Anti Social Behaviour, distraction burglay, street crime

domestic violence, domestic burglary, drug and alcohol abuse

Young People and Drugs - Part 2

Drugs Identification

Amphetamine
Amphetamine usually comes as a grey, white or dirty-white powder, or sometimes in tablets.
It can be sniffed, swallowed, injected or smoked.
Amphetamine is the most impure illegal drug in the UK.
Amphetamine is a stimulant drug which produces sensations of alertness, confidence and well-being and seems to raise levels of energy and stamina.
It lessens the desire to eat and sleep.
Some people who use amphetamine also become tense and experience feelings of anxiety.

How is amphetamine used?

It can be sniffed, swallowed or injected.
Swallowing the drug, either mixed in a drink or wrapped in a cigarette paper is the safest method of using amphetamine.
Sniffing amphetamine takes effect faster than swallowing but it can damage the nose.
Injecting is the riskiest method of using amphetamine as the dose reaches the brain quicker.
Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.
Sharing syringes can cause hepatitis and HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.

What are the drawbacks associated with amphetamine?

When the drug wears off there can be an unpleasant comedown which can last for one or two days, sometimes longer. Users can feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This leads some people to take more amphetamine, to try and avoid the comedown.
Extended use of amphetamine can lead to illnesses such as psychosis. The user may think that everybody is out to get them, or they are being followed or watched.
Amphetamine is against the law

Possessing amphetamine is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and unlimited fine.
Supplying amphetamine, including giving some to a friend, is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Cannabis
Cannabis is a natural substance derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant.
It comes in a solid, dark lump known as resin or as leaves, stalks and seeds called grass, or as a sticky oil.
Using cannabis makes most users relaxed and talkative.
It can heighten the senses, especially when it comes to colours, taste and music.

How is it used?

It can be rolled with tobacco, smoked on its own in a special pipe or eaten.
What are the drawbacks of cannabis?

Cannabis can increase negative emotions.
Cannabis makes the reflexes slower, which can cause accidents - you should never drive under the influence of Cannabis.
Cannabis users may experience nausea, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia.
Smoking joints with tobacco can lead to users getting hooked on cigarettes.
Smoking cannabis over a long period of time may increase the risk of respiratory disorders, including lung cancer.

Cannabis is against the law
Cannabis is a Class C controlled drug. Supply, dealing, production (including cultivation) and trafficking can result in a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment. The maximum penalty for dealing all Class C drugs has increased from 5 to 14 years' imprisonment.

Young People and Drugs - Part 3