FAQ’s

Disclaimer

All materials contained on these FAQ pages have been used with the kind permission of the Talk to Frank web site which is run by the Department of Health.

`How long will a drug stay in my system?`

This depends on which drug you are talking about and what method is being used to test for the drug. The list below shows the drug detection times (using a urine test) for the most common drugs:

Alcohol 12 - 24 hours Amphetamine 2 - 3 days Cannabis 2 – 7 days – 1 month (for regular users) Cocaine 12 hours – 3 days Crystal Meth 2 - 3 days Diazepam 1 - 2 days Ecstasy 2 - 4 days GHB up to 24 hours Heroin 1 - 2 days Ketamine 5 - 7 days LSD 2 - 3 days Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin) up to 8 hours Methadone 2 days Steroids 14 days (oral) - 1 month (injected) Temazepam 1 - 2 days (longer after injecting)

`Why is mixing drugs dangerous?`

By mixing drugs you increase the chances of having a bad time. The effects of the drugs might be greatly increased, the drugs might interact in an unexpected way or one drug may stop part of your body working properly which makes the other drug(s) that have been taken more dangerous.
Mixing heroin or tranquillisers and alcohol
 ‘Downer’ drugs like this slow down your heart rate and breathing. Overdose is much more likely when these drugs are combined, as they make the ’downer’ effect even stronger and can have fatal consequences.
Mixing cocaine and alcohol
 Produces a highly toxic substance in the body called cocaethylene that effects your heart and stays in your system longer than cocaine alone.
Mixing a stimulant (e.g. cocaine or speed) and alcohol
 These both put pressure on the heart, and use of a substance that has opposing effects may allow an increase in the total amount of alcohol/stimulant consumed; and this may increase the risk of heart attack.
Mixing stimulants with stimulants
 Sometimes, the effects of a stimulant don’t kick in straight away so people may take something else too quickly. This can give an unpleasant overdose effect but could also put a serious strain on the heart.
Mixing ecstasy and cannabis
 Sometimes people take cannabis to take the edge off an ecstasy trip. But instead of calming you down, it could make you more anxious and paranoid.
Mixing heroin and cocaine use
 Known as a ‘speedball’, this can be a deadly combination.

`What are the different ways of testing for drugs?`

There are many different tests for finding out if someone has taken drugs in the last few days or even weeks and some more accurate than others, but most drugs can be detected. The tests differ in:
how accurate they are
the test procedure and what they test – the most common sample tested is urine, but hair, blood, saliva and sweat can also be tested,
how specific they are – some tests can be positive if certain foods or legal medicines have been consumed, and the drugs that they detect
 
Additionally, the type of drug and length of time since the drug was taken affects whether the test being used will detect the drug or not.

It is important to remember that it is possible for a test to give a false positive or negative result.

`What are the effects of drugs?`

Drugs can be broadly divided into three categories based on their main effects.

They may act solely as stimulants, depressants or hallucinogens. Quite a few drugs show two of these effects at the same time, and are then described either as stimulant hallucinogens (e.g. ecstasy) or as depressant hallucinogens (e.g. cannabis).

Stimulants make you feel like you have lots of energy and confidence. They include cocaine, speed, ecstasy, and mephedrone.

Depressants make you feel relaxed and chilled out. They include alcohol, tranquillisers, heroin and cannabis.

Hallucinogens can make you view reality in distorted way and sometimes cause vivid hallucinations. They include LSD and magic mushrooms.

In addition to these 3 broad categories, each particular drug has its own specific effects and risks.

When you obtain drugs anywhere other than from a reliable pharmacy, it can be difficult to say exactly what effects and risks the drug may have. A drug may be quite new and its harms may not yet be fully known, or the drug you are actually taking may not be what you believe it to be (e.g. both PMA and mephedrone have been sold as MDMA/ecstasy). Information on the known effects of each drug is available in the A-Z of drugs.

`Where do drugs come from?`

Drugs like cannabis and heroin come from plants. Other drugs are man-made in laboratories. How a drug is made and what other substances are added to it can vary from time to time and from place to place. You can’t be 100% sure of what you're getting when you use drugs obtained anywhere else except through a reliable pharmacy.

