The truth about drugs
If your friends at school are all talking about what drugs they've tried,
how do you know they are telling the truth?
According to research carried out with young people in Stockton-on-Tees,
almost all of them have never taken drugs, even if they say they have.
The small number of young people who do take drugs take them either because
they feel under pressure from friends or for curiosity to see what effects
they have.
Taking drugs can impact on your behaviour, your health and your relationships
with others.
Behaviour
Drugs can make you feel invincible and lead you to reckless and risky behaviour,
putting yourself and others in danger. You're more likely to do things that
you might regret, like unprotected sex, fighting or criminal activity.
Health
Drugs can cause mental health problems including depression and paranoia, as
well as leading to long term health problems like liver, kidney and heart
problems and brain damage. Drugs carry side effects including loss of appetite,
dehydration, drowsiness, mood swings and poor co-ordination, as well as the
risk of overdosing.
Relationships
Drugs can take over your life and damage relationships with friends and family.
If you take drugs, you can lose interest in the things you normally enjoy
and become isolated.
There are three main types of drugs:
- Stimulants increase your heart rate and blood pressure
- Depressants slow down your heart rate and blood pressure
- Hallucinogenic can make you see or hear things that aren't really there
All drugs carry risks but mixing different drugs and mixing drugs with alcohol
can be very dangerous and increase your risk of overdose and health problems.
Don't break the law
If you take drugs you risk breaking the law and getting a criminal record. If
you're caught buying or giving drugs to anyone you could receive a fine and/or
a prison sentence for supplying drugs. For more information on the legal status
and sentences of drugs click here
For more information on drugs, click here
If you're worried about drugs contact STASH, the young people's drug and alcohol
service in Stockton. STASH is a confidential service, with honest, open workers
who are ready to listen and offer support advice and information on alcohol issues.
For more information about STASH click here or phone (01642) 607028.