In Islam drugs come under the prohibited category of Khamr. Khamr is all intoxicants or "Khamr is what befogs the mind" stated Hazrat Umar (R.A).
Name It: Alcohol Alcohol is found in drinks likeBeer, Lager, Alcopops, cider, wine and spirits
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Know It: Police have the legal power to confiscate alcohol from anyone they know to be, or reasonably believe to be, under 18 drinking in a public place. Alcoholic drinks come in different strengths, measured as a % by volume. The higher the % marked on the label the stronger the drink will be. Alcopops often contain more alcohol than many beers, lager or cider.
The Effects: Many people enjoy drinking alcohol. In small amounts it can help them to relax and feel more sociable. Some people use alcohol to escape from their problems. The effect depends on the strength of the drink and how it is consumed. It also varies according to when the person last ate, their weight, mood and surroundings. Speech can become slurred, Co-ordination affected and emotions heightened. A hangover (the after-effects of alcohol) can leave you feeling ill for a day or so.
THE RISKS: Alcohol is a depressant drug. Users can end up feeling very down. Women get more drunk than men on the same amount of alcohol. They can also develop drink-related health problems earlier. Overdosing (drinking far to much) can lead to loss of consciousness. Users then risk choking on their own vomit, this can kill. Overdosing can also cause alcoholic poisoning, which can be fatal. Long-term over-use can lead to serious liver, heart and stomach problems. More than 25,000 deaths in the UK each year are alcohol-related. Mixing alcohol with other drugs is SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS.
Name It: Cannabis Marijuana, Draw, Blow, Weed, Puff, Hash, Ganja
Know it: Cannabis is a natural substance derived from the 'Cannabis Sativa' plant. It comes in a solid, dark lump known as 'resin' or as leaves, stalks and seeds called 'grass', or as a sticky oil. It can be rolled with tobacco in a spliff or joint, smoked on its own in a pipe, or eaten. There are different strengths of cannabis-some (E.g. skunk) are very strong. Cannabis is a Class B drug (But Class A penalties can apply to cannabis oil)
The Effects: Getting 'stoned' on cannabis makes most users relaxed and talkative. It heightens the senses, especially when it comes to colours, taste and music. Cooking and eating hash makes the effect more intense and harder to control. It can leave people feeling tired and lacking energy. Hash may bring on cravings for certain foods.
THE RISKS: Affects short-term memory and ability to concentrate. Getting stoned affects Co-ordination, increasing the risk of accidents. It impairs driving skills, so never get in a car with someone who is stoned. It can make users paranoid and anxious, depending on their mood and situation. Smoking cannabis over a long period of time may increase the risk of respiratory disorders, including lung cancer. Highly addictive, many users find cannabis hard to quit.
Name It: Cocaine Coke, Charlie, Snow, C
Know It: Cocaine is a white powder that can be snorted up the nose. Some users inject it. It is a Class A drug.
The Effects: Cocaine is a powerful stimulant. the buzz creates a sense of well-being, Making users feel alert and confident. The effects last roughly 30 minutes. Users are often left craving more. People may also take more to delay the comedown (tiredness and depression).
THE RISKS: Cocaine can cause heart problems and chest pain. Heavy use of cocaine can cause convulsions. Large or frequent doses over a short period can leave users restless, confused and paranoid. Snorting cocaine can permanently damage the inside of the nose. Users may find their habit expensive and hard to control. Users have died from overdose.
Name It: Crack rock, wash, stone
Know it: Crack is a smokeable form of cocaine. It is a Class A drug.
The Effects: The effects of smoking crack are simular to snorting cocaine but much more intense. The high lasts as little as 10 minutes. Users often 'chase' the high by repeating the dose. Heavy users may take heroin to dull the craving caused by the use of crack.
