Tpyes of Drugs

Alcohol

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant drug which slows down body reactions and the working of the brain.
 

What are the effects of alcohol?

• There may be health benefits for some people from drinking alcohol. It is said to thin the blood and therefore reduce blood pressure.
• Small amounts usually help people to relax.
• Alcohol is a de-inhibitor - this means that someone who is drunk will do things they normally wouldn't if they were sober.
• How you feel depends on your mood and the situation. If you already feel down, alcohol tends to make you feel worse.
  
    

What are the problems associated with alcohol?

• Drinking leads to poor co-ordination and slurred speech. Really large amounts can result in double vision and loss of consciousness.
• Binge drinking (when you drink a lot in one go), particularly by young people, carries significant health risks.
• Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not drink more than 1 or 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week. 1 unit of alcohol is either ½ a pint of normal strength beer or cider, or a glass of wine. One pint of Stella Artois or Kronenbourg is 3 units.
• Alcohol can cause accidents and violence.
• Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can make it more difficult to remember about safe sex.
• Drinking alcohol can be very expensive.
• Death can occur when people lose consciousness and choke on their vomit.
• Fatal overdoses can also occur when people drink and take other drugs at the same time, especially "downer" drugs like heroin and tranquillisers.
• Alcohol can be physically and psychologically addictive.
• Each year there are over 25,000 deaths associated with alcohol in the UK alone.

Situations when you shouldn't drink.

• Any amount of alcohol will affect judgement and co-ordination.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Don't drink before swimming.
• Don't drink before using machinery or doing any other potentially dangerous tasks

Sensible drinking

The government guidelines on safer drinking are complex. Consumption of 3-4 units a day by most men and 2-3 units a day by women will not cause any significant health problems. This does not mean that you can "save up" on units, and drink all of your week's units in one session!

Your body needs time to recover from drinking alcohol. Allow yourself 2 or 3 alcohol-free days a week.

Alcohol and the law

• It is not illegal for anyone over 5 years of age to drink alcohol.
• It is illegal for licensees to sell alcohol to under 18s.
• 16 year olds can drink alcohol (but not spirits) in a pub if they are having a meal, and of course if the pub allows this.
• The police have the power to confiscate alcohol from anyone under the age of 18 who is drinking in public.
• Some town and city centres have introduced bye-laws that make it an offence to drink alcohol on the streets. This bye-law is operative in West Berkshire.

Cannabis (Marijuana)

 

cannabis spliffs

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a psychedelic drug. Cannabis comes from the plant cannabis sativa.
Cannabis resin is a green/brown block of compressed resin, prepared for smoking by heating and crumbling into a pipe or a spliff. Herbal cannabis is the leaves and flowers from a mature female cannabis plant. Sensimilla is grass without seeds and is much stronger than the ordinary grass. Skunk is one strain of Sensimilla, developed in northern California and cultivated using special lighting and irrigation (watering) systems.

Cannabis costs £10-£15 for an eighth of an ounce.

It is the most commonly used illicit drug in the UK.

How is it used?

The most common way of taking cannabis is to smoke it with tobacco in a "spliff", or "joint". Pipes, bottles, chillums, hot knives, buckets and bongs are also used to smoke cannabis. Cannabis can also be swallowed, usually by eating it in cakes or cookies, or making it into a brew.

What are its effects?

In small quantities, users find cannabis both relaxing and stimulating. The senses are enhanced and it improves the appetite. The drug is often used by a group as it enhances sociability. In larger quantities (or with stronger strains), cannabis may feel similar to LSD. Users may experience nausea, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia. The effects are usually easily controlled when smoked, but not as much when eaten.

What are the problems associated with cannabis?

Smoking cannabis can aggravate lung tissue and increases the chances of chest problems such as bronchitis. Smoking cannabis has recently been linked with cancer. However, these reports have been challenged.
Smoking cannabis can trigger underlying mental health problems in some people.
Cannabis makes the reflexes slower, so do not operate dangerous machinery, or drive. Cannabis can affect short-term memory making conversation, study or work more difficult.

Is it addictive?

Cannabis is not physically addictive, but some people become psychologically addicted to the drug. If cannabis is smoked with tobacco, the nicotine in tobacco is addictive and causes cancer.