Even in the case of purely 'natural drugs' like magic mushrooms, there are risks (for example, unless you know what you’re doing you may pick mushrooms by mistake that are poisonous).

`What is the worst drug?`

All drugs are potentially dangerous and have varying effects on individuals, so it is not possible to name the worst drug. For more information on the effects and risks of various drugs go to the A-Z of drugs.

Some drugs are more highly addictive (e.g. crack cocaine, heroin and tobacco); some are liable to cause dangerous immediate effects (such as the hyperthermia seen with ecstasy use or heart attacks with crack use); some can lead to specific long term physical damage (including crystal meth, ketamine and alcohol); and some drugs  can have a stronger psychological or psychiatric impact and might, for example, trigger onset of pre-existing mental conditions (with khat, amphetamine or cannabis known to have these effects). However, there's no way of you knowing beforehand the harmful effects to which you may be particularly sensitive.

`Can I get expelled from school or college for taking drugs?`

Yes, but your school or college does not have to automatically exclude you if they find out you have been taking drugs or have drugs on the school premises.  The school/college will have their own drug policy in place which will outline procedures to be taken.  They will also take into account the seriousness of the drug incident.

`Why is my child trying drugs?`

The reason for taking drugs is different for each individual. Social or personal issues can factor in. However, a big issue is peer pressure or wanting to fit in. So talk to your child openly and suggest some ways to build their confidence to avoid this kind of pressure.

`How long does cannabis stay in the body?`

You can still be affected by cannabis the day after smoking it, so if you use it regularly it is easy to see how you can become badly affected by it. The time for detecting cannabis use in a urine test is normally around 2-7 days. However, this can go up to a month for regular users.

`My child is experimenting with drugs, will they become an addict?`

It's natural to feel anxious and concerned. The most important thing is not to panic.

There's no strong evidence to suggest that young people who experiment will become regular drug users. For example, only a small minority of people who use  cannabis move on to other drugs.
Arm yourself with the facts (explore the FRANK site), so you can begin to have an open conversation with your child about drugs.

`Will I have to pay for treatment?`

Community based and inpatient treatment is usually offered free of charge from the NHS or other charities. Residential rehabilitation is commonly funded with community care funds from local authority budgets, and may only be provided for selected cases that are considered suitable. You can double check by contacting your local service directly. Use our services directory to find the details of your local service.

`What is the drug classification system?`

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, illegal drugs are placed into one of 3 categories - Class A, B or C - broadly based on their harmfulness either to the user or to society when they are misused.  The class into which a drug is placed affects the maximum penalty for an offence involving the drug – e.g. Class A drugs attract the most severe penalty as they are considered likely to cause the most serious harm. Drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act are illegal to have, produce, give away or sell.
Class A drugs include: heroin (diamorphine), cocaine (including crack), methadone, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, and magic mushrooms.
Class B includes: amphetamines, barbiturates, codeine, cannabis, cathinones (including mephedrone) and synthetic cannabinoids.
Class C includes: benzodiazepines (tranquilisers), GHB, ketamine, anabolic steroids, GBL and benzylpiperazines (BZP).
 
Not all drugs are illegal, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t harmful. For example, tobacco and alcohol can seriously damage your health. And recently new 'legal highs' have been developed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy but are structurally different enough to avoid being classified as illegal substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, they can still have dangerous side effects.

`How do I talk to my child about drugs?`

In general, most young people, especially those under 16, trust their parents and will respond to any information and support you offer. However, as teenagers get older the culture gap may widen and communication may be more difficult. This does not mean you should not try. Before you do talk to your child about drugs, make sure you have accurate, up-to-date information about different types of drugs [see the A-Z] and make the time to have the conversation. Listen to what your child says and try to ensure a two-way conversation. Remember, although the risks are real, most young people who take drugs do so safely and without getting into trouble.

