Further information

What is a drug?

A drug is anything that affects the way the body works e.g. they can raise the heart rate or cause blurred vision. There are drugs which are useful, for example antibiotics like penicillin. However, there are many drugs which are dangerous if misused, and many are addictive or ‘habit-forming’.

The loss of control and judgement that can result from drug taking can lead to death from various other causes e.g. choking on vomit.

Drugs can be divided into a number of classes:

Stimulants

e.g. caffeine in tea and coffee, amphetamines, nicotine. These drugs give the feeling of boundless energy. However, users quickly become psychologically dependent, which can lead to changes in personality.

Hallucinogens

e.g. LSD, ecstasy. These also give the feeling of boundless energy, which can lead to overheating, dehydration and sometimes death.

Painkillers

e.g. heroin and morphine. These drugs are highly addictive and can lead to severe degeneration of a person’s life.

Depressants

e.g. alcohol, barbiturates. They slow down the nervous system, causing slow reactions and poor judgement of speed, distances etc.

Solvents

Found in a variety of substances e.g. glue, paint and aerosols. They cause hallucinations and can have a severe effect on personality and behaviour.

All the types of drugs mentioned can have effects on various organs e.g. nicotine in tobacco can damage the lungs, heart and blood vessels, and may result in diseases such as cancer, emphysema, bronchitis, heart attack and stroke.

If you stop taking drugs, including alcohol, following continuous and heavy consumption, you will observe withdrawal symptoms e.g. shaking, the ‘sweats’, hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that don't exist). Some people will experience withdrawal seizures. The worst form of withdrawal is called "DTs" (delirium tremens). DTs can be very serious.

If you are going to detox or reduce your consumption, it is advisable to get support from a trained professional such as a medical person or alcohol support group, see related pages and external links below. It is important to remember that detoxification is only the first step in the process of change.

Alcohol awareness

The government advise that women can drink 2-3 units of alcohol per day and men 3-4 units a day without damaging their health. It is recommended that everybody has two free days per week, and you should not store up your units to binge at the weekend.

A rough guide to units:

• 1 pint of normal strength beer contains 2 units (strong lagers contain up to 4.5 units);
• 1 25ml measure of spirits contains 1 unit of alcohol;
• 1 175ml glass of wine (12% abv*) contains 2 units and a 250ml glass contains 3 units;
• 1 330 ml Alcopop (4.5%-5.5% abv*) contains one and a half to 2 units;
• 1 440 ml can of strong lager (4.6%-6% abv*) contains 3 units.

*abv – alcohol by volume

Remember, home measures are often larger

Related pages on this website

• South Norfolk Crime Reduction Partnership
• Crime & community safety: useful links & numbers

External links

FRANK
Provides details on drugs, support for people who suspect someone of drug taking and how to get help, including a search facility to find organisations in your area.

Alcoholics Anonymous
Information and support for people with alcohol dependence.

Drinkline
A National helpline offering confidential advice.

Norcas
A drug and alcohol charity operating from teams based throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, who work with anyone experiencing problems with drugs including families and carers.

About links to other websites.