Growing up can be tough; always under pressure from your friends and family to do the right thing - look right, sound right and behave right.
But, as a young person, what is the right thing when it comes to drugs and alcohol? should you take that white powder or neck that pill? What’s in it, how will it make you feel, what are the risks?
The only way to avoid the risks of using drugs and alcohol is not to use them at all. If you use drugs and alcohol or are thinking about it, it’s essential to learn as much as you can about the substances you are using.
This page provides you with clear, non-judgemental information about some of the most commonly used legal and illegal substances, including:
The final section in this booklet is called ‘Staying Safe’. It includes information about mixing drugs and alcohol, feeling unwell, and looking after yourself and your mates.
The amount of alcohol in a drink is measured in units. Different drinks have a different number of units. The number of units in a bottle or can of alcohol is printed on the label or packaging.
Young people, under 16, should not drink alcohol at all as this can damage developing organs. The best advice is not to drink alcohol until you're 18.
When over 18, men & women should drink no more than 14 units a week, spread evenly across a few days with a couple of alcohol-free days.
If you are under 18 it is against the law for you:
Cannabis comes from a plant called Cannabis Sativa.
Cannabis normally comes in a solid brown lump called hash (the resin scraped from the plant), or the dried flowers of the plant, known as grass, weed or Skunk.
The main chemical in cannabis is called THC (Tetra-Hydro-Cannabinol), which is the bit that makes you feel trippy. Different types of cannabis have different levels of THC.
It is normally smoked, rolled with tobacco in cigarette papers, or in a pipe or bong, but it can also be eaten.
There are products which claim to have the same effects as cannabis (Spice, Black Mamba, etc.), but these can also be harmful and are illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
Cocaine is a substance obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.
It normally comes in a white powder form. The purity of cocaine can vary greatly throughout the UK, from between 15-55%.
MDMA usually comes in tablet form, known as 'ecstasy', or powder, known as 'MDMA powder.'
Tablets come in various shapes and colours. MDMA powder usually comes in white or off-white crystals or powder.
Remember, not all tablets claiming to be ecstasy or powder claiming to be MDMA, actually contain any real MDMA.
Ketamine is an anaesthetic that comes in the form of a clear liquid, tablets, or powder ranging in colour from off-white to light brown.
Obviously, if you are having an out-of-body experience and can't move your arms and legs, then you're particularly at risk, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
Because Ketamine is an anaesthetic and numbs your body, you can't feel pain as much as you would normally, so you can injure yourself without realising.
Mephedrone (4-Methylmethcathinone) also known as Meph, Meow Meow, M-Cat, is a synthetic chemical, similar to amphetamines.
Usually an off-white powder. Normally found in tablets or capsules. It can have a sharp chemical or fishy/bleachy smell.
The main after-effects are tiredness, feeling dizzy and feeling low.
Stimulants can cause you to overheat, especially if you are bouncing around in a nightclub.
There isn't enough information around at the moment to predict if Mephedrone is addictive or will cause long-term damage to your health.
Nitrous oxide is a colourless and mainly odourless gas. It's Common street names include laughing gas, noz or noxy.
It comes in small, silver pressurised containers (bulbs) or large canisters, usually transferred from a canister into a balloon for inhaling.
Users feel light-headed, dizzy, giggly, and euphoric.
You may experience sound distortions and hallucinations – when you see or hear things that aren’t there. It can also cause confusion, headaches, nausea, and paranoia.
Using pressurised gas directly from a canister is dangerous.
Inhaling in an enclosed space or putting your head in a bag of gas can lead to unconsciousness.
Using it in hazardous locations, like high buildings or close to water etc., is risky.
Prolonged and heavy use can result in vitamin B deficiency and nerve damage.
Symptoms of nerve damage can include numbness or pins and needles in the arms and/or legs.
Excessive use can cause breathing difficulties and heart problems.
The law: nitrous oxide is a Class C drug. Supply or possession with the intention of using it to get high is illegal.
Solvents come in many forms, such as household products like glues, lighter fluid and aerosol sprays, and are normally inhaled.
Give drugs time to work - rushing to take more is risky. Effects vary based on how you feel, where you are, and what’s in them, so take it slow.
Synthetic opioids
Be aware that drugs are increasingly being mixed with dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazene and fentanyl, which can cause overdose even in tiny amounts. You won’t be able to see, smell, or taste them - take it slow and be careful.
Never use drugs alone - it’s dangerous, as no one can help if things go wrong. Have a friend present who knows what you’ve taken. If someone becomes unresponsive, put them in a recovery position (on their side, top knee and arms bent), check their breathing, call 999 and be honest about what they’ve taken so medics can help properly.
Using drugs and alcohol together can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially since alcohol dehydrates you. Mixing cocaine, ecstasy, or other substances with alcohol can put you at serious risk.
Having drinks while getting ready might seem like a good way to start the night, but it makes you more likely to get into trouble later. Take it easy - the night’s just beginning!
Want to make your night last? Have food first, grab water between drinks, and don’t feel pressured to drink every round. Put your drink down between sips - holding it means you’ll drink faster.
Keep your cool if someone’s giving you grief - walking away might feel tough, but it’s better than getting hurt or in trouble.
If you’re planning to hook up, bring protection and use it. Emergency options are available if needed - visit your GP, walk-in centre, or pharmacy within 72 hours.
Keep your phone and valuables safe - consider bringing a backup phone for nights out. Be careful at ATMs - shield your PIN and stay aware of your surroundings.
Never leave your drink unattended or take one from someone you don’t trust.
We all need to look out for each other! If you’re heading off with someone new, let your friends know where you’re going. Maybe even send them a quick photo of who you’re leaving with.
If a friend’s feeling unwell, get them somewhere quiet and cool, keep them sitting up, and give them water. If they’re not responding, put them in the recovery position and get help immediately.
Plan your journey home before you go out - it makes everything easier! Pre-book a taxi if you can, and arrange a meeting point in case you get separated from your friends. If you end up walking, stick to well-lit streets and main roads, no matter how tempting those shortcuts might be.
Remember - the best nights are the ones where everyone gets home safe!
What happens if you're caught with drugs, what will the police do, what are the legal options?
Supplying illegal drugs includes possession with intent to supply, or give away for free to friends, and will almost certainly result in a criminal record, severe sanctions and possibly prison time.
Maximum penalties range from 14 years for Class C drugs to life imprisonment for Class A drugs.
It’s illegal to be in possession of drugs and can get you from 2 to 7 years in custody, depending on the class of drug.
If you’re found with a small amount for personal use, some police forces will take a different approach. They might opt to deal with the matter using what’s known as Out of Court Resolutions (OoCRs), with the following aims:
Community resolution: the police can make you attend an educational course on drugs and their anti-social effects to try to address the cause of your drug use.
Conditional caution: the police could opt for this if you’re a repeat offender when it’s not in the public interest to prosecute. It can include some kind of intervention to address drug use, such as referring you to a drug and alcohol service or other agency. It goes on your criminal record.
Restorative interventions: the police can consider these alongside a community resolution or conditional caution. You might need to attend drug awareness sessions or do community work and educational programmes.
Failure to complete or engage with OoCRs will land you in court for the original offence.
If you’re under 18, the police are likely to inform your parents or carers.
A drug possession conviction can impact your life, such as restricting travel abroad (e.g. the US), or affect job opportunities.
