To find out more about the risks, effects, group & classification of a drug, click on one from the list below…

• A-Z of Drugs
• Groups
• Drug classes

ANABOLIC STEROIDS

CANNABIS

COCAINE

ECSTASY

GASES, GLUES AND AEROSOLS (solvents)

NAME IT

These are found in:

• Lighter gas refills and fuel canisters
• Aerosols containing products such as hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners
• Tins or tubes of glue
• Some paints, thinners and correcting fluids

THE EFFECTS

• Users feel thickheaded, dizzy, giggly and dreamy.
• They may also hallucinate (see or hear things which aren’t real).
• The effects disappear after 15-45 minutes
• Afterwards, users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache.

THE RISKS

• Use of gases, glues or aerosols can cause instant death – even on the first go.
• Inhaling volatile substances can cause sudden death by a variety of ways.
• Abusing gases, glues or aerosols can lead to nausea, vomiting, blackouts and fatal heart problems.
• Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected.
• There is a risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head.
• Long-term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys.

Class: Solvent misuse isn't illegal. It is illegal in England and Wales for shopkeepers to sell you intoxicating substances if they think you are likely to be inhaling them. In Scotland the law is different but the effect is similar. Under Scottish law you can be prosecuted for 'recklessly' selling substances to any age group if you suspect they're going to inhale them.

Since October 1999, the law makes it an offence to supply gas lighter refills to anyone under the age of 18. This law applies to the whole of the UK.

Group: DEPRESSANTS

GHB

HEROIN

KETAMINE

LSD (acid)

MAGIC MUSHROOMS

POPPERS (alkyl nitrites)

SPEED (amphetamines)

TRANQUILLISERS

• The Quiz
• The Drug
• The Law
• Keeping Safe

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