THE RISKS: Heavy use can lead to potentially fatal heart problems. Heavy users risk convulsions. Crack is highly addictive. Because the high can be so intense, crack use is often difficult to control. Smoking crack can seriously harm the lungs and cause chest pains. After the high, feelings of restlessness, nausea and sleeplessness are common. Large or frequent doses over a short period can leave users restless, confused and paranoid. Users have died from overdose.
Name It: Anabolic Steroids Trade names include: Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anava and Stanozolol. May be referred to by users as 'Roids.
Know It: Anabolic steroids can only be sold lawfully by a pharmacist to someone with a doctors prescription. While possession isn't illegal without prescription, supply is against the law and Class C penalties apply. Anabolic Steroids are simular to, and include, the male hormone, testosterone. They are used in medicine to treat anaemia and muscle weakness after surgery. Don't confuse them with the type to treat eczema/asthma.* Some body-builders and athletes use anabolic steroids, as well as people who think it'll improve their body image. Some can be swallowed, but most need to be injected. Use in sports is prohibited. A positive test for the drug can ruin a sporting career.
The Effects: Users claim steroids make them feel more aggressive and able to train harder. With exercise, anabolic steroids can help build up muscle. However, there is some debate about weather they improve muscle power and athletic performance. They help users to recover from strenuous exercise.
THE RISKS: Taking anabolic steroids carries many health risks and can stop young people from growing properly. The risks for MEN include: erection problems, breast growth, shrinking testicles, reduced sperm and even sterility, acne, increased chance of heart attack and liver failure. The risks for WOMEN include: growth of facial hair, deepening voice, shrinking breasts, messed-up menstrual cycle, spots, possible miscarriage and stillbirth. Some effects, such as change in breast size, may be irreversible without surgery. Injecting into veins can be dangerous and injecting into muscle can damage nerves and veins. sharing needles or syringes puts users at risk or dangerous infections like hepatitis and HIV.
Name It : Ecstasy E, Fantasy, Doves, Mitsubishis, Dolphins, Rolexes (chemical name: MDMA)
Know It: Ecstasy usually comes in tablets of different shapes, size and colour (but often white). The effects of MDMA are unpredictable. A tablet might not contain MDMA. Other drugs which might be sold as MDMA can have different effects. Ecstasy is a Class A drug.
The effects: Users can feel alert and in tune with their surroundings and with other people too. Sound, colour and emotions can seem much more intense. The energy buzz from ecstasy means users may dance for hours. The effects last anything from 3 to 6 hours.
THE RISKS: As ecstasy starts working (known as 'coming up') users may feel a tightening of the jaw, nausea, sweating and an increase in heart rate. The comedown can leave users feeling tired and depressed, often for days. Use has been linked to liver and kidney problems. Studies into the effects of ecstasy are still at an early stage. However, research shows that MDMA dramatically affects the brain chemistry of animals. There have been about 80 ecstasy-related deaths in the UK.
Name It: Gasses, Glues and Aerosols (solvents).
These are found in: Lighter, gas refills and fuel canisters. Aerosols containing products such as hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners tins or tubes of glue Some paints, thinners and correcting fluids.
Know It: They are sniffed or breathed into the lungs. It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell gas lighter refills to anyone under 18. It is also illegal to sell gases, glues and aerosols to under-18s, or to people acting for them, if they suspect the product is intended for abuse.
The Effects: Users feel thick-headed, dizzy, giggly and dreamy. They may also hallucinate (see or hear things which aren't real) The effects disappear after 15 to 45 minutes. Afterwards, users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache.
THE RISKS: Use of gases, glues or aerosols can cause instant death- even on the first go. Inhaling volatile substances can cause sudden death by a variety of ways. Abusing gases, glues or aerosols can lead to nausea, vomiting, black-outs and fatal heart problems. Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected. There is a risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head. Long-term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys.
Name It: GHB (Sometimes known as GHB) is short for gammahydroxybutyate
Know It: GHB comes as a colourless liquid and is solid in small bottles or capsules. The liquid is measured out in capfuls and then swallowed. GHB has no smell but a salty taste. It was originally developed as a medicine for use during surgery. GHB is used as an alternative to anabolic steroids. Possession of GHB isn't illegal without prescription, but supply is against the law under the medicines Act.
