All You Need to Know

• What's the difference between legal & illegal drugs?

  Drugs can affect the way you think, feel and act.

  Prescription drugs are used in medication to treat illnesses. The term recreational drugs is used when people use drugs for non-medical reasons. 
  
  Legal Drugs: Prescription drugs given to you by the doctor, as well as gases, glues and aerosols, are all examples of drugs which are legal but can still be misused. Painkillers like codeine are a good example of legal drugs which can be addictive and be abused.
  
  Illegal drugs: These are drugs which are prohibited in the UK, meaning that if you are caught with them, caught giving them to someone else or caught selling them, the police will be involved. There are different categories from Class A - C, with Class A being the most dangerous, with the highest penalty. The most common illegal drugs are cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.
  
  If you choose to take illegal drugs, remember it can lead to a criminal conviction, which could end up affecting things in your future, like getting a job.
  
  What are the UK drug laws? 

• How can I stop my friends pressuring me?

  It can be difficult to say no when you are in a group situation with friends who are taking drugs. You may feel pressured because you want to fit in, or curious but worried about the risks.

  You may feel like you're the only person who hasn't tried drugs, but that's not true. Most people don't take drugs and it can have bad effects on your mental and physical health, so it's just not worth the risk. 
  
  If you are uncomfortable with taking drugs, you can say no clearly and firmly without making a big deal about it. Your friends should accept your decision, but if anyone tries to persuade you, don't let them change your mind.

• What are the risks?

  Substance misuse is one of the most common risks for young people's health. All drugs are able to cause harm, even prescription medication if it is not used properly, and some can be very addictive. 
  
  Using drugs can mess with your mental health and cause depression. It's even more dangerous as you grow up because a teenage brain is still developing, so it can cause problems with your memory and how you learn. Drugs can also cause changes to your behaviour, like making you take risks that put your safety in danger. 

  You can't always be sure what is in the drugs you are taking, so it's difficult to know what effects different chemicals will have on your body. If you or someone you know has taken drugs and you’re worried about the effects, call an ambulance immediately on 999.

  Drugs first aid - What to do if someone needs help

• I've been asked to sell drugs for someone else

  County Lines is the name used by the police to describe gangs that move drugs around the country. The county line is the mobile phone line used to take orders for drugs. 
  
  Drug dealers will use children and young people to move drugs or cash around because they think they are less likely to be caught. 
  
  It might seem like a quick way to earn some money or feel good to be part of a group, but often young people are exploited and abused.

  If you are worried about someone who is at risk of being drawn into county lines and drug running, you can get advice and support at Fearless. You can also give anonymous information about crime and exploitation using their report services.  
  
  Fearless - advice & support about crime & exploitation

• Do I have a problem with drugs?

  It can be hard to realise when you have a problem with drugs as it can happen over time without you noticing. 
  
  You might start to increase the amount of drugs you're taking or find it affecting your life a bit more. It is a good idea to get help if:

  • You feel like your drug use is no longer under your control, and that you cannot cope without drugs.
  • You build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning you might start to need more of it.
  • You get withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take it, for example, you might feel sick or worried.
  • You often have difficulty remembering what happened while on drugs and find bruises or cuts you didn't realise were there.
  • You are feeling ashamed about what you are doing, or do drugs on your own.

  If you need support, contact your GP who can give you advice on how to stop.