Health

Drugs

What you need to know

Drugs are illegal and can be incredibly unpredictable. The effects that drugs can have on you vary wildly from one person to another.

Some drugs come in pill or tablet form, which are usually swallowed; some come in a powder form which can be snorted, smoked or injected: and some are in a herb or resin form which is usually smoked.

Depending on the drug, the effects vary greatly but most give the user a 'high', and it is this high that can become addictive. However, after ever high there is a come-down and they can be a lot less fun.

There are many reasons that you might begin taking drugs. The most common reason is peer pressure. You might find that if your friends take drugs they will put you under pressure to do the same. If this is the case then they are not good friends to have because they are trying to make you do something that is bad for you and that you don't want to do.

As hard as it might be to do - just say no and try and walk away.

What you can do

As drugs are both illegal and dangerous to your health, it is important to understand both the legal risks and the risks to your health if you are caught either possessing drugs or taking them.

Below are the three classes of illegal drugs and examples of some of the drugs in each class:

• Class A - Cocaine, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms
• Class B - Amphetamines, Cannabis
• Class C - Anabolic steroids

To read more about the legal punishments for possessing, taking or selling drugs from these classes, read the full version of this article.

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