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Drugs

Drugs and Alcohol FAQs

Can sniffing solvents kill instantly?

  • Sniffing or spraying gas into the mouth can kill you instantly.
  • Sniffing harmful substances kills your brain cells and if sniffed everyday over many years can even shrink your brain. This can affect your ability to perform everyday activities like walking talking and thinking.
  • Long-term abuse can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

What are the daily amounts of alcohol for men and women?

Men 3-4 units

Women 2-3

What are class A drugs?

These include, cocaine and crack (a form of cocaine), ecstasy, heroin, LSD, methadone, magic mushrooms and any Class B drug that is injected.

What are class B drugs?

These include amphetamine, barbiturates, and codeine.

What are class C drugs?

These include cannabis (in resin, oil or herbal form), amphetamines, anabolic steroids, ketamine, GHB and minor tranquillisers.

Can you get arrested for possession of cannabis if you are under 18?

Cannabis is illegal; it’s a C drug.

If you are caught with cannabis:

  • If you are under 18 you will be arrested. If you are over 18 you might be arrested, or given a warning. The drug will be confiscated.
  • The maximum penalty is a two-year prison sentence. For less serious cases you are likely to get a warning or a reprimand. This goes on your record and if you get caught again you could end up in court.
  • You can be arrested even if you are only carrying a very small amount.
  • Blatant smoking in public, or repeat offending, will also result in an arrest.
  • Drug driving is as illegal as drink driving. You could go to prison, get a heavy fine or be disqualified.
  • People who grow cannabis in their homes will be arrested and prosecuted and might be charged with ‘intent to supply’ which has the same penalties as dealing.
  • Allowing people to take cannabis in your house or any other premises is illegal.
  • If the police catch someone smoking cannabis in a club they can prosecute the landlord, club owner or person holding the party.
  • A drug conviction could mess up your chances of getting your ideal job.

If you are caught dealing cannabis:

  • The police will consider this a much more serious offence than possession. It’s a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
  • Sorting out your mates with cannabis is still seen as dealing.

What help and support is on offer if a friend/relative or I need advice about drugs and alcohol?

If a needle that may have been used by a user pricks me what do I do?

  • Don’t panic
  • Do not suck the wound
  • Encourage it to bleed
  • Clean the wound
  • Cover it with a dressing
  • Go to accident and emergency immediately

What does GHB mean?

Gammahydroxybutyrate – GHB is a class C drug GHB is a colourless, odourless liquid but sometimes comes as tablets.

The strength of GHB can vary greatly from bottle to bottle so it may be very difficult to know how much is being taken A number of people have been rushed to hospital after taking GHB and recently a few deaths have been associated with consuming large amounts or with alcohol.