Does cannabis use lead to using other drugs?

Cannabis use itself does not lead other drugs. Many people smoke cannabis their whole lives without ever using another illegal drug.

Cannabis and the law.

Cannabis is a class C drug. The maximum sentence for possessing cannabis is 2 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for supplying cannabis (which includes passing a joint to a friend) is 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. It is illegal to cultivate cannabis or to allow premises you are responsible for to be used for smoking cannabis. Cannabis can be detected in urine for up to 6 weeks

Cocaine and Crack

 

cocaine

 

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a white powder (cocaine hydrochloride) derived from the cocoa plant.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug, like amphetamine (speed), but much shorter acting.
Crack cocaine is made by chemically altering cocaine powder to form crystals or "rocks".Cocaine powder can cost between £40 and £60 for a gram. A "rock" of crack can cost anything from £5 to £25.

How is it used?

Cocaine powder is usually snorted up the nose. It can also be injected. Crack is smoked. The effects are similar, but each method has different risks and intensities. When cocaine is snorted, the effects come on gradually and peak after 15-30 minutes. When cocaine is injected the effects are felt almost instantly and much more intensely. When crack is smoked the effects are felt instantly but wear off very quickly.

What are its effects?

It causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. It also leads to alertness, exhilaration and feelings of well-being and confidence.
These effects are usually more intense when cocaine is injected or smoked as crack

What are the problems associated with cocaine?

Cocaine and crack are physically and mentally addictive. A common problem is spending too much money on it and getting into debt. Injecting is a very dangerous way of using cocaine, for a number of reasons:
*The possibility of overdose increases because the drug reaches the brain very quickly.
*Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream. This can cause septicaemia and other infections
*Repeated injections can damage veins, leading to abscesses and thrombosis.
*Sharing injecting equipment can cause hepatitis and HIV.

Cocaine and crack use can become compulsive. The after effects can include depression, agitation, anxiety and paranoia. The intensity of these problems depends on how much and how often cocaine is used. These problems are usually more intense when crack is used. Smoking crack can lead to breathing problems and damage to the lungs. Excessive use or high doses can cause an epileptic fit, a stroke or heart attack. Repeated sniffing causes damage to the membranes in the nose.

Cocaine and the law.

Cocaine is a class A drug.
The maximum sentence for possession of cocaine or crack is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for supplying cocaine (this includes giving some to a friend) is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Cocaine or crack can be detected in the urine or up to 3 days.

Crystal Meth

What is Crystal meth?

Methylamphetamine (commonly referred to as methamphetamine) is one of a group of a psychostimulant drugs called amphetamines that act on the brain and nervous system.

How is it used?

Illicit methylamphetamine is produced in tablet, powder, or crystalline forms. These products are taken orally, snorted or can be prepared for injection, but unlike amphetamine, methylamphetamine can also be smoked.

The powder is sometimes referred to as 'crystal meth', but this term is more often used for the purer crystalline form, also known as 'ice', 'glass', 'tina' and 'christine'.

What are the effects?

Methylamphetamine can bring on a feeling of exhilaration and produces increased arousal and activity levels. It also reduces tiredness and suppresses appetite. It causes a rapid heart rate and a rise in blood pressure, and the higher the dose the greater these effects.

Other acute effects reported include agitation, paranoia, confusion and violence.

As with other amphetamines, methylamphetamine is a drug that affects the brain reward pathways and use can lead to the need to take more to achieve the same effects (tolerance) and can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Using the drug by intravenous injecting or by smoking is particularly liable to lead to such addiction.

Smoking the purer crystalline form (also known as 'crystal meth' or 'ice') produces a very intense 'rush' similar to that produced by crack cocaine but longer-lasting - between 4 and 12 hours. This is highly reinforcing and can quickly become highly addictive. The greater potency of the 'ice' form, particularly when smoked, makes it a greater threat than other forms of methylamphetamine.

What are the risks?

Methylamphetamine-induced psychosis has been widely reported in countries where there is epidemic use.

In cases of overdose, stroke, pulmonary, renal and gastrointestinal disorders are also seen, and coma and death can occur.

Methylamphetamine use can be associated with injecting drug use and sharing of paraphernalia. Using the drug may also increase libido and risky sexual behaviour and thereby increasing the risk of blood born virus transmission in some.