A step-by-step guide can be found at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/drugs/Pages/Drugsandyourkids.aspx As a parent, you may also find it useful to hear other parents’ experiences of dealing with the same issue. Websites such as Family Lives (Familylives.org), or Netmums (www.netmums.com), for mums and dads, provides opportunities to chat with other parents when you have questions or are facing a challenge.

`Does ‘tough love’ work?`

Many drug users are able to overcome their drug use with the proper help and support, before their drug use has done them, or their family and friends, any serious harm. Some drug users aren’t able to achieve this, or sustain improvements for any length of time. It may be necessary to make difficult decisions but there are a range of supports available to carers. Groups such as Adfam, Addiction and Families Anonymous provide information and support for drug users and their families and friends.

`How can I get someone sectioned? And does it actually work?`

Arranging a mental health assessment for someone who may be reluctant can be a difficult process to go through, so get some professional advice first. Any suitable alternatives to sectioning are always considered.

The process for detaining someone in hospital for mental health problems begins with an application. This is based on the recommendations of two medical professionals and other information required for each individual case.

Although the police can make an arrest in appropriate circumstances, they don't have the power to detain someone in a psychiatric hospital and still need to contact a medical professional. The police can consider use of an emergency power to remove someone from a public place to a place of safety for further psychiatric assessment.

`How do I help a family member who is taking drugs?`

Dealing with a family member who is taking drugs can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if they do not see their drug use as an issue and do not want to stop. Groups such as Adfam, Addiction and Families Anonymous provide information and support for drug users and their families and friends.

The best thing that you can do is to be there for them, to support and encourage them to change. But be careful as they may see this as ‘nagging’ and become upset, or may try to take advantage, e.g. to borrow money, etc.

You should also consider your own needs – the pressure may seem so great that you stop seeing your friends and stop going to school or college.  External support is available for both yourself and your family member. For more information see: http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/young/young/Pages/Overview.aspx

`Who can I talk to about legal issues around drugs?v`

Citizen’s Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk and Community Legal Advice www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk (0845 345 4 345) are good forms of information and support.

`What long-term damage does cannabis cause?`

The regular use of cannabis is known to be associated with an increase in the risk of later developing psychotic illnesses including schizophrenia. If you have a family background of mental illness, you may have an increased risk of developing a psychotic illness using cannabis.

Regular users may find they lack motivation in their day-to-day lives, lose interest in things and lose touch with their friends. Also it is reported that frequent use of cannabis may affect the fertility of men and women.

Like tobacco, cannabis has lots of chemical 'nasties'. These can cause lung disease and possibly cancer with long-term or heavy use. Cannabis can also make asthma worse, and cause wheezing in non-asthma sufferers.

Cannabis is often mixed with tobacco and smoked without a filter so the health risks of tobacco have to be taken in to account too.

`What are ‘hot rocks’?`

These are small bits of cannabis that fall out of the joint/spiff when it is smoked and can burn a hole in whatever they land on.

`Is Cannabis harmless?`

Cannabis use can lead to a number of harms including anxiety and poor coordination, and it may trigger mental health problems in those at risk.

Regular use is associated with an increase in the risk of later developing psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, and can lead to dependence (a habit).

`My friend is using cannabis - is there anything I can do?`

Talking to them is a good place to start. But be careful how you do this as drugs can be a sensitive topic to bring up.

Also, you may want to let them know about the risks of using cannabis:
You can become psychologically dependent
It can lead to isolation and a lack of motivation
Its illegal and you risk getting in trouble with the law
 
A good way to phrase the info above could be, 'Did you know that...' It may be helpful to ask what your friend might want to change or to achieve in their life – and explore with them if changing their cannabis use might have a role in this. If you don't feel comfortable talking to them, then perhaps encourage them to call FRANK or visit this site.

`What does cannabis do?`

It can make some people feel chilled out, relaxed and happy. Some may get the giggles or become talkative, and some people may feel worried, anxious, suspicious, panicky and paranoid.

