Drugs
The majority of students are not regular drug users. The purpose of this section is to keep you informed– whether you're curious in what other people are doing, use drugs, or are considering using drugs – it's important to know the facts, so you are aware of the dangers, and how to minimise them where possible.Any decisions that you make about drugs are your decisions and you shouldn't feel pressured to use them.
Drugs and the law
As well as the medical risks surrounding drug use, some drugs are also illegal. The Misuse of Drugs act 1971classed drugs according to their seriousness into 3 classes – A, B and C. Class. A possession results in a maximum of 7 years in jail and a financial penalty. For class B the maximum is 5 years and a financial penalty, and class C has a maximum sentence of 2 years and a financial penalty. However on average less than 10% of offenders actually receive a custodial sentence for possession.
Possession with intent to supply is a more serious offence, involving a class A drug, it carries an unlimited fine and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. You can be charged even without evidence of a sale – if they decide the amount in your possession is not all for personal use they can prosecute. Clubbing together with your friends to buy drugs in bulk is technically intent to supply by the person who picks up.
Remember:
• Students wishing to pass professional examinations in law and medicine may be disqualified for a drug conviction. Even for other jobs, a drug record will be a disadvantage. Many employers also make their workforce take drugs tests.
• Most colleges also have a very low tolerance when it comes to drugs. You can be kicked out of college if caught with them, especially if the police become involved.
• For many colleges, part of the accommodation contract means that they can enter your room at any time without prior warning, and if they see drug paraphernalia of any sort it is likely they will take action.
The police and bouncers at clubs have the power to stop, search and detain anyone on a reasonable suspicion of possessing an illicit drug. If they can prove that an illegal drug is, or has been, in your possession then you are liable to be arrested on a possession charge.
If the police are not in uniform, it's a good idea to ask to see their warrant card, to ask them why you are being searched and for a record to be made of the search. If you are arrested you should insist on seeing a solicitor (you may have to wait, but ask for them to be present when you are interviewed). Don't be put off seeing a solicitor by the police, it is not an admission of guilt, but an assertion of your rights.
Don't be put off seeing a solicitor by the police, it is not an admission of guilt, but an assertion of your rights.
First aid and emergencies
Coming Down
It isn't advisable to try and deal with coming down by taking a different kind of drug. The longer you put it off the worse it will be. The best way to come down is naturally with rest and relaxation; replenish your body with fluids, and food as soon as your appetite recovers. Drugs like ecstasy and speed deplete some of the body's minerals, so taking vitamins and minerals during or after taking any kind of drug will help you recover.
If someone has a 'bad trip'
• Don't panic
• Take the person to quiet surroundings, where they feel comfortable, find a friend who can reassure them and stress that the panic is caused by the drug and that it will probably wear off in a few hours,
• Tell them to relax, and don't do anything that might alarm them (like tell them they shouldn't have taken drugs).
• If possible give the person orange juice to drink slowly
If someone collapses
• Call an ambulance
• When the ambulance arrives, tell them exactly what the person has taken, or try and find out what they have taken – it's vital to give the paramedic as much information as possible.
• The person should be taken to hospital for observation and professional treatment. Anything you say to paramedics or hospital staff will be in strict confidence.
Magic Mushrooms
Some forms of mushrooms are poisonous. If someone is vomiting or has diarrhoea, cramps, an increased flow of saliva, watering eyes and breathing difficulties then they may have taken a poisonous (rather than a 'magic') mushroom. Get them to a hospital immediately and take with you any vomit or left over mushrooms so that the type of poisonous mushroom can be identified. If they seem to get better they should still seek urgent medical attention, as it is still possible to die days later.
Staying safe
Impurities
Any drug bought on the street is more than likely to have a high degree of impurity as dealers maximise profit by 'cutting' the drug with similar looking substances like brick or glass, or with another, cheaper, drug like ketamine. Frequently even the dealers don't know what they're selling, having bought them from someone else. Impurities can be dangerous in their own right or they can delay the absorption of the drug, leaving people to take more because they think it hasn't worked.
Mixing Drugs
The medical dangers associated with some drugs are almost always increased if they are taken in conjunction with another drug, or while another drug is still in the body. Remember:
• some drugs can stay in the bloodstream for days, so its difficult for a regular drug user to start from a totally clean position
• Drug interactions are also very complex. Taking two different stimulants is likely to have a very different effect from taking twice the amount of one drug.
• The best advice is not to mix drugs - and that includes alcohol or prescription drugs.
Drugs, Clubs and Overheating
The clubbing environment carries with it the additional risks besides those connected with the individual substances. Overheating is a major danger, as stimulants such as speed and ecstasy raise the body's temperature so when combined with dancing, heat and the dehydrating effects of alcohol can become deadly. Some people will lose as much as 6 pints of water in 6 hours.
Overheating warning signs: giddiness, dizziness, headaches, failure to sweat, heat cramps in the legs, arms and back, fatigue, vomiting, highly coloured urine, difficulty in urination, suddenly feeling tired, irritable and confused and fainting/loss of consciousness. Often only some of these signs will be present or noticeable.
Make sure you: wear lightweight clothing and nothing on your head, eat something salty or have an isotonic drink before you go to the club, to give your body every chance of holding on to essential minerals. Drink up to a pint of water every hour - sipping it rather than taking it in large amounts. Avoid alcohol and take breaks from dancing – use the chill out area.
If you think you might end up having sex when you're drunk or wrecked it is a good idea to carry a condom in your pocket. Its proximity may help remind you to use it.
Injecting Drugs and HIV
Intravenous drug use is a high-risk act when it comes to HIV, especially if you are sharing 'works' – needles, syringes, and other equipment. Non-injected drugs have no HIV risk. If you are injecting drugs there are basic steps you need to take to protect yourself:
• Never share syringes or needles, spoon or filter (make sure that any friends you are going to take drugs with know this is your policy). Keep your equipment in a safe place,
• If you must share, make sure you know how to sterilise properly (if you use bleach, ensure that you have very thoroughly rinsed out any residues with sterilised water by forcing the water through the syringe, otherwise you might inject bleach into your blood, which is fatal),
• Use clean (preferably boiled/sterile) water,
• Rotate through the injection sites on your body,
• Dispose of used needles at a needle exchange.
Needle Exchanges
The Bridge Project at 152 Mill Road operates a needle/syringe exchange every weekday afternoon. They can also provide more general drugs advice, from legal matters to information about how prescription drugs might interact with illicit drugs, via a drop-in or phone-in which is completely confidential. They can be contacted on 01223 214614.