Drugs - A Short Guide

Cannabis ---->>

Commonly found in herbal form, looking like sage or dried herbs, or as a resin, resembling chunks of liquorice or a golden powder.  Gives off an aromatic, slightly sickly smell.  Produces feeling of elation, relaxation.  Can cause psychological dependence and short-term memory loss; increases risk of bronchitis and other lung problems.

Amphetamines ---->>

Commonly a white or yellow powder, but may be in pill or capsule form, Taken orally, injected, or inhaled, amphetamines or speed, cause excitability, talkativeness, feeling of unlimited energy.  Regular use can lead to weight loss, violent behaviour, paranoid delusions and psychological dependance.

Hallucinogens ---->>

LSD - taken by mouth, as tiny coloured tablets or impregnated in paper or gelatine squares, Effects include heighented awareness or sound and colour, hallucinations; may also cause disorientation, panic, persecution mania and conviction of invincibility. Flashbacks can occur several months after use, Psilocybin is another hallucinogin, found in so called magic mushrooms - certain species of fungi that grow in the wild.

Ecstasy ---->>

Tablet or capsule  in a large variety of colours and forms. Increase awareness and energy, inhibitions disappear; causes dehydration, increased blood pressure and heart rate; may affect co-ordination.  Has been linked with fatalities.  Above - Ecstasy tablets and the not so common capsules, the red and black are known as dennis the menace.

Cocaine ---->>

Fine, white crystalline powder, usually taken by sniffing it up a tube or by injection.  Produces state of euphoria. Prolonged "snorting" causes ulceration and perforation of the nasal spetum.  Crack cocaine is a smokable form, varying from yellow/beige rocks to white powder.  Powerfully psychologically addictive. Produces rush of euphoria followed by rapid depression. Has been described as "rich mans speed".

Heroin ---->>

White or speckled brown powder; can be sniffed, injected or heated and the resulting fumes inhaled.  Produces relaxed euphoria, dehydration and lack of appetite. Highly addictive.

Tranquillisers and Sedatives ------->>>

Tablets or capsules in various colours and forms legally available on prescription.  Usually taken orallyl cause drowsiness, light-headedness, feeling of relaxation. May cause psychological dependance.