DRUGS AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES AWARENESS
Speak
Spend
THINGS YOU CAN DO
WORRIED ABOUT A FRIEND?
THINGS YOU CAN DO
Pick a suitable time to raise your concern i.e. not when they are under the influence of substances.
Let your friend know you care for them and ask them if they would like any support.
Seeking support for the first time can be overwhelming, ask if they would like to look at support services with you.
The
SPIKING:
WHAT IS IT?
An addition of drugs or alcohol to your system via drink or other methods, without your knowledge.
HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
Most common method of spiking is by putting something in a drink.
WHAT IS USED IN SPIKING?
Alcohol, 'Date rape' drugs such as rohypnol or GHB (Gamma Hydroxybuturate), illegal and prescription drugs - such as stimulants, tranquilisers, sedatives or opiates.
WHERE DOES SPIKING HAPPEN?
Spiking can happen anywhere but there should be extra care taken in pubs and night clubs, as well as at social gatherings.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR SPIKING SOMEONE?
Up to 10 years in prison for anyone who is found guilty of spiking. If an assault, rape or robbery has also taken place, the sentence could be higher.
SPIKING:
HOW TO PREVENT SPIKING?
Never leave your drink unattended. Do not accept any drink you haven't seen poured. Use a 'spikey' on a bottle or keep your finger over the top of the bottle between sips.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SPIKING?
Confusion, Nausea, Hallucinations, Paranoia, Lack of Co-ordination and Mobility, Unconsciousness.
HOW
TO
HELP SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN SPIKED?
Stay with them and keep them talking Tell the bar manager/host/door staff
Call someone you trust for help
Call and ambulance if their conditions worsen
WHAT CAN I DO IF I
THINK
I'VE BEEN SPIKED?
Tell a trusted friend or family member
Go to a hospital or GP for medical attention Report it to the police
Report to AUB Wellbeing via REPORT and SUPPORT
CANNABIS
PLANT BASED DRUG
HOW DO THEY MAKE YOU FEEL?
'Stoned', happy, giggly, chatty, and/or sleepy, lethargic. Can make you feel sick, hallucinate, paranoid, confused and anxious.
ARE THEY ADDICTIVE? Yes.
Heavy users often get cravings and it can be difficult to not take the drug.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Headaches, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, confusion, panic attacks, depression, tremors and fits.
HEALTH RISKS
Increased risk of lung cancer
Increased heart rate and blood pressure. Reduction in sperm count and suppression of ovulation
Reduced motivation
Memory loss/impairment, mood swings, depression and insomnia
Increased risk of insomnia, increased risk of illnesses such as psychosis, paranoia, anxiety and panic attacks.
Prison sentence of up to 5 years for possession and up to 14 years for supply.
HOW DO THEY MAKE YOU FEEL?
'Chilled, relaxed, happy and in a dream-like state. Can make you hallucinate, feel agitated, anxious, experience panic attacks. Can also cause immobilisation.
ARE THEY ADDICTIVE? Yes.
Psychological dependence. Continued use increases tolerance, requiring increase in dosage used to seek previous level of experience.
HEALTH RISKS
Increased heart rate and blood pressure, causing delirium, agitation and disorientation
Nausea, long and short term memory issues
Bladder issues including incontinence and liver damage
Risk of causing harm to self or others as sensory loss results in lack of pain
Hallucinations, depression and flashbacks
Worsening of pre-existing mental health difficulties.
HOW DO THEY MAKE YOU FEEL?
MDMA acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an energising effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences.
Can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems and drug cravings.
ARE THEY ADDICTIVE? Yes.
Regular users often get cravings and are highly likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.
HEALTH RISKS
Muscle tension, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching
Muscle cramps, nausea, faintness, chills, sweating, and blurred vision
In high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature, which can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia). This can lead to liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure, and death.
HOW DO THEY MAKE YOU FEEL?
Sleepy, relaxed, calm, and/or confused and disorientated. Slow reflexes, unsteady on your feet. Can become dizzy and sometimes aggressive.
ARE THEY ADDICTIVE? Yes.
There is a high risk of both psychological and physical dependency.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Includes headaches, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, confusion, panic attacks, depression, tremors and fits.
HEALTH RISKS
Short term memory loss
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
Affects the central nervous system which can cause breathing difficulties
Have been known to be used in sex crimes, as can make the user very drowsy or unconscious