Bristol neighbours

Drugs

When it comes to drugs it is well worth knowing the facts. Drugs affect your brain and your mood and can affect people in different ways.

Depressants 

Depressants depress the activity of the central nervous system calming nerves and muscles and slowing down reactions having sedative and tranquilising effects which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. There are both legal and illegal depressants. Some depressants are prescribed by doctors to help medical and psychological conditions but are also taken by others recreationally. 

Depressant drugs include: 

• Alcohol 
• Cannabis 
• Opiates such as heroin, opium, morphine, codeine and methadone. 
• Sedatives such as valium 
• Barbiturates 
• Some solvents and inhalants such as petrol, glue, lighter fluids and paint thinners. 

Stimulants 

Stimulants increase the heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, dilate the pupils and suppress appetite. They make the user feel more awake and alert. Stimulants can boost self-confidence and positivity although they can also lead to feelings of agitation, anxiety and even delusion. There are both legal and illegal stimulants. 

Stimulant drugs include: 

• Caffeine 
• Amphetamines (e.g. speed or methamphetamine) 
• Cocaine 
• Ecstasy (MDMA) 

Hallucinogens 

Hallucinogens change the user’s perceptions of reality by distorting their impressions of time and space and altering their senses, thought patterns and emotions. Users may experience visual or auditory hallucinations know as ‘trips’. ‘Trips’ can be enjoyable and producing feelings of euphoria, amusement and delight but some users also experience feelings of paranoia or anxiety. A bad trip can be terrifying and last until the effects of the drug wear off which can be as long as 12 hours. 

Hallucinogenic drugs include: 

• Cannabis (may have hallucinogenic effects as well as depressant effects) 
• LSD (acid, trips) 
• Magic mushrooms 
• Mescaline 

The Legal implications of taking drugs

Illegal drugs are divided into three classes; A, B and C. Penalties for possessing drugs can range from a caution to a fine to life imprisonment depending on what the drug is, the amount you have and whether you intend to supply it to others. Your current criminal record and personal circumstances may also be taken into account. In it’s A -Z of drugs the ‘Talktofrank’ website gives details of the classification of each drug and the range of possible penalties for possessing and supplying it to others 

Where to go for help 

For more information regarding drugs just visit the Frank website for a complete A-Z of drugs and their effects:

http://www.talktofrank.com 

For advice on drinking and drugs go to http://www.acad.org.uk/ 

If you think you or a friend have a problem with drugs it is important to talk to somebody about it. 

Both Universities in Bristol offer a counselling service which students are welcome to use in order to discuss issues in a private and relaxed environment with a qualified councillor.

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/advice/personal/

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/student-counselling/

Drugsline is a leading independent charity that specialises in supporting those with drug and alcohol addiction issues, as well as their family and friends. 

For more information please visit http://www.drugsline.org