`Does smoking cannabis make you stupid?`

Cannabis can impair brain function. This can especially be a problem in young people who use cannabis regularly when their brains are still developing rapidly, and at a key stage of learning. Regular, heavy use makes it difficult to learn and concentrate and research has linked cannabis use to poor exam results, due to interference with the parts of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

`Is today’s cannabis stronger than that smoked in the past?`

The most common form of cannabis used today, often referred to as skunk, is on average around 2-4 times stronger than the herbal cannabis that wasused in the 1960s and through to the early 1990s. It is possible this has increased some of the risks of using it.

`Will smoking cannabis mean that I will use other drugs?`

Maybe. Some people believe that cannabis is a ‘gateway’ drug and that using cannabis will lead to using other drugs like cocaine and heroin. But there is no universal agreement on this and many people who have used cannabis do not go on to use other drugs.  If you have used cannabis from a young age or tended to use more heavily than others, you might also be at greater risk with other drugs.

`Is it legal to buy cannabis seeds in the UK?`

Yes, cannabis seeds can be used in birdseed or as bait in fishing. But, it is illegal to grow cannabis seeds into plants.

`What’s the difference between resin, herbal and skunk?`

Resin/hash is a black/brown lump made from the resin of the plant and often feels squidgy.

Herbal cannabis (grass or weed) is generally made from the dried leaves and flowering parts of the female plant and looks like tightly packed dried herbs.

Skunk is a general term given to stronger forms of cannabis that contain more THC, cannabis’s active ingredient, than resin or more traditional herbal cannabis.

`Can you get a prescription for cannabis in the UK?`

No. Cannabis is not a medicinal product and is not licensed as a medicine in the UK. The government say they have  no plans to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes, as cannabis has a number of acute and chronic health effects, such as the possibility of developing mental health problems.

`Is cannabis good for creativity?`

There is no conclusive evidence to support this but it may have this effect for some people, some of the time. However, cannabis is a sedative drug, one that can reduce motivation and that can affect concentration. So, it’s also likely to reduce creativity in some.

`Why isn’t cannabis legal for MS/cancer/etc patients?`

Cannabis is not a medicinal product and is not licensed as a medicine in the UK. . The government say they have no plans to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes, as cannabis has a number of acute and chronic health effects, such the possibility of developing mental health problems.

However, a cannabis based oral spray medicine - Sativex” – has been licensed in the UK as an add-on treatment for people with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS).

`Will smoking cannabis make me ‘mad’?`

Cannabis can cause feelings of anxiety, suspicion, panic and paranoia but in those with a pre-existing illness such as schizophrenia, it can contribute to a serious relapse.

If you have a family background of mental illness, you may have an increased risk of developing a psychotic illness using cannabis.

The regular use of cannabis is also known to be associated with an increase in the risk of later developing psychotic illnesses including schizophrenia.

`Is cannabis good for creativity?`

There is no conclusive evidence to support this but it may have this effect for some people, some of the time. However, cannabis is a sedative drug, one that can reduce motivation and that can affect concentration. So, it’s also likely to reduce creativity in some.

`I feel pressured into smoking cannabis, what can I do?`

It’s easy to think you’re the only one who has not experimented with drugs, but the reality is that most young people don’t take drugs. In fact, only 1 in 6 people aged 16-24 used cannabis in 2010/11 and its use has been falling for a number of years.

Prepare yourself now by thinking through how you want to respond and behave when someone offers you cannabis.  It may help to share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust.

Say no firmly but clearly and without making a big deal about it. If they try to persuade you, don’t feel like you have to change your mind.

`How can I help my friend/relative deal with their cannabis use?`

You can talk to them and explain why you are worried about their cannabis use. There is also an online self-help tool for people who want to cut down/stop using cannabis.

Local services can provide in-depth help and support for people using cannabis and those affected by someone else’s cannabis use.

If they aren’t ready to try either of those, suggest they talk to FRANK on 0800 776600.

`What is hemp?`

Hemp is a fibre made from cannabis plants. It can be used to make rope, paper and fabrics. It contains little or no THC (the active ingredient in cannabis).

`What are hash cakes?`

Cakes that have had cannabis added to them.

