Drugs

For people who take them, illegal drugs can be a serious problem. They're responsible for between 1,300 and 1,400 deaths a year in Britain. But that's not the end of the damage that drugs do. They also wreck thousands of relationships, families, and careers.

Drug abuse has an impact on job productivity and attendance, possibly putting your job in jeopardy.

We all know to 'Say No'. But what are the reasons that people do take drugs. For young people it may simply be peer pressure. These youngsters are often not fully aware of the implications of their actions. Young people believe that they are immortal! For others it could be an escape for either a lonely or depressed person or maybe someone who is experiencing chronic pain. At Crawley Wellbeing we believe there is a need for understanding and support for people to find a different way to deal with their underlying problem in addition to coming off the drugs they take.

Why not start out by taking some easy self-assessment tests to find out more? Or find out what's on offer in Crawley? Click on the buttons below:

Some facts:

As most drugs are illegal there is no control as to what goes into them.

• Cannabis (puff, blow, spliff, dope - Marajuana: herb, bush, weed, grass, skunk)
  There's evidence of a link between cannabis and mental health problems, such as schizophrenia. Long-term use can cause lung disease and cancer. Cannabis use can also cause lack of motivation and paranoia
• Cocaine (crack, coke, charlie, snow, C)
  This is the second most commonly used drug, Cocaine is highly addictive. People who are young and healthy can have a fit or heart attack after taking too much coke. It can also cause panic attacks
• Ecstasy (E, XTC, pills, jubes, smarties, doves)
  Ecstasy can cause panic attacks or psychotic states. There have been over 200 ecstasy-related deaths in the UK since 1996 and ecstasy has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems
• Hallucinogens (LSD, magic mushrooms)
  Even possession can get you up to seven years in jail. The side-effects, which are random and occasionally very frightening, may include flashbacks
• Amphetamines (speed, billy, whizz, sulphate, pink champagne - Crystal Methamphetamine: meth ice, crystal)
  Amphetamines, also known as 'speed', are very addictive and the comedown can make you feel lousy and depressed. They put a strain on your heart and users have died from overdosing
• Legal Highs What are they? Substances which have the same or similar effects as drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy but are not covered by current misuse of drugs laws. However they are considered illegal under current medicines legislation to sell, supply or advertise them for human consumption. Sellers get round this by selling them as plant food, pond cleaner, bath crystals or research chemicals.
  
  Legal highs can carry very serious health risks. The chemicals used have not been tested to be used for human consumption and therefore we can not be sure of what they actually contain and the effects of taking them.

Risks/concerns

• Just because a drug is legal to possess this does not mean it is safe to use
  
• Reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, paranoia, excited states, coma, seizures and death
  
• These effects are increased if taken with alcohol or other drugs
  
• The drug itself maybe legal to possess but this does not mean it is safe
  
• There has been little research into the long, medium and short term effects of taking these drugs. Also as you do not really know what the ingredients/chemicals are the effects can be unpredictable
  

If you think you are having a serious negative reaction soon after taking a drug go straight to A&E at your nearest hospital.

The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute drug use to the development of drug-seeking behaviour, the vulnerability to relapse, and the decreased, slowed ability to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli.

If you have never been tempted to 'have a go' you are a very wise person. Don't think that just the once will not have a detrimental affect. The first time could be the last time or at least the start of a very damaging path to destruction.

The following can be signs that someone is taking drugs:
Irritability, anger, hostility, fatigue, agitation, anxiety, depression, psychosis (seeing or hearing things that are not there), lack of coordination, difficulty concentrating, declining grades, secrecy.

If you are worried or concerned that someone you know is taking drugs you can contact the government funded organisation 'Talk to Frank' who are available to talk to 24 hours a day. They offer complete confidentiality and do not require you to give 'real names'.

What are your options?

1. Contact us by telephone or by completing the online enquiry form. We will help you decide on where you can start.
2. Contact one of the following organisations direct

• contact crawley wellbeing - online enquiry form

Contacts	Telephone	Website
Crawley Addaction - Addaction is the UK's biggest drug & alcohol treatment charity and their services are both confidential and free.	Tel: 01293 657015	www.addaction.org.uk
Frank - 24 hour national drugs helpline offering free, confidential information on drugs also website with information and email question facility	Tel: 0800 77 66 00	www.talktofrank.com
The Roofie Foundation - offers advice on how to prevent your drink being spiked and what to do if you think your drink was spiked and you have been raped.		www.bullyonline.org/related/drugrape.htm