The Effects: GHB has sedative properties and can produce feelings of euphoria. These effects have been known to last for a day.
THE RISKS: Excessive hits could lead to sickness, stiff muscles, fits and even collapse. if incorrectly produced, GHB can badly burn the mouth. Its VERY DANGEROUS and can be fatal when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. The long-term effects of GHB are not yet fully known.
Name It: Heroin smack, brown, horse, gear, H, junk, skag, jack
Know It: Heroin is a painkilling drug made from morphine which is derived from the opium poppy. It comes as a white powder when pure. Street heroin is usually brownish-white. It is snorted, smoked or injected. Heroin is a Class A drug.
The Effects: I small doses, heroin gives the user a sense of warmth and well-being. Higher doses can make them drowsy and relaxed. Excessive amounts can result in overdose, coma, and in some cases death. First-time often leads to side-effects like dizziness and vomiting.
THE RISKS: Heroin is very addictive.Getting the next fix can dominate a user's life. Tolerance develops, meaning the user needs more heroin to get the same effect. Users who form a habit may end up taking the drug just to feel normal. Those who start by smoking or snorting heroin sometimes switch to injections to maximise the high. Injecting can damage veins and lead to gangrene. Sharing needles or syringes puts users at risk of infections like hepatitis and HIV. Withdrawing from heroin can be hard. Many people manage to kick the drug, but mentally it may take years to be free.
Name It: Ketamine special K, vitamin K, K
Know It: Ketamine is an anaesthetic, which is also used by vets. It has painkilling properties and can cause psychedelic experiences that may be disturbing. Ketamine is only available legally as an injectable liquid. If injected, users should never share needles as this puts them at risk of infections like hepatitis and HIV. When produced illegally, it comes as tablets, or as powder that is snorted up the nose.
The Effects: Ketamine makes the user feel that the mind has been separated from the body. This creates 'out of body' and hallucinatory experiences for up to 3 hours. Like LSD, the effects are influenced by the user's mood and enviroment. During this time, a user may be physically unable to move.
THE RISKS: As ketamine numbs the body, users risk serious injury without feeling pain. The effects can be very alarming if the user isn't expecting them. Excessive doses carry some risk of breathing problems and heart failure. Ketamine is VERY DANGEROUS when mixed with alcohol and other drugs. The long-term effects of recreational use of ketamine are still not really known.
Name It: LSD acid, tabs, blotters, microdots, dots ( chemical name: Lysergic acid
diethylamide)
Know It: LSD usually comes in tiny squares of paper, often with a picture on one side. The picture says nothing about the likely effect or strength of the drug. LSD is a Class A drug.
The Effects: LSD is an hallucinogenic drug. It has a powerful effect on the mind. The effects of LSD are known as a 'trip' and can last as long as 8 to 12 hours. While a user is 'tripping' they will experience their surroundings in a very different way. The effects depend on the user's mood, where they are and who they're with. Sense of movement and time may speed up or slow down. Objects, colour and sound may become distorted. Users experience 'trips' differently every time.
THE RISKS: Once the 'trip' starts, there's no way of stopping it. A bad 'trip' can be terrifying. Users may feel very threatened and can even forget that the drug is responsible. It's impossible to predict a 'bad trip', but it's more likely to happen if the user is feeling anxious, nervous or uncomfortable. Feeling paranoid or out of control can leave users shaken for a long time afterwards. Accidents may happen while users are hallucinating. Users may experience flashbacks, where parts of a 'trip' are briefly re-lived some time after the event. LSD can complicate mental problems such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
Name It: Magic Mushrooms
'shrooms, mushies
Know It: Several types of magic mushrooms grow wild in the UK. The main type is the Liberty Cap mushroom (Psilocybe Semilanceata). There are also species that look similar to magic mushrooms but which are poisonous. Magic mushrooms are eaten raw, dried cooked in food or stewed into a tea. While it isn't illegal to possess raw magic mushrooms, it is an offence to possess any preparation of them (e.g. when they're dried or stewed). Magic mushrooms, when prepared, are Class A drugs.