`What does cannabis smell like?`

It has a musky smell, some of the more potent types of cannabis can have a stronger smell but this is not a reliable guide to the strength of any particular batch.

`Where does cannabis come from?`

Cannabis is often described as a weed and can grow in a variety of environments. Imported herbal cannabis commonly comes from North Africa. In the UK, cannabis is increasingly being grown using specialised equipment – lamps, , fertiliser, etc.

`How can I stop smoking cannabis?`

There is also an online self-help tool for people who want to cut down/stop using cannabis.

Local services can provide in-depth help and support for people using cannabis and those affected by someone else’s cannabis use.

And of course you can call FRANK on 0800 776600 for confidential advice.

`What does cannabis look like?`

Herbal (weed, grass, skunk) cannabis looks like dried green/brown herbs, but resin (hash) cannabis looks like a black/brown oxo cube.

`Will I get criminal record if I get caught with cannabis? What will the police do if I’m caught with cannabis on me?`

If you’re caught with even a small amount of cannabis, the police will confiscate it and you can be arrested. What the police will do depends on the circumstances and how old you are.

Usually, you’ll get a cannabis warning if you’re 18 and over. If you’re under 18, you’ll get a reprimand and your parent or guardian will also be contacted. The police are more likely to arrest you if you are blatantly smoking in public and/or have been caught with cannabis before.

If you’re under 18, the second time you get caught you’re likely to get a final warning and be referred to a Youth Offending Team. If you’re 18 and over, the second time you get caught you’re likely to get a Penalty Notice of Disorder, which is an on-the-spot fine of £80. This gets logged on the Police National Computer.

Regardless of how old you are, if you’re caught with cannabis for a third time it’s likely you will be arrested. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis is five years in prison plus an unlimited fine.

Dealing is a very serious offence, in the eyes of the law. This includes giving drugs to friends. People who grow cannabis in their homes or carry larger amounts on them also risk being charged with intent to supply. The maximum penalty for supply is 14 years in prison plus an unlimited fine.

`How long does cocaine last in the body?`

The effects of cocaine powder wear off quite quickly in 20-30 minutes (even faster with crack cocaine). You can still be affected with a come-down the day after you use cocaine. The detection time for evidence of recent cocaine use in a urine test is 12 hours to 3 days.

`Is it true that cocaine was once used as a medicine? And used in Cola?`

Yes. Cocaine is made from the coca plant, and coca leaves have been used by people living in South America for hundreds of years. In the 19th and early 20th century, cocaine was available without prescription and used as a pain-killer and local anaesthetic. It was also added to drinks as flavouring or to provide energy or act as a ‘pick-me-up’. The early version of Coca-cola is probably the best known example of these drinks.

`What will the police do if I’m caught with cocaine?`

Cocaine is a Class A drug. This means that it is illegal to have, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to seven years in jail, while supplying someone else, including your friends, can get you life in prison and an unlimited fine.

`Should I use ‘legal highs’ instead of cocaine?`

No. Just because a drug is called a ‘legal high’ doesn’t mean that it’s safe. There has been little useful research into the short, medium and long-term risks of the various legal highs. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that they are far from harmless and can have similar health risks to drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and speed (amphetamine).

Risks of legal highs can include a wide range of effects depending on whether they are stimulants like cocaine, depressant drugs like cannabis, or hallucinogenic drugs like magic mushrooms. These include agitated and paranoid states, reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, coma, seizures, and death. The risks are usually increased if they are used with alcohol or other drugs.

Some legal highs have been found  to contain controlled substances meaning they’re actually illegal to possess.

`What does cocaine look like?`

A white powder.

`What other substances is cocaine cut with?`

Most of the time cocaine is cut to add extra bulk so that the dealer can make more money. Cocaine can be cut with many different substances, some of which can be harmful:
Food colourings or flavoured powder milk, which gives the cocaine a unique colour.
Other cheaper stimulants, which provide a cocaine like buzz, e.g. speed, and caffeine.
Other pain killers and anaesthetics, to simulate the ‘numbing’ effect of cocaine, e.g. lidocaine or phenacetin, which can cause cancers.
Inert whitish powders, which are inactive, e.g. baking soda.
Any other whitish powder, which may have unexpected side effects, e.g. laxatives and veterinary worming tablets.