The law

Like other forms of amphetamine (such as speed) Crystal Meth is currently a Class B drug - illegal to have, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to 5 years in jail, and supply up to 14 years.

However, as Crystal Meth is considered to be more potent and harmful than speed and other Class B drugs, it will soon be reclassified to Class A. Penalties will get tougher, with up to seven years in jail for possession and life for supply (and/or an unlimited fine).

Ecstasy

 

ecstasy pills

 

Ecstasy usually comes in a tablet form, occasionally a capsule and very rarely as a powder. Tablets change from week to week and counterfeit tablets are sold widely, so descriptions and "brand names are pointless). The majority of drugs sold as "ecstasy" do not contain MDMA (real ecstasy). According to police analysis many tablets contain either amphetamine (speed) other "MDMA type" drugs, LSD, Ketamine caffeine or a combination of drugs. Others have no drug content whatsoever.

What is Ecstasy?

The chemical name for ecstasy is 3,4 Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (Mee-thil-een-die-oxy-mee-thil-am-fet-am-een), or MDMA.

MDMA is a psychedelic stimulant, which means is stimulates the central nervous system, and also changes the users perceptions of things around them.

It is a member of the family of drugs that include amphetamine (speed).
It costs between £2-£10 for a tablet.

How is ecstasy used?

It is almost always swallowed, as a tablet or a capsule. It is very occasionally smoked, snorted or injected (for risks of injecting, see the info pages on Cocaine or Heroin.

What are the effects of ecstasy?

MDMA produces a relaxed, euphoric state without hallucinations. MDMA takes effects 20-40 minutes after taking a tablet with little rushes of exhilaration that can be accompanied by nausea. 60-90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak of the effects. Sensations are enhanced, music sounds better. Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the drug people can easily bring themselves down to deal with an important matter. The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is the sensation of understanding and accepting others. Users feel as though barriers of communication have disappeared and people feel less inhibited. The effects of "real" ecstasy can subside after 3-4 hours.

What are the problems associated with ecstasy?

It is not clear how MDMA affects the human brain; some research suggest that there could be a permanent change is brain chemistry as a result of taking the drug, other research contradicts this. It is unclear what dosage over what period of time would be needed to cause problems.

There have been around 100 ecstasy related deaths in the UK. The majority of deaths have been caused by ecstasy induced heatstroke. Taking real ecstasy will cause a rise in body temperature. In a small number of individuals this rise in body temperature together with the hot environment of a club or rave, energetic dancing, and not drinking enough water has resulted in death.

If talking ecstasy in a club, take breaks from dancing and sip water regularly (about 1 pint an hour). Water will only prevent dehydration - it is not an antidote to other things that can go wrong as a result of taking ecstasy.

Users often feel "down" a few days after taking MDMA. This is partly caused by MDMA's action on the brain, lack of sleep and suppressed appetite, so it is important to get plenty of sleep and to eat healthily. Ecstasy is not physically addictive. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people's lives and they become psychologically addicted to it.

Many users report they have had the best time they've ever had in their life, so repeating the experience will be very appealing. However, taken too often, tolerance will build up and it can lose its special appeal. Users may take more to try and prolong the effects or may even move onto other things.

Ecstasy and the law.

MDMA is a class A drug.

The maximum sentence for possession of ecstasy is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for supplying ecstasy (this includes giving some to a friend) is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

MDMA can be detected in the urine for about 2-4 days.

Heroin

 

wrap of heroin

 

What is heroin?

Heroin is a pain-killing drug made from the opium poppy. Other opiates with a similar effect include morphine, codeine, methadone, palfium, diconal and pethadine. Most street heroin in the UK is in the form of brown powder.

Heroin costs £20-£30 for half a gram.

How is heroin used?

Heroin can be sniffed, smoked (inhaled) or injected. The effects are similar, but each method has different risks. Smoking is safer as it enters the body gradually, so the dose can be more easily regulated.

What are the effects of heroin?

Heroin is a depressant drug. It relaxes the brain and slows down the heart and breathing. The user feels physically and mentally calm. At higher doses the user can become drowsy and fall asleep.

What are the problems with heroin?

