sharing them can also be GHB, anabolic steroids and tranquillisers such as Valium. classed as supplying. It is illegal to have, give away or deal in Class C drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal, as is growing Cannabis plants. A Possession of anabolic steroids for personal use is legal in certain Ecstasy, Crack, Heroin, Cocaine, LSD and Magic Mushrooms. circumstances. It is illegal to have, give away or deal in Class A drugs. Offences under Possession Class A are the most serious and carry the heaviest penalties. Up to 2 years in jail plus an unlimited fine Possession Supplying/dealing and possession with intent to supply Up to 7 years in jail plus an unlimited fine Life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine Supplying/dealing and possession with intent to supply Life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine

B Cannabis, Mephedrone (MCAT), amphetamines (speed). The law treats any Class B drug that is prepared for injection as a Class A drug. It is illegal to have, give away or deal in Class B drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal. Possession Up to 5 years in jail plus an unlimited fine Supplying/dealing and possession with intent to supply Up to 14 years in jail plus an unlimited fine 04. Drugs - The Negative Effects 04. Drugs - The Negative Effects 9 Learn the Risks Learn the Risks Drugs – The Negative Effects

Although many drugs may make you feel great temporarily, seizures and convulsions, vomiting and unconsciousness. Regular use may they also have massive downsides to them, some of lead to withdrawal symptoms and dependence. which can be irreversible. The side-effects of each Heroin – Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, coma and death from respiratory failure. Regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal substance are unique, but the list includes anxiety, panic symptoms. attacks, confused episodes, vomiting, seizures and Ketamine – Hallucinations, detachment, numbness, strong muscle paranoia. Long-term use may cause symptoms of movements, nausea, vomiting, disorientation and unconsciousness. depressions, personality change and memory loss. Long-term effects may include memory, attention and vision impairment. Repeated use of drugs can alter the way the brain looks Legal Highs – An ever changing range of substances very often containing and functions. A lot of drugs are also mixed with other stimulant chemical compounds used in human and veterinary medicine. Substances that mimic the effects of illegal drugs such as ecstasy and ingredients, so you can never be sure what you’re getting, speed but are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Products very and how that mixture will affect you. often marketed as being ‘not for human consumption’ and very commonly untested on humans. Of varying quality and strength with little known Amphetamines (Speed) – Can give the user a sense of anxiety, irritability, about the potential longer term side effects of use due to the absence of restlessness and paranoia. There is a threat of dependency, and users may feel meaningful research or testing. depressed, lethargic, lacking in energy, and aggressive. Some users suffer from delusions, panic attacks and hallucinations. LSD – Bad trips can be terrifying, resulting in 12 hours of fear and paranoia. May precipitate pre-existing psychopathology. Cannabis – Nervousness, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, short-term memory loss, and reduced co-ordination and inhibitions. Mephedrone (MCAT) – A stimulant drug which can produce feelings of euphoria, alertness, talkativeness and empathy. Effects have reportedly Cocaine – Anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, incoherence, hallucinations, included anxiety, paranoid states, psychological dependence, over respiratory or heart failure (increased risk when mixed with alcohol). After-effects stimulation of the heart and nervous system causing fits, nose bleeds include depression, fatigue, insomnia, nausea and psychological dependency. and blistering to the mouth and nose. Some individuals have reported Crack – Similar to cocaine, but with greater risk of dependency. an unpleasant come down after use. Due to limited research in this Ecstasy – Anxiety, panic attacks, confused episodes, vomiting, seizures and area short and long term effects are still being researched and paranoia. Long-term use may cause symptoms of depression, personality are relatively unknown. change and memory loss. Negative side effects from other ingredients in the Mushrooms – Sickness, tiredness and tablet may also be experienced. disorientation. There is a risk of accidentally GHB (Liquid Ecstasy) – Overdoses. Mixing GHB with other depressants consuming a poisonous variety of (especially alcohol) can lead to respiratory depression, depressed breathing, mushrooms by mistake. 05. Help and Advice 06. Drugs - Zero Tolerance 11 Ways to Access Support The University’s Position on Drugs Drugs – Help and Advice Zero Tolerance

