Drug use is a complex issue that affects people of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds. You may have seen or heard about people taking drugs on TV, in movies, or even in your community, and might be wondering why someone would choose to do so. In this book, we will explore the different reasons why people take drugs and the potential risks involved.
i. Enjoyment
The type of drug you choose to take can have a significant impact on your body. There are three main drug classifications – stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens – and each one can produce different effects.
Legal drugs
Some drugs are legal, like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Also, prescribed and over-the-counter medications are legal if used correctly. However, their use may be restricted based on age, location of use, and rules around where they’re sold. For example, in the UK it is illegal to buy cigarettes if you are under 18. If you are under 16 the police have the right to confiscate any cigarettes you may have on you.
You can get a fine or prison sentence if you:
Take drugs
Carry drugs
Make drugs
Sell, deal or share drugs (also called ‘supplying’ them)
Remember that you’re not alone. It’s easy to think you’re the only one who’s not tried drugs but, actually, most young people don’t take drugs.
What does spiking mean?
An article from The Conversation.
By Ian Hamilton, Honorary Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York and Harry Sumnall, Professor in Substance Use, Liverpool John Moores University
Four men who smuggled drugs from the Netherlands to the UK and Ireland have been sentenced to a total of more than 53 years in prison after a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
When we think about drug addiction, we usually assume that the drugs involved are illegal substances. However, more and more people in the UK and around the world are developing a prescription drug addiction. You may be concerned that you or a loved one may be currently struggling with prescription medication addiction.
At Quai 9 in Geneva, safe equipment and healthcare have cut overdoses and illnesses among addicts. But around the world, opinion is divided on whether such projects really work.
By Charlotte Lytton
The comic star appeared to have achieved sobriety-induced optimism – but drink and drug abuse takes its toll on the body, even in recovery.
By Charlotte Lytton
A woman left paralysed and in a wheelchair after taking 600 canisters of laughing gas a week has welcomed it being made illegal.
By Jasper King
Cross-party committee also backs wider use of cannabis for medicinal use and drug ‘consumption rooms’.
By Adam Forrest
Pharmacists body demand stricter laws against drug use and selling.
By Shweta Sharma
Designer drugs, legal highs, new psychoactive substances (NPS), research chemicals.
The government has developed a £3.7 million peer mentor and employment programme for people with substance dependence to seek help from those who have beat addiction.
By Albert Ward
With the recent sharp rise in drug-related deaths in the UK, the government should consider radical policy action to halt a public health crisis. One option would be to draw on lessons from abroad and decriminalise recreational narcotics.
By Jake Taibel, University of Bristol
An article from The Conversation.
By Tammy Ayres Lecturer in Criminology, University of Leicester and Stuart Taylor, The Open University
Glossary Term Selection
Key Facts
Assignments
Useful Websites