Heroin is physically and psychologically addictive. If the user takes too much heroin, they can overdose, and their breathing will stop. The purity of heroin can vary, making it difficult to gauge the strength. The risk of overdosing increases if other drugs are used at the same time, especially "downers" like alcohol or tranquillisers.

Anyone using heroin regularly may experience:
*Tolerance - a need for larger doses to get the same effect;
*Withdrawal symptoms - runny nose, sweats, chills and cramps.
*A psychological craving for the drug.

What are the risks of injecting Heroin?

Injecting is the most dangerous way of using heroin because:
*The possibility of overdose increases because the drug reaches the brain very quickly.
*Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream. This can cause septicaemia and other infections
*Repeated injections can damage veins, leading to abscesses and thrombosis.
*Sharing injecting equipment can cause hepatitis and HIV.

What help is available for heroin users?

Many people stop using heroin without help. Withdrawal symptoms vary and rarely need medical help. Counselling, advice and support can help users. Other options include methadone prescribing, in-patient withdrawal and residential rehabilitation.

Heroin and the law.

Heroin is a class A drug.

The maximum sentence for possessing heroin is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for supplying heroin (including giving some to a friend) is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Heroin can be detected in urine for about 1-3 days.

Ketamine

 

wrap of ketamine

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a depressant, anaesthetic drug, legally produced for use in human and animal medicine. It comes as a liquid in its pure form, then is "cooked" to reduce it to a powder. Ketamine also has psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects (it is the only drug that has true hallucinogenic properties, in that users may see actual objects, and hear actual noises that aren't there in reality). There has been small-scale recreational use of the drug in the UK and other parts of the world for many years. More recently, the drug has been used in the UK on the underground dance scene. Often, club goers have taken ketamine mistakenly, thinking it was ecstasy, which can be a frightening experience.

The price of Ketamine can vary enormously. Usually it is between £10 and £20 for a gram.

How is it used?

A tiny amount of powder is an active dose. Ketamine can be snorted up the nose, injected or swallowed. The method of use will influence the effect. When ketamine is snorted, the effects begin in a few minutes and last for about 15-45 minutes. When ketamine is swallowed, the effects usually begin in 15 minutes and last for about 1-3 hours. When ketamine is injected, the effects begin within a minute and last for 1-3 hours.

What are the effects?

The effects can be stimulating, creating feelings of increased energy and euphoria. Other effects can include floating sensations, numbness, loss of time, nausea and loss of control or disconnection from the body.

Users report feeling as though they have travelled to other worlds, had "out-of-body" experiences, recall of memories, had insight into the nature of existence, spiritual experiences and the belief that they have died. The user may not know that the effects are "unreal" until the drug has worn off. Users may experience blurred visions and difficulty in moving and speaking. Ketamine does cause genuine auditory and visual hallucinations.

What are the problems associated with it?

Ketamine should not be used with alcohol and other depressant-type drugs, as this dramatically increases the chance of problems occurring.
Ketamine should not be used with LSD, as this dramatically increases the chance of having a "bad-trip". Users may feel confused, disorientated and not realise that they are hallucinating. These consequences could be particularly frightening if the user had intended to take ecstasy.
There is the possibility of accidental injuries whilst under the influence of ketamine. The risk of injury is likely to increase if the drug is used in a public place. Ketamine use has been linked with a wide range of mental health problems including: anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, persistent perception disorder, depression, insomnia and suicide. Whilst there is some evidence that some users develop compulsive use of prolonged periods, there is currently limited scientific evidence about the long-term consequences of ketamine use.

Injecting is the most dangerous way of using ketamine because:
*Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream. This can cause septicaemia and other infections
*Repeated injections can damage veins, leading to abscesses and thrombosis.
*Sharing injecting equipment can cause hepatitis and HIV.

There are no confirmed reports of fatal overdoses associated with ketamine use.

Ketamine and the law.

As of January 1st 2006 Ketamine is a class C Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.  Ketamine is a Class C drug which means that it's illegal to possess it and to supply it. Possession can get you up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you 14 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

LSD

 

LSD

What is LSD?

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is a psychedelic drug. LSD can come as a liquid, where it is sometimes dropped onto a sugar cube, in capsules, in gelatine sheets or strips, tablets, tiny tablets (microdots) and on blotting paper. Almost all LSD sold in recent years in the UK has been on blotting paper cut into 5mm squares with printed images on them.