The following organisations are available to listen to you The University has a legal obligation to ensure that and give help and advice. You will not be judged and they drugs are not used on its premises. will help you find the next step to help you or a loved one The University will not allow students or their guests to be involved in illegal or friend. drug activities (including Cannabis) whilst on University premises, which includes accommodation. If you want to access support and treatment in Birmingham you can contact the following: The University will take action against students where they are involved in illegal drugs activities whilst off University premises. www.bdaat.co.uk Students should anticipate that, if involved in illegal drugs activity, disciplinary www.talktofrank.com action will be taken, including possible eviction from University accommodation. www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk The University may use a full range of disciplinary action, including fines, www.halcyonmedical.co.uk suspension from studies and expulsion from the University. If you need to talk in confidence to someone about your drug problem or you are Students or their guests who are involved in illegal drug activities may be struggling to cope with the effects that a friend’s drug taking is having on you, reported to the Police. contact [email protected] or telephone them on 0121 204 4007 for an The University takes a particularly serious view of students involved in the appointment. manufacture or supply of illegal drugs, which includes giving, sharing and stealing. Remember: A drug conviction, or even a caution, can get you expelled and seriously restrict your eligibility for certain careers and foreign travel. 07. Alcohol - The Effects 07. Alcohol - The Effects 13 Problems with Drinking Problems with Drinking Alcohol – Alcohol – The Effects The Effects

Many students come to University and drink safely or The Effects choose not to drink at all and we hope you are part of Alcohol will exaggerate whatever mood you’re in when you start drinking. If you’re feeling a bit low when you start, the chances are you will feel worse after that group. However, there are issues about drinking and a few drinks. It takes your body about an hour to process one unit of alcohol, staying safe when you are out, which you should take on so pace yourself or your body won’t be able to cope. board. We know that peer pressure, cheap student bars Vomiting, loss of balance and slurring of speech are just a few of the more and your new found sense of freedom, all contribute to visible effects of drinking, and binge drinking can even lead to alcohol the choices you make, but we want you to be aware of poisoning, which can put you in a coma or even kill you. Long term usage can lead to stomach cancer, heart problems, obesity and liver problems to name the dangers associated with alcohol. Despite being legal, but a few. alcohol is a drug and you should be aware of the effects Crime and Anti Social Behaviour drinking has upon your body and mental state. “An estimated 23,000 alcohol-related incidents take place in Britain each week. Safe Drinking Levels Regular visitors to pubs and bars are twice as likely to be victims of assault.” “Official guidelines recommend no more than 3-4 units a day for adult men and Being on the streets under the influence of drink puts you at greater risk of 2-3 units for adult women. One unit is half a pint of beer, lager or cider, one physical or sexual assault. small glass of wine, or a 25ml measure of spirit”. So, safe drinking would mean Try to stay with friends, don’t walk home by yourself. Be careful walking about 14 units for women and 21 units for men per week. Don’t try to drink anywhere at night, particularly around the City Centre. your unit allowance in one go, as this would not be a healthy thing to do. Be aware of your belongings, don’t flash your mobile phonearound in public (81% of mobile phone theft victims are young men). Drinking and driving is putting not only yourself at risk, but others too. If you’re caught there is a chance you will lose your licence, go to prison or even worse, kill someone! So just don’t bother with it. Antisocial behaviour is a problem when drinking. When you are drunk you may appear more threatening to others – influencing how they react to you. Avoid violence with other people by talking your way out of situations, use open body language and avoid using aggressive language. Don’t be dragged into something which is potentially very dangerous. 07. Alcohol - The Effects 07. Alcohol - The Effects 15 Problems with Drinking Problems with Drinking Alcohol – Alcohol – The Effects The Effects