`Why is mixing cocaine and alcohol a problem?`

Using alcohol and cocaine together can be particularly dangerous as they interact in the body to produce a toxic chemical, cocaethylene.

Cocaethylene stays in the body much longer than cocaine or alcohol alone, and this increases the damage that is done to the heart and liver.

`What does cocaine do?`

Cocaine powder (coke) is in a form that dissolves easily and so can be snorted through the nose. It is not easy to smoke the powder, unlike crack cocaine.

Coke can make users feel on top of the world, wide-awake, confident and on top of their game, but some people become over-confident on it, taking careless risks and some become paranoid and aggressive. Cocaine can raise the body’s temperature, make the heart beat faster and reduce feelings of hunger. After a big night on cocaine, it's not unusual for people to feel like they have the flu.

Crack is a highly addictive form of cocaine when smoked. It produces more intense but more short-lived effects than snorted coke, so it is easier to get addicted more quickly to it. However, the main effects and risks of crack inside the body are otherwise exactly the same as cocaine powder.

`What long-term damage does cocaine do to my body?`

You can become addicted to cocaine, meaning that you crave and need more and more cocaine. If this happens cocaine use can become an expensive habit to keep and can spiral out of control. You may lose your job, home; and your relationships with friends and family can be damaged or destroyed.

Cocaine can make you feel depressed and run down after using it. It can bring previous mental health problems to the surface. You can develop serious problems with anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks. Large or frequent use of coke tends to knock sexual desire on the head.

Cocaine is highly risky for anybody with high blood pressure or a heart condition. Perfectly healthy, young people can have a fit or heart attack after taking too much coke and you may not know you’ve got a pre-existing heart condition.

`Where does cocaine come from?`

Mainly from South America – with the majority of cocaine produced in Colombia.

`My child has been on heroin for years, what can I do?`

Dealing with a child that has a serious drug problem can be an emotional rollercoaster.

The withdrawal symptoms from heroin can be very severe and it may take several attempts before your child successfully break their addiction even with medical support. Remember, your child must WANT to stop using drugs first. There are however, many different methods of treatment and support groups which your child can use to encourage them.

You may also want to look into support groups for family members. This is a good opportunity for you to voice your feelings and see how others are coping.

`Will using cocaine damage my nose?`

Yes. Over time, sniffing cocaine will often damage the cartilage in your nose. Cartilage separates the nostrils and it is not unknown for heavy users to lose their cartilage and end up with just one big nostril.

`My friend took drugs once - will they become an addict?`

The chance of getting hooked after taking drugs only once is extremely low.

People who are addicted/dependent usually:
Have taken the drug regularly
Continue to need a regular supply of it
Have not been able successfully to cut down or stop
Will do things they normally wouldn't do to get the drug (such as committing crimes like stealing, running up debts or buying medicines from multiple chemists).
 
Sometimes people who are addicted or dependent don’t believe they are or won’t admit it. So, if you think your friend has a problem and you want to help them, think about how you're going to approach the topic and what you’re going to say. It could be a sensitive subject for them and you don’t what to put them off. They may not listen to you at first – but don’t let this put you off.

`I feel pressured into using cocaine, what can I do? How can I go out and socialise with friends and not use cocaine?`

It’s easy to think you’re the only one who has not experimented with drugs, but the reality is that most young people don’t take drugs.

Prepare yourself now by thinking through how you want to respond and behave when someone offers you cocaine.  It may help to share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust.

Say ‘No’ firmly but clearly, and without making a big deal about it. If they try to persuade you, don’t feel like you have to change your mind.

If you’re finding it hard to be yourself within your group, take a step back, and think about whether it’s time to find a new crowd and friends to hang out with.

