ISSUES
: Drugs
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Glossary
Glossary
Addiction
A dependence on a substance which makes it very
difficult to stop taking it. Addiction can be either physical,
meaning the user’s body has become dependent on
the substance and will suffer negative symptoms if the
substance is withdrawn, or psychological, meaning a
user has no physical need to take a substance, but will
experience strong cravings if it is withdrawn.
Amphetamines
Synthetic drugs which can be swallowed, inhaled or
injected. Their effects can include increased mental
alertness, energy and confidence. Most amphetamines
are Class B substances, but crystal meth and prepared-
for-injection speed are Class A. Taking amphetamines
can cause anxiety or paranoia and risks include
overdose and psychological dependence. They can
also put strain on a user’s heart, leading to cardiac
problems.
Depressant
A substance that slows down the nervous system,
making the user feel calmer and more relaxed. These
drugs are also known as ‘downers’ and include alcohol,
heroin and tranquillisers.
Detox
Ridding the body of toxins, i.e. drugs.
Drug
A chemical that alters the way the mind and body
works. Legal drugs include alcohol, tobacco, caffeine
and prescription medicines taken for medical reasons.
Illegal drugs taken for recreation include cannabis,
cocaine, ecstasy and speed. These illegal substances
are divided into three classes – A, B and C – according
to the danger they pose to the user and to society (with
A being the most harmful and C the least).
Drug driving law
In the UK it is illegal to drive if you are unfit to do so
because you are taking legal or illegal drugs, or if you
have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood.
Hallucinogen
A drug which produces visions and sensations detached
from reality (a ‘trip’). Common hallucinogens include
LSD, ketamine and magic mushrooms.
Legal high
Also known as psychoactive substances, legal
highs function as stimulants and have mood altering
properties. Producing or trading in these substances
will become illegal in the UK in 2016.
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Legislation prohibiting the use of dangerous recreational
substances, making it an offence to possess banned
drugs for personal use or with the intent to supply. It
also divides drugs into three classes according to the
degree of harm they pose to the individual and to society
– A, B or C – each with different associated penalties.
Needle exchange
A service that allows drug users to obtain safe, clean,
hypodermic needles.
Opiate
A drug that is derived from opium, e.g. heroin.
Overdose
This occurs when an individual takes such a large dose
of a drug that their body cannot cope with the effects.
An overdose can cause organ failure, coma and death.
Psychoactive Substances Act
The Psychoactive Substances Act makes it a criminal
offence to produce or supply any psychoactive
substance. The Act is designed to stop people from
trading in ‘legal highs’. Possessing a psychoactive
substance will not be an offence.
Reclassification
When an illegal substance is moved from one drugs
class into another, after its harmfulness has been
reassessed or new research has uncovered previously-
unknown negative effects.
Stimulant
A volatile substance which gives off fumes. Vapours
from products including paint, glue and aerosols can
be inhaled and cause intoxication. Volatile substance
abuse is highly dangerous, killing more children aged
ten to 15 than all illegal drugs put together.
Withdrawal
Symptoms experienced when ‘withdrawing’ from
substance use.
