Drug abuse and the law
Risk Reductions – the UDSU as a whole promotes a zero tolerance towards drug abuse, however we appreciate that use of such substances will still occur amongst the student population. The following guidelines may help you to reduce the risks associated with the following drugs:
Cannabis
(Hash / Weed / Grass / Dope)
The Law
Up to 2 years in jail for possession / 14 years for supplying
The Effect
- Produces relaxation, sociability, talkativeness, hilarity or episodes of introspective reflection
- Effects generally start a few minutes after smoking, lasting up to one hour with low doses and for two or three hours with high doses
- Noticeable but usually mild physical effects, including increased pulse rate and decreased blood pressure with occasional dizziness
- Fairly common for Cannabis use to be followed by an episode of ‘the munchies’ as it acts as an appetite stimulant
Risk Reduction
- Avoid Cannabis use if you are feeling anxious, depressed or paranoid—it could emphasise the feelings
- Eating Cannabis can make it more difficult to regulate the dose. Someone eating Cannabis will not need to ingest any more than if they were smoking to achieve the same effect. High doses can be very disorientating
- Do not attempt to drive when intoxicated
- Mixing drugs produces unpredictable results. Taking Cannabis with depressant drugs (like alcohol) may increase feelings of sedation and relaxation
Cocaine
(Coke / Charlie / Lemon barley / Snow / Crack / Free-basing / Washing up / Rock / Stones)
The Law
Up to 7 years in jail for possession / life imprisonment for supplying.
The Effects
- Creates a physiological arousal accompanied by feelings of exhilaration, well-being, increased confidence and a decrease in appetite
- The user experiences an indifference to pain and tiredness
- Effects peak and fade within fifteen to thirty minutes when snorted
- Crack is more extreme and intense in its effects
- As a stimulant drug it causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing
- Crack use can also lead to hallucinations and paranoia
Risk Reduction
- Avoid regular use
- Try not to chase the initial rush
- After the ‘high’, feeling of nausea, restlessness, sleeplessness and exhaustion are common
- Smoking crack can speed up the heart rate and cause the heart to beat irregularly
Amphetamines
(Speed / Billy / Whiz / Pink Champagne / Ice)
The Law
Up to 5 years in jail for possession / 14 years for supplying.
The Effects
- Quickens the heart beat
- Effects tend to set in about half an hour after taking the drug depending on its purity and users tolerance
- Increases confidence, sociability and energy levels
- Usually lasts for several hours with users feeling particularly hyperactive and very awake
- As the body’s energy levels reduce the user is prone to feelings of irritability, anxiety, restlessness, dizziness and tremor
- Insomnia and depression is common with the ‘come down’ lasting for days
Risk Reduction
- Dehydration can occur when dancing. Sipping a pint of non-alcoholic liquid such as fruit juices and energy drinks every hour will replace lost fluids and maintain sodium levels
- Take breaks from dancing and get fresh air to allow the body to cool down
- Do not mix with other drugs. It is common for people to mix amphetamine use with alcohol. Someone who uses amphetamines may feel ‘straight’ even after drinking a large amount of alcohol. Although amphetamine will keep the person wide awake, their judgement will still be affected. Mixing amphetamine with other stimulants (like Ecstasy) can increase the risks associated with both drugs
- People who suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure should avoid using amphetamines
- It is safer to spread the use of a wrap of speed over the course of an evening as opposed to taking it all at once
- With lower inhibitions and increased confidence it is important to remember to practise safe sex
Ecstasy
(E / Dive / Apple / Diamond / MDMA)
The Law
7 years in jail for possession / life imprisonment for supplying
The Effects
- Effects are experienced after 20—60 minutes and can last for 3-6 hours
- Pupils become dilated, the jaw tightens and users often experience brief nausea, sweating, dry mouth and throat, some raise in blood pressure and heart rate and loss of appetite
- A mild euphoric ‘rush is felt followed by a feeling of calm
- Ecstasy makes the user feel close to others, dissipating feelings of anger and hostility and making the user feel more talkative
- The user also experiences a greater awareness of their surroundings and sounds
- Large doses of the drug can lead to anxiety, panic and confusion
- After using the drug people often feel tired, depressed and hungry Risk Reduction
- Talking half a tablet first will help to establish the strength. It may also help to identify whether the pill contains MDMA
- If you use MDMA when dancing it’s important to have breaks from dancing and to replace body fluids. Someone dancing in a hot sweaty club will usually need about 1 pint over the course of each hour. Salty snacks will replace essential minerals. If you are not sweating and dehydrating then drink less. MDMA will cause fluid retention and excessive fluid intake could cause physical damage—in extreme cases, brain damage
- If you suffer from heart problems, blood disorders, epilepsy or high blood pressure, avoid using ecstasy. Do not mix with others drugs, especially alcohol which also causes dehydration. Remember to practice safe sex. MDMA can affect libido and might increase or decrease sexual interest. MDMA tends to inhibit orgasm
For further information and advice on this subject, check out www.talktofrank.com