LSD costs between £2 and £5 for a "trip".

How is LSD used?

LSD is always swallowed.

What are the effects of LSD?

The LSD experience is usually described as a "trip" because it is like a journey to another place. Usually the user knows the effects to be unreal whilst on the drug. Genuine hallucinations are rare with LSD. The experience can be broken up into four "phases":
*The onset - Thirty minutes to an hour after being taken, colours appear sharper, moving objects leave traces behind them. Repeated patterns may be seen with the eyes closed.
*Plateau - Over the second hour, the effects become more intense. Patterns are visible with the eyes open. Fantastic visions can appear from nowhere - from shapes in smoke to lines on the palms of the hand.
*The Peak - Time is slowed down almost to a standstill. Trippers may feel that they are in a different world. For some this is profound and mystical, but it can be very frightening for others.
*The Comedown - Five or six hours after taking the drug the sensations begin to subside. After eight hours, the trip is usually over, although some residual effects may remain after sleep.

What can I do if somebody is having a "bad trip"?

Take them to quiet surroundings where they feel comfortable. Find a friend who can reassure them. Explain that the panic is caused by the drug, It will wear off in a few hours. Tell them to try and relax and go with the flow. If they have become uncontrollable or hysterical, call a doctor or take them to a hospital. Remember though, hospital can make people more anxious and panicky, so use this as a last resort.

What are the problems associated with LSD?

There are no known physical health problems associated with LSD use.

LSD can trigger underlying mental health problems and produce delusions, paranoia and schizophrenia-like states. It has also been linked with post-traumatic stress, persistent perceptual disorder, depression, insomnia and suicide.

It can also produce extreme anxiety states or panic attacks, not only while under the influence of the drug, but for some time afterwards. LSD use may result in changes in the personality of the user. LSD can impair judgement. Users should not drive or operate machinery while under the influence of LSD.

LSD and the law.

LSD is a class A drug.

The maximum sentence for possession of LSD is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for supplying LSD (this includes giving some to a friend) is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine. LSD can be detected in the urine for about 2-3 days.Magic Mushrooms

 

magic mushrooms

What are Magic Mushrooms?

There are many varieties of magic mushrooms. The type most commonly found in the UK is the Liberty Cap, which contains the drug psilocybin (sy-low-sy-bin). Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug, with effects similar to those of LSD.

How are they used?

Magic mushrooms are either eaten raw, mixed with food or made into a brew and swallowed. They can be eaten fresh or dried and kept for later use.
Usually a dose of 5-10 mushrooms will have a noticeable effect. 20-30 mushrooms will cause a strop "trip". There is no predictable way of estimating the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom. The amount is determined by the strain, size and age of the mushroom, and how they have been stored.
People determined to use magic mushrooms should start with a small amount and work up slowly. This will avoid having too strong a "trip", and minimise the likelihood of poisoning.

What are the effects?

As with all drugs, the effects will depend on the dose taken, the personality of the user and the setting in which the drug is taken.

At low doses, magic mushrooms may produce feelings of relaxation, not dissimilar to those caused by cannabis. At higher doses, the experience is closer to that of LSD. Users may experience an intensification of colour, visual distortions and a sense of well-being. A magic mushroom "trip" tends to last for about four hours as opposed to eight hours or more with LSD.

What are the problems associated with taking them?

The biggest danger associated with magic mushrooms is probably misidentification. Some mushrooms are poisonous and cause stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea. Users often report feeling sick even when they have taken "proper" magic mushrooms. However, if you continue to feel sick or unwell, go straight to hospital. Take a sample of the mushroom with you to help identification. Magic mushrooms can cause "bad trips" or panic attacks. They should not be used alone. A friend can provide reassurance or help if poisonous mushrooms have been taken. They can impair judgement, causing accidents. Do not drive while under the influence. There are no long-term consequences of using magic mushrooms.

Magic mushrooms and the law.

It is against the law to possess psilocybin, the possession and use of magic mushrooms in their natural form is now also illegal. If they are found either dried, crushed, made into a brew, or in their natural form, they are a class A drug. This means the maximum sentence for possession or prepared magic mushrooms is 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for supplying magic mushrooms (this includes giving some to a friend) is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine. There is no significant illegal market for magic mushrooms. Most are handpicked and then passed among friends.

