Drugs and alcohol

Children and young people are advised not to drink alcohol before the age of 18.

Alcohol can have a wide range of adverse effects on every part of your body. It is a powerful chemical which has associated risks which can have both short term and long term effects on your health.

Alcohol is actually a depressant, which slows down your reactions and affects your mood. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions which can lead to risky behavior, lower your self-control, cloud your judgement and make you clumsier, putting you at risk of injury.

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week. Spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week. People who binge drink are more likely to behave recklessly and are at greater risk of being in an accident.

If you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week.

Risks of alcohol misuse

• Risks of accidents and injuries requiring hospital treatment, such as head injury
• Being a victim of violence or showing violent behavior
• Risk of unprotected sex that could potentially lead t unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
• Loss of personal possessions, such as wallets, keys or mobile phones
• Alcohol poisoning – this may lead to vomiting, fits (Seizures) and falling unconscious

Things to remember to keep yourself safe

• Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers in case somebody adds something to them.
• Look after yourself and your friends and be aware of your surroundings
• If somebody is drunk they are not able to give consent to engage in sexual activity.
• If you have been drinking alcohol for a long period of time, think you have an addiction and would like to stop always seek medical advice, as stopping alcohol suddenly can cause a seizure.

A drug is a substance that affects the way the body functions, they can be harmful to your health in both the short or long term, and could possibly lead to addiction. Different drugs can have different effects; some effects can include health consequences that are long-lasting and permanent. They can continue after the person has stopped taking them. There are a few ways in which drugs can be taken including injection, inhalation and ingestion. The effects on the body depend on how the drug is delivered.

Drugs are split into three classes: A, B and C, this is based on how serious the Police penalties are that are associated with that drug, here are some examples:

• Class A: heroin, LSD, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, magic mushrooms and any drug from Class B that has been prepared for injection
• Class B: speed, cannabis, ketamine, cathinones such as mephedrone and forms of man-made cannabis such as ‘Spice’
• Class C: many prescribed drugs such as tranquillisers, GHB, GBL and anabolic steroids

Legal highs

This is a term for drugs that mimic the effects of illegal drugs and can be purchased over the counter, however, changes in UK law means that it is now illegal to sell or give these substances for free and Police can act.

People who use illicit drugs are at an increased risk of unintentional injuries, accidents and domestic violence incidents.

What to do in an Emergency

• If your with someone in an emergency call an ambulance, tell the ambulance crew everything you know about the drug taken and give any drugs or containers left over to the crew as this may help identify the drug.
• Do not leave the person before help arrives