Cannabis
Marijuana / Grass / Herb / Mary Jane / Pot / Reefer / Skunk / Weed
Cannabis is a plant that is processed into many different forms as a recreational drug. It works by stimulating cannabinoid receptors around the body creating a relaxing and happy feeling in the user. Higher doses can lead to hallucinations and feeling off balance. It is often smoked or eaten.
Although widely debated as “safe” its use is known to be associated with mental illness.
Spice
Fake weed / K2 / Moon rocks / Skunk / Yukatan fire
Spice is a mixture of herbs that have been coated with a man made chemical similar to cannabis. It is usually smoked although it is also available in a concentrated liquid form. The drug is designed to strongly bind to and strongly stimulate the cannabinoid receptors around the body creating effects similar to cannabis but with much greater potency. It often causes feelings of anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations.
The use of Spice has been linked to an increased risk of death as the user is often unaware of what they are doing when affected by the drug.
Spice is addictive causes unpleasant symptoms when in withdrawal.
Cocaine
Blow / Bump / C / Charlie / Coca / Coke / Flake / Rock / Snow / Toot
Cocaine is a highly stimulating drug which is derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It acts to force the chemicals dopamine, seratonin and noradrenaline to remain active around nerve endings longer than they usually would. As such, it causes the user to feel much more alert, happy and confident. Cocaine is usually snorted up the nose, inhaled in smoke or dissolved and injected into the blood stream. It is highly addictive and very dangerous.
Heroin
Black tar / H / Horse / Junk / Ska / Smack
Heroine is a drug which is derived from opium – a chemical taken from the opium poppy plant. It potently eases pain and causes a feeling of relaxation and happiness in the user. It is commonly injected, smoked and snorted up the nose. It is highly addictive and very dangerous. Its use is associated with a rapid development of needing more to create the same feeling – this is called tolerance.
Ecstasy
MDMA / Molly
Ecstacy is a psychoactive drug which creates the feeling of energy, empathy and pleasure in the user. Like cocaine, it too acts to force the chemicals dopamine, seratonin and noradrenaline to remain active around nerve endings longer than they usually would. Ecstacy is usally taken by mouth and takes from 1-3 hours to create its full effect.
Links
Confidential drugs advice
https://www.talktofrank.com/
National Institute on Drug Abuse (US website)
https://www.drugabuse.gov/
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (US website)
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts
Narcotics anonymous
http://ukna.org/