Methadone

What is Methadone?

Methadone is one of a number of synthetic opiates (also called opioids) that are manufactured for medical use and have similar effects to heroin. These include dihydrocodeine (DF118s), pethidine (often used in childbirth), diconal, palfium and temgesic.

Methadone and subutex (buprenorphine) are used as substitutes for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction.

The street cost of methadone is £1 per 10ml.

How it is used?

The methadone that's prescribed to people trying to come off heroin is usually a syrup which is swallowed. Pethidine, dihydrocodeine (DF118s), diconal, palfium, temgesic and also some types of methadone come in tablet or injectable form.

What are the effects?

Opiates are sedative drugs that depress the nervous system. They slow down body functioning and stop physical and psychological pain. The effect is usually to give a feeling of warmth, relaxation and detachment.

Methadone stops people feeling anxious.  

They make the pupils in the eye go like pinheads and make users constipated.

Some people are sick the first time they take drugs like Methadone and if you are a woman they can stop you having regular periods (but you can still conceive).

Is it addictive?

Opiates are highly addictive see Heroin. Methadone doesn't deliver the same degree of buzz or high like heroin. It allows people to tackle their psychological addiction and stabilize their lifestyle when used as a substitute for heroin in treatment it stops withdrawal symptoms. Then the dose can be reduced slowly until that user is off the drug completely. When used to come off heroin there are still problems with withdrawal but there are much less severe than 'cold turkey' that occurs when stopping heroin.

What are the problems associated with methadone use?

People taking opiates for the first time can be sick, but these unpleasant reactions fade with time.

With high doses the sedation takes over and users feel sleepy. Too much and you can fall into a coma or stop breathing completely.

Many women don't have periods when they use opiates regularly. If they cut down or stop the periods may return. There's a good chance of getting pregnant during this time of you don't use contraception.

There's no evidence that opiates cause birth defects, although they may possibly increase the risk of miscarriage and still births and opiate users may give birth to smaller babies.

It's not a good idea to stop using opiates suddenly if you're pregnant as this can cause premature labour and miscarriage.

The law 

Morphine, opium, methadone, pethadine and Diconal are Class A drugs. Codeine and dihyrocodeine (DF118) are Class B drugs. Temgesic and Distalgesic are Class C drugs.

Tobacco

Tobacco contains the stimulant drug nicotine, which increases pulse rate and blood pressure. Weight for weight, nicotine is as addictive as heroin, and more powerful.

How is tobacco used?

Tobacco is usually smoked in cigarettes, cigars and pipes. The nicotine has an almost immediate effect. Powdered tobacco in the form of snuff, is sniffed up the nose.

What are the effects of smoking?

First time users can often feel dizzy and sick. Regular smokers often say it helps them to concentrate, relax, combat boredom and reduce anxiety.
It also suppresses the appetite, so people eat less. Effects start very quickly and can continue for up to thirty minutes from one cigarette.

What are the problems associated with smoking?

Tobacco is very physically addictive. Although some people smoke occasionally, most pole smoke regularly. They may feel restless, irritable and depressed without a cigarette. Coughs, chest and breathing problems, and bad breath are very common amongst smokers. Regular long-term users have much greater of developing lung and some other cancers, heart disease, circulatory problems, bronchitis and ulcers.
Each year about 120,000 people die prematurely from smoking related diseases in the UK alone. Smoking during pregnancy can damage an unborn child. It can result in low birth weight and other complications.
Passive smoking - breathing in other people's smoke - can be damaging to health. Babies and young children may be especially susceptible to asthma and chest problems.

If you smoke and you want to give up...

Set yourself a date to stop. Get support form your family and friends.
Stay away from places where lots of people smoke. Consider hypnosis, acupuncture, nicotine chewing gum or nicotine patches.

If you are not ready to stop smoking...

Reduce risks by: Gradually cutting down the number of cigarettes you smoke. Setting and sticking to a daily limit.

Tobacco and the law.

It is not illegal to smoke at any age. From October 1st 2007, it is illegal to sell tobacco to young people under the age of 18. The police have the right to confiscate tobacco form young people under the age of 18.