`My friends all smoke cannabis. If I stop does that mean that I can’t hang out with them anymore?`

It can be difficult to enjoy yourself in those circumstances. If you’re finding it hard to be yourself within your group, take a step back, and think about whether it’s time to find other friends to hang out with for at least some of the time.

`What is a bong?`

A pipe for smoking cannabis.

`Why am I being tested for drugs?`

Drug use, including alcohol and certain medicines, can affect your ability to concentrate and perform work properly; so employers may test, for certain jobs, due to concerns about safety. Some employers also feel that any illegal activity that their staff are involved in reflects badly on the company. Those receiving drug treatment may have been tested initially to confirm problem use, and then to check compliance with treatment and as a basis to recognise and reward success.

`How much does cocaine cost?`

The average price in the UK is £42 per gram.

`How is cannabis used?`

In the UK, it’s normally mixed with tobacco and smoked in a self-rolled cigarette (called a joint or spliff), but some people use pipes or add cannabis to food, e.g. cakes or biscuits.

`What happens if I refuse to take the test? What happens if I test positive?`

Citizen’s Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk and Community Legal Advice www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk (0845 345 4 345) are good forms of information and support.

`What are legal highs?`

Legal Highs’ are substances which produce the same, or similar effects, to drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, but are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are considered illegal to sell, supply or advertise for “human consumption” under current medicines legislation. To get round this sellers will refer to them as research chemicals, plant food, bath crystals or pond cleaner.

`Does cocaine really reduce your sex drive and make your bits smaller?`

Cocaine can increase your sexual desire and energy, but excessive use can lead to a reduced or absent sex drive – as the desire for the drug dominates. Problems with sex drive are reversible on stopping use and during recovery from dependence.

`How can I help my friend/relative/parent deal with their cocaine use?`

You can talk to them and explain why you are worried about their cocaine use. Also, local services can provide in-depth help and support for people using cocaine and those affected by someone else’s cocaine use. And of course you can always suggest they call FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 for friendly, confidential advice.

`How do I help a family member who is taking drugs?`

Dealing with a family member who is taking drugs can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if they do not see their drug use as an issue and do not want to stop. Groups such as Adfam, Addiction and Families Anonymous provide information and support for drug users and their families and friends.

The best thing that you can do is to be there for them, to support and encourage them to change. But be careful as they may see this as ‘nagging’ and become aggressive or may try to take advantage, e.g. to borrow money, etc.

You should also consider your own needs – the pressure may seem so great that you stop seeing your friends and stop going to school or college. External support is available for both yourself and your family member. For more information see: http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/young/young/Pages/Overview.aspx.

`I’ve spent all my money on cocaine, what can I do?`

Organisations like the Citizen’s Advice Bureau can provide financial advice and explain what options are available to you if you can’t pay your rent, food bills, etc. Depending on the amount, and crucially whether you are going to continue spending on cocaine, you might be able to borrow money from family and/or friends to help you move on. Remember though, friends and family may feel genuinely worried that lending you money could just make things worse longer-term, and might refuse.

`Isn’t cocaine use a victimless crime?`

No. Cocaine is mostly sold by criminal gangs who use the money they make to fund other illegal activities, which devastates many lives.

And growing of illegal cocaine crops causes massive environmental damage, including the destruction of unique habitats – especially in Colombia’s forests and national parks. Animals, fish and plant life in Colombia are under growing threat as tropical rain forest is destroyed and millions of litres of toxic fertilisers are leaked into the water system every year.

`How can I stop my friend taking lots of drugs?`

A good thing to do is to encourage your friend to stay away from situations or places which might entice them – such as the pub or a mate's house. Rather, show them some other things to do to keep themselves busy. Try exercising or a trip to the cinema.

Also, it never hurts to remind your friend that you're always around if they want to talk about it.

`What does cocaine taste/smell like?`

Cocaine has a bitter ‘chemical’ taste and smell.

`What is addiction?`

Addiction (or dependence), is when an individual has a psychological desire to keep on using a drug even though it may be causing them harm. They may have clear cravings but they usually always find it hard to stop using. For many drugs, if you stop using after a period of regular use, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and this can become a cause of continued use and dependence.