Safety If the worst does happen and you think you have been taken advantage of When under the influence of drink your perceptions are dulled. It takes longer sexually, we advise you to get in touch with the police as soon as possible. to think things through, your reactions are slower, and your judgment of factors The police have an excellent team of people who can help you out in a such as speed and distance may be reduced, so be careful when crossing private and safe environment. roads. The Roofie Foundation is a specialist agency Drink Spiking providing help and information on issues Drink spiking is the unlawful administration of a mind-altering substance into surrounding drink spiking, another persons drink. This includes Alcohol. The most common reasons for drug rape and sexual abuse. spiking a drink are: amusement; sexual assault/rape; theft/robbery; kidnap/ Visit their website at extortion. www.roofie.com You are less likely to become a victim of drink spiking if you don’t leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking happens to both men and women. The two most commonly used drugs are Rohypnol (benzodiazepine flunitrazepam) and GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate – sometimes referred to as liquid ecstasy), which are collectively known on the street as Roofies. They are colourless, odourless and virtually tasteless chemicals, which makes them difficult to detect in drinks. Both take effect relatively quickly, acting after 15 to 30 minutes. Alcohol is also commonly used to spike drinks, so be aware of a stranger pouring extra alcohol into your drinks. It’s not just strangers that will use alcohol to spike your drinks, your friends might put some extra shots in your pint while you’re not looking, or order you a double without you realising. Although they are probably only doing this for a joke, the consequences can be far more dangerous. Your friends don’t know how much you’ve already had, and you could potentially drink far more than you know you can handle. By staying aware while out you should be ok. But if you think your drink has been spiked: for example you’re feeling drunk when you have only had a drink or two, tell a friend to keep an eye out for you, or speak to bar staff. 08. Alcohol and Your Study 08. Alcohol and Your Study 17 Get Help If You Need It Get Help If You Need It Alcohol and Your Study Alcohol

Alcohol and your study Alcohol is the UK’s favourite drug, and many people drink without it affecting them too much – apart from the odd hang over. However, abuse of alcohol and alcohol dependency can have a serious effect on your life and studying. Poor attendance and disciplinary problems are often related to alcohol. Many students drink to forget about stresses in their family or home life, their University life or their personal situation if they are not happy. Evidence shows that many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Although drinking alcohol appears to offer an escape and deal with anxiety and depressive thoughts, it actually has the opposite effect, exaggerating whatever mood you are in. If you need help with these issues or you know somebody in this situation, the following organisations are here to listen and help you. You will not be judged and they will help you find the next step to help you or a loved one or friend. For personal help with alcohol related problems telephone the Alcoholics Anonymous Tel: 0845 769 7555 (24 hour help line) Email: help@alcoholics_anonymous.org.uk Useful website: www.drinkaware.co.uk Visit www.unitcheck.co.uk to see how much other university students are drinking and to check if your drinking patterns might be impacting on your health. “Although drinking appears to offer an escape ...it actually has the opposite effect...” 09. Smoking 10. Useful Numbers 19 Know the Risks Further Information

Smoking Useful Numbers

Many people coming to University try smoking for the first Police time and many people become addicted. The health effects Emergencies: 999 of smoking are well known; lung cancer, emphysema, Aston University increased heart rate and increased blood pressure to Security, emergencies: 2222 from Residences or 0121 359 2922 name a few. from a landline or mobile phone. But other effects such as bad breath, the lingering smell of tobacco on your clothes Other numbers and skin and yellow fingers all make you an ‘unattractive package’. Birmingham Nightline: 0800 027 4750 (6pm – 8am) Nicotine is a highly addictive drug. Smokers can get hooked very quickly and it can take years and a huge effort to kick the habit. Not many people are able to remain Victim and Witness Support: 0845 303 0900 occasional smokers. Further information To view the University policy visit www.immobilise.com www.aston.ac.uk/staff/hr/policy-procedures/health-safety-rd/smoking www.crimereduction.gov.uk Giving up www.west-midlands.police.uk For friendly, expert advice and support on www1.aston.ac.uk/about/security how to quit smoking, call 0800 052 5855 free or text ‘QUIT’ to 80800. Or contact: www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk www.smokefree.nhs.uk Residential Services Accommodation Office, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET Tel: +44 (0)121 204 4707 +44 (0)121 204 4704 +44 (0)121 204 4706 Fax: +44 (0)121 204 4705 Email: [email protected] www.aston.ac.uk/accommodation