Drugs Facts and Useful Information
The effects of illegal drugs will depend on:
- How much you take (difficult to establish)
- How strong the drug is (difficult to establish)
- How the drug is taken (e.g. orally or injected)
- Your size, weight and health
- Your mood
- Your experience with the drug(s)
- If it is taken with other drugs
Cannabis
Cannabis is a depressant drug like alcohol. It slows down the central nervous system. Cannabis also has mild hallucinogenic effects.
Immediate effects:
- Relaxed & less inhibited
- Increased appetite
- Affects perception
- Reduced co-ordination
- Thought process and memory
- Confusion
Long Term effects:
- Respiratory Illness
- Less Motivation
- Brain Function (memory & ability to learn)
- Psychosis
Amphetamines
Amphetamines belong to a group of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They speed up the messages going to and from the brain to the body. It is commonly referred to as “speed”. A more powerful form of the drug is called crystal methamphetamine or “ice”.
Immediate effects:
- Speeds up activity of body eg. heart rate, breathing & blood pressure
- More energetic & alert
- Reduced appetite
- Irritability
- Overdose can cause death
Long term effects:
- Malnutrition
- Psychosis
- Less resistance to infection
- Need to take other drugs
- Violence
- Hepatitis/HIV (shared needles)
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy is similar in structure to amphetamines and causes hallucinogenic effects. A “hangover” effect may occur following its use which could include insomnia, depression, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Immediate effects:
- Feeling of wellbeing & increased confidence
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Risk of kidney failure
- Convulsions & vomiting
Long Term Effects:
- Heart Attack
- Brain hemorrhage
- Overheating (hyperthermia)
- Over-drinking (drinking too much water all at once) – dilutional hyponatremia which results in death
- Psychosis
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant. It speeds up the activity of the central nervous system.
Immediate effects:
- Increased body temperature and heart rate
- Exhilaration and sense of wellbeing
- Poor concentration and judgement
- Unpredictable and/or violent behaviour
- Feelings of great physical strength and mental capacity
- Hallucinations and tremors
- Heart attack leading to death
Long term effects:
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Weight Loss
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Nausea
Heroin
Heroin is one of a group of drugs known as opioids. Other forms include morphine, codeine, pethidine and methadone. Heroin is made from morphine or codeine via a chemical process. It is a depressant drug and narcotic (has a numbing effect).
Immediate effects:
- Intense pleasure
- Pain relief
- Slowing down of breathing, pulse and blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Death
Long term effects:
- Psychological dependence
- Malnutrition
- Infections
- Death
- Hepatitis/HIV (shared needles)