Taking any kind of drug will affect your body and your mind and can lead to a life-changing addiction.
Getting help
If you’ve started using drugs, or know someone who has, help is available locally from 360° – the Substance Misuse Service for Young People and Families. Give them a call on 01204 337330, email: 360info@bolton.gov.uk or visit:
The Base
1st Floor
Marsden Road
Bolton BL1 2PF
Our Drugs and Drink handout lists many local, regional and national organisations that can provide information and support both to those with an addiction and their families.
Illegal drugs – the facts
You might be curious about drugs. Maybe your friends have used them, or know someone who does. If you’ve tried something, are thinking about it, or maybe feel pressured to join-in – think twice for your sake and those around you!
You'll find comprehensive information about drugs at Frank. Here's a brief overview of some drugs and substances and the consequences for your physical and mental health.
Cannabis
The law around carrying and using weed has changed many times, but it has always remained illegal. If you’re thinking about trying cannabis, remember:
• It affects your short-term memory and concentration.
• Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, and it can make you sick.
• Chronic use can cause cancer, especially if mixed with tobacco.
Ecstasy
The active ingredient in Ecstasy is MDMA. It gives a feeling of euphoria, and some people experience heightened states of emotion. If someone offers to sell or share an ‘E’ with you, remember:
• MDMA is often cut with other drugs to make E.
• Some pills contain household cleaning products.
• Continued use can damage the liver, kidneys and heart.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant. It raises your blood pressure and makes you talk a lot. If someone offers you cocaine, remind yourself:
• Coke is addictive and expensive – leaving many users in debt.
• Continued or heavy use can cause fits or a heart attack.
• Cocaine production and trafficking harms people and the environment.
Crack
Crack is made from cocaine. It comes in ‘rocks’ which can be smoked to give an intense euphoria. Millions of people are addicted to crack. Like most drugs, the effect wears off very quickly and you need more and more to get high.
Heroin
Heroin is a strong painkiller. It is an opiate, like the painkiller Morphine, which means it is made using a special type of poppy. The trade and consumption of heroin kills thousands of people every year.
• Heroin is highly addictive.
• You need more and more to get the same high.
• It has been known to have been mixed with brick dust and gravel.
• Injecting heroin puts you at risk from infections like hepatitis, HIV and AIDS.
Solvents
Sniffing glue or solvents can lead to addiction, brain damage and in some cases kill you instantly. Don’t start.
Legal drugs – the facts
It is legal for adults to consume certain drugs, most commonly nicotine and alcohol. These are also addictive, and can lead to long term physical and emotional problems.
Cigarettes
You must be over 18 to buy cigarettes legally. It is thought that nicotine, the active substance in fags, can become addictive much faster than heroin. Next time someone offers you a cig, remember:
• Almost half of all smokers die early.
• Smoking harms those around you.
• Pregnant smokers are putting their unborn child at risk.
Get help to stop smoking near you, call Bolton Stop Smoking Service on 01204 462 345, text 07900918264 or email stopsmoking@bolton.nhs.uk
Alcohol
It is illegal to buy and drink alcohol under the age of 18, unless you’re 16/17 and having a meal in a restaurant (where you are allowed beer or cider). Alcohol, like any other drug, is addictive and can ruin lives.
• Too much leads to serious liver, heart and stomach problems.
• It can break up families and other relationships.
• It can lead to violence, abuse and to other drugs.
If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol abuse and you need help call Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline, on 0800 917 8282. Teenagers will find the Alateen website very helpful.
LET US HELP
If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, our Personal Advisers will put you in touch with local services. You don’t need to make an appointment – just drop into your local Connexions or give us a call today.