Drugs
What are drugs and how can they affect me?
A drug is something that can change the way your body works and how you behave. Drugs can be really bad for people who take them.
If you understand what drugs can do to you you’ll understand how to make safe choices as you grow up.
Here’s the low down on a few drugs and some names that some people call them…
Amphetamine (speed, phet, billy, whizz, sulph, base, paste, dexies) – this is an off white or pinky powder that can be taken in the mouth or injected. It makes people feel wide awake, excited and chatty. It can be very addictive and can put a strain on the heart and speed users have died from overdoses.
Cannabis (draw, weed, dope, ganja, hash) - this can come in brown lumps or leaves. It is usually smoked. Users can feel sleepy, forgetful or very hungry.
Cocaine (coke, Charlie, gack) – this is a white powder. It can make the user feel very happy for about half an hour then they ‘come down’ when they feel worried, sad and may not be able to sleep. It can be very addictive and can cause chest and heart problems. It can be sniffed or injected.
Crack cocaine (rocks) - crack is made from cocaine and comes in small white crystals. Crack smoke gives people a really short rush, followed by a buzz and then a big ‘come down’. It is very addictive.
Ecstasy (E, pills, doves, disco biscuits) – these are tablets made of chemicals. They can make the user have a lot of energy but make them very sweaty, thirsty and confused. This can cause kidney, liver and heart problems and depression.
Heroin (smack, skag, junk, brown) – this is either a brown or white powder, usually brown. It is very addictive. Taking heroin can be very dangerous and can lead to death. People often inject this drug with needles. If you see a needle – do not touch it, pick it up or kick it. It can be very dangerous. Tell an adult.
Solvents (huffing, solvent abuse, glue sniffing) – these are found in glue, paint and aerosol cans (deodorant, air freshener). It is usually breathed into the lungs. It is very dangerous and can kill people even the first time they try it.
Tranquilizers & Benzodiazepines (jellies, benzos, eggs, norries, vallies, moggies, mazzies, roofies, downers) - tranquilizers can come as tablets, capsules or injections. ‘Benzos’ are really addictive and some tranquilisers can cause users to lose their memory for a while.
I’m worried about myself/a friend…
If you are worried about yourself or someone else taking drugs try and talk to an adult you trust like a youth worker, a teacher, a parent or carer or a school nurse or try the numbers at the bottom of the page.
My parents/carer/brother/sister uses drugs
People who use drugs a lot may feel that they need the drug so much that they can’t think about other things.
You can talk to people who understand how you are feeling on any of these numbers.
Get in touch with ReFresh. If you have a question or want some advice or information you can use the anonymous text service, text 07795 563000 and start the message with refresh. Or you can send an email: refresh@hullcc.gov.uk. You don’t need to give your name or any other details.
Call Childline free on 08001111. Calls are free from most mobiles and will not show up on your phone bill.
MCAT information booklet (size: 518.2 Kb)