Drugs and illegal highs

Though many people choose not to use any drugs, including legal drugs like tobacco, caffeine and alcohol it is important to be aware of the risks to health. 

In addition to drugs like cannabis, nitrous oxide (NOS), cocaine, and ecstasy, there are new synthetic drugs, sometimes called novel psychoactive substances (NPS). 

All these substances are risky and present danger to health and mental wellbeing. 

Take action: If you need more support around substance use (your own, or somebody else's), you can ask for support from your school health nurse, GP, or Childline.

Knowing the danger

Illegal drugs are not checked for safety and there are deaths from taking illegal drugs every year. 

While some drugs are riskier than others, and some ways of taking drugs are riskier than others, there is no way of taking drugs which does not have some risk. 

The safest approach is not to take drugs at all.

Crucial: If you are worried about drug use (either your own, or somebody else's) and live in Oxfordshire, you can get support from your School or College Health Nurse, GP or from Cranstoun Here4YOUth.

Risks of drugs

Serious health damage can result from taking drugs. Even if:

• It is the first time
• The person has taken a similar drug many times before
• The person has taken other drugs before and recovered

There is no way to eliminate risk entirely, so lots of advice around drugs concentrates on harm minimisation. This is things like starting with a smaller dose or taking it in small amounts. But there is no way to eliminate risk entirely.

Instant Expert: The 'Talk to Frank' website has been checked by doctors, drug workers and people who have misused substances. 

Synthetic drugs

Drug-like substances, sometimes called novel psychoactive substances (NPS), are substances which have a drug-like effect on the brain. Some are stronger and more dangerous than naturally occurring drugs.

The risks to health from synthetic drugs can be very serious:

• Psychosis (feeling like you are going mad)
  Injury and accident
  Sudden death

There may also be long-term effects, but we don't fully know what they are yet.

Synthetic drugs are dangerous. There have been deaths and emergency admissions to hospital. Some are stronger and more risky than naturally occurring drugs.

Crucial: If you are worried about any kind of drug use, including synthetic or legal drugs, and live in Oxfordshire, you can get support from your School or College Health Nurse, or your GP or from Cranstoun Here4YOUth.

Criminal Drug Exploitation

Sometimes called "County Lines", Criminal Drug Exploitation happens when criminals exploit children to sell drugs.

The children may be paid some money, but are also threatened, hurt and forced into debt. This can also happen to vulnerable adults, including those with addictions or mental health conditions.

Crucial: If criminal exploitation happening to you it is important for your safety and future that you get help as soon as possible. You can tell any trusted adult, like a teacher or other worker, or go to the police.