When people say drugs, it could mean anything. First of all they could be prescribed drugs that are available from pharmacists or they can be illegal drugs that have been produced and distributed illegally. Prescribed drugs are usually safe providing that the person using them is the person whom they have been prescribed to! However, even prescribed drugs can be abused. But why do people use drugs in the first place and what are the risks? Keep reading to find out…
Even though using, handling and being in possession of drugs is illegal, they are still widely available. Those who choose to take drugs may do so for a variety of reasons. People might take drugs for enjoyment because they believe they will have a better time than they would otherwise do sober. They may be being pressured into it by friends, someone they are in a relationship with or someone they look up to. Others may just be curious and wanting to try something different. Drugs can also be a way for some people to cope or deal with a stressful or upsetting time in their life.
Different drugs have different effects on the user but they generally fall into three main categories:
But for these temporary effects there are serious risks which differ from one drug to the next.
To find out about all the different drugs and their effects and risks visit Talk to Frank. The problem is that all drugs carry risks and you can never really guarantee how you are going to react.
Another issue is that drugs are often ‘cut’ with other unknown substances such as other drugs or medicines to bulk them out so that drug dealers can make more money. You can never be sure exactly what it is you are putting into your body.
Whenever you decide to take a drug, you are taking a huge gamble which may, in worst case scenarios, cost you your life.
When all your friends are taking drugs around you, it’s sometimes hard to know what to do. You might think “Well if everyone else is doing it then it can’t be that bad”.
However, as we have mentioned above, everyone reacts to drugs differently and the effects of the same drug can vary from one day to the next depending on the strength of the drug and your mood.
If you are feeling pressured to take drugs and feeling uncomfortable, the best thing to do is to remove yourself from the situation. If the people you are with are friends, then they should understand you not wanting to join in.
Drugs aren’t cheap. You can end up spending a fortune, especially if you become dependent on one or more different substances.
When you use drug dealers, you’re not just involved with the person who sold you the drugs, you are dealing with the whole chain of dealers. So if it’s a friend selling you the drugs, they will have bought these from a dealer, who will have purchased them from someone else and so on. So if you can’t pay your friend, they may be hassled by their dealer, escalating the situation to someone who may use blackmail or even violence against you or your friend/dealer putting your life in danger.
If you aren’t able to pay, how will you ensure you get the money to pay your debt? Stealing, lying to your family or a friend to get cash?
There’s loads of help out there to support those who want to stop taking drugs. It doesn’t matter how regularly you use them, what you use, why or how you use it. The most important thing is that you have taken a huge step in knowing that you need and want help. Talk To Frank offer a range of support services. You can talk to them about you or someone you know by phone, email, text or instant messenger.
Talk To FrankDrug dealers can come from all walks of life from young children or teenagers to adults or even parents. You may notice that they are going out frequently to do ‘drop offs’, often at night time, arranging to meet someone unfamiliar for a matter of minutes, either in a car or in person. They may also have a lot of cash lying around or on hand. A drug dealer may appear to know a lot of people from various friendship groups.
Concerned about a friend?