Physical withdrawal symptoms will depend on which drug has been used – and whether it is depressant or stimulant. Quitting regular stimulant use tends to lead to the ‘opposite’ state – with for example lethargy and depression. Quitting regular depressant drug use tends to lead to the ‘opposite’ hyper-excitable state – for example with agitation and racing pulse. Commonly withdrawal effects can include irritability, mood changes, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, sweating, shaking and diarrhoea.

`Is treatment confidential?`

Drug treatment should be provided on a highly confidential basis. A health professional is only allowed to breach confidentiality in very limited situations – such as when there is a significant risk of harm to another person. Confidentiality should normally always be discussed at the initial assessment.

`What is involved in drug treatment?`

There are various treatment options available locally, which most often take place in the community. However, some are provided in inpatient or residential settings. Treatment options can involve:

Assessment

Brief interventions

1 to 1 counselling

Group work

Substitute prescribing

Advocacy and support

Alternative/complementary therapies and family therapy.

Every local service is different.

`Are prescription drugs safer to take than illegal drugs?`

Prescription drugs are usually very safe to take if you follow your doctor’s instructions and take the recommended dosage. If you ignore this and take enough to get a ‘high’, prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drugs.

Like illegal drugs, when you buy prescription drugs on the street you can never be sure that what you’re getting is genuine. Even if they are genuine, prescription drugs when taken excessively can have similar side effects and problems as illegal drugs.

`What can I do if I feel under pressure to do drugs?`

You’re not alone! It’s easy to think you’re the only one who has not experimented with drugs. The reality is that most people your age  don’t take drugs and you’re in the majority.

Talk to someone: FRANK, a parent or sibling, or a close friend who isn’t offering you drugs.  If someone is offering you drugs, try to understand their reasons for doing so. That should help you find the right way to tell them you don’t want to do drugs. 

Drugs can have a bad effect on your mental and physical health and your education. Think carefully about your own reasons for not wanting to do them.  Find an explanation that you’re comfortable with and are happy to share with others.  Stick to your guns. If you keep saying ’No’ – people will stop asking.  Try to avoid people and places where you are likely to be offered drugs.

Read more about dealing with pressure.

`Is it true that some painkillers and cold and cough medicines can get you high?`

Yes. Some painkillers and cold and cough medicines do contain drugs that can get you high. But when they are combined with other drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol, if you do take enough to get high you also risk potentially toxic and even fatal doses of the paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.

`How do I know if I have a problem with drugs?`

If you are using more than usual, can’t control your use or are even beginning to question your own use, you should talk to someone about your drug use. FRANK is available 24/7 and provides confidential information, advice and support on 0800 77 66 00.If you are using more than usual, can’t control your use or are even beginning to question your own use, you should talk to someone about your drug use. FRANK is available 24/7 and provides confidential information, advice and support on 0800 77 66 00.

`My child has been on heroin for years, what can I do?`

Dealing with a child that has a serious drug problem can be an emotional rollercoaster.
 
The withdrawal symptoms from heroin are very severe and it may take several attempts before your child successfully breaks their addiction. Remember, your child must WANT to stop using drugs first. There are however, many different methods of treatment and support groups which your child can use.
 
You may also want to look into support groups for family members. This is a good opportunity for you to voice your feelings and see how others are coping.

`Are some people more likely to get addicted than others?`

Addiction (dependence) can affect individuals in different ways and is very complicated. There is no test to show if an individual will become addicted. A small number of people are genetically predisposed to addictive behaviour. If they use drugs, they are more likely than others to become addicted.

However, addiction to a drug is influenced broadly by 3 main factors – the drug, the person and the environment. Drug factors include the drug’s addictiveness, how long you’ve been using it and how much you normally use. Person factors include the role of genetic differences and the individual’s capacity to cope with stresses. And environmental factors include availability of work and social integration.

To discuss addiction further and any concerns that you may have about your own or another’s drug use please contact FRANK 24/7 on 0800 77 66 00.