Health Issues: Drugs
by Tony Chadwick and David Jenkins
Drugs are used in many different ways and by many different people. The doctor prescribes us drugs, we can buy drugs from shops and many of us smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. All these drugs are legal but can cause harm. Other drugs are illegal but this does not stop people using them.
Here is some information on three illegal drugs that are sometimes used by young people but remember, the only way to avoid the effects of drugs is to avoid drugs altogether.
Amphetamine (amphet, billy, speed, whizz) - This is a Class B drug and is mainly imported from abroad. It is man made and usually comes in white, grey, pink or a yellow coloured powder. It can also be in a tablet or capsule form.
Effects- A stimulant drug which makes people feel more awake and alert. Users become more energetic, talkative and confident. These effects will last for at least three to four hours. As it wears off, the users can feel very tired and depressed. Using amphetamine can make people feel edgy and very anxious. Too much, too often can lead to panic attacks, severe depression, hallucinations and produce violent moods. Heavy, long term use can increase the risks of heart problems and lead to mental problems.
Cannabis (dope, pot, grass, weed) - This is a Class B drug and is imported from many different countries. It comes in three different forms, resin, herbal and a black oil. It is usually smoked, so can damage lungs.
Effects - Gives relaxing effects, making people talkative and giggly. The effects start quickly and can last for several hours. It can also make some people feel anxious. It can mess up concentration, produce forgetfulness and slow down reaction times. The chances of having an accident while driving a car, motorbike or operating machinery increase if a person is under the influence of cannabis. Some people can also become psychologically addicted to cannabis.
Ecstacy (doves, E, Gary's, Mitsubishis) -This is a Class A drug and has more than 500,000 regular users in the U.K. It is made in illegal laboratories in this country and in Europe.
Effects- A stimulant drug with mild hallucinogenic properties. It makes people feel more energetic but users also say it makes them calm, happy and sociable. Sometimes people feel disorientated and experience nausea and loss of appetite. The stiffening of muscles and clenching of the jaws is common. Regular use can result in sleep problems and depression when the drug wears off.
Ecstacy affects the ability of the body to control temperature. Users can overheat and lose too much body fluid. Sipping non-alcoholic fluid can reduce the risks. Statistics show that more than 70 people have died as a result of taking the drug, mostly from overheating and also excess fluid in the brain.
Drug Offences
Two of the most common drug offences are possession and trafficking.
Possession is the most common charge brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. A person can be charged with possession if drugs are found, for example, in the hand, pocket, car or house. Possession usually means that the prosecution accept that the drugs were for personal use only.
Trafficking means being in possession of drugs with the intent to sell or give those drugs to another person. It is not just people selling large quantities of drugs who are charged with trafficking/supply. Selling or giving small amounts of drugs for no profit to a friend is also a trafficking offence.
Sentencing
Class A drugs are looked on more seriously by the courts than Class B or Class C. Maximum sentences for possession are: Class A, 7 years plus an unlimited fine; Class B, 5 years plus an unlimited fine; Class C, 2 years plus an unlimited fine. Maximum sentences for trafficking are: Class A, life plus unlimited fine; Class B, 14 years plus an unlimited fine; Class C, 5 years plus an unlimited fine.
* Information from the Health Education Authority, the Choices Project, Netherton and HIT, Liverpool.