The Effects: Magic mushrooms have a similar effect to LSD, but the 'trip' is often milder and shorter. Magic mushrooms can make the user feel very relaxed and 'spaced-out'. The effects depend on the user's mood, where they are and who they're with. Magic mushrooms may cause hallucinations - objects, colour and sound become distorted. A 'trip' tends to last about 4 hours.
THE RISKS: Magic mushrooms often cause stomach pains, sickness and diarrhoea. Eating the wrong kind of mushroom can also cause serious illness and even fatal poisoning. If users feel sick they should go straight to hospital with a sample of the mushroom and explain what's happened. Bad 'trips' can happen and can be very frightening. Once the 'trip' has started, there's no going back. Like any hallucinogen, magic mushrooms can complicate mental problems.
Name It: Poppers (alkyl nitrates)
Poppers is a term used for the group of chemicals known as alkyl nitrites. Alkyl nitrites include: amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite. Trade names include: Ram, Thrust, Rock Hard, Kix, TNT, Liquid Gold.
Know It: Poppers come as a clear or straw-coloured liquid in a small bottle or tube. The vapour is breathed in through the mouth or nose. Over recent years, use of poppers has become more common in dance culture. Amyl nitrite is a prescription only medicine. Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.
The Effects: Users get a very brief but intense 'head-rush'. This is caused by a sudden surge of blood through the heart and brain. Blood vessels dilate (enlarge) resulting in a flushed face and neck. Some users say they experience the impression of time slowing down. The effects fade 2 to five minutes after use.
THE RISKS: Can make some people feel faint and sick, especially when taken while dancing. Users often experience a headache afterwards. Regular use causes skin problems around the mouth and nose. Taking alkyl nitrites is very dangerous for people with anaemia, glaucoma, and breathing or heart problems. If spilled, poppers can burn skin. Poppers MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED.
Know It: Speed usually comes as a grey, white or dirty-white powder, or sometimes in tablets. It can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked. Speed is the most impure illegal drug in the UK. Amphetamines are Class B drugs (but carry Class A penalties if prepared for injection).
The Effects: Speed is a stimulant. It quickens the heart beat and breathing rate. Users may feel confident. Their minds race and they may feel energetic. It supresses the appetite, but doesn't satisfy the body's need for nourishment. Some people also become tense and experience feelings of anxiety.
THE RISKS: The comedown (tiredness and depression) lasts for one or two days, and sometimes longer. Sleep, memory and concentration are all affected in the short-term. High doses repeated over a few days may cause panic and hallucinations. Long-term users may become dependent on the buzz speed gives them. Tolerance can develop, which means the user needs more to get the same effect. Long-term use puts a strain on the heart. overdose can be fatal. Use of speed can lead to mental illness such as psychosis.
Name It: Tranquillizers Chemical names include: diazepam, temazepam (mazzies), nitrazepam, etc. Trade names include: Valium, Ativan, Mogadon (moggies), etc.
Know It: Tranquillizers are prescribed by GPs as a short-term treatment for anxiety, depression and sleep problems. They are misused by some people to counter the effects of stimulant drugs, or taken in combination when the users are unable to obtain alcohol or heroin. Tranquillizers can be supplied lawfully only by a pharmacist to someone with a doctor's prescription (except in the case of temazepam), supply is against the law and Class C penalties apply.
THE RISKS: Tranquillizers slow down reactions, making accidents more likely. They are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS if mixed with alcohol. Tolerance can develop. Users can become dependent, especially if they rely on the drug to calm them or help them to sleep. Users trying to quit may suffer panic attacks. Injecting crushed tablets or the contents of capsules is VERY DANGEROUS and can be lethal.
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diethylamide)
