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You may wonder ... if drugs are available and you know people who take
them, then maybe they're okay! You may hear that drugs can make
you feel relaxed and happy - but more than likely they will cause you harm.
Risks to your Body
These depend on the type and strength of the drug, the amount
taken, where and how it's taken and the person taking it. There
are different possible effects on the body - including a change in heart rate and blood
pressure, exhaustion, collapse, and in a few cases, death. It is
possible to become dependent on drugs (need to take them all the time)
leading to withdrawal symptoms when the body doesn't get the drug, e.g. stomach cramps,
sweating, sleeplessness or worry.
Risks to your Brain and
Emotions
Effects may include feeling bad about yourself, feeling sad or
lonely. These feelings may last for a short time or may
last for 2/3 days after use. It is possible that the user may
need to take drugs all the time in order to cope with the bad things in life.
Risks to your Friends and Family
People who take drugs may be nasty and unfriendly to the people they usually
like and they may also get worse at their school work. Drug
taking can lead to bad behaviour - stealing, joy-riding. Drug
users are likely to be involved in accidents, be moody and get into
fights.
Risks with the Police
These include being sent to prison for using a drug or for giving it
to someone else. Users may also be sent to prison for being involved in
crime to get money to pay for their drug taking. The resulting criminal record can affect
the life of the person in many ways, including future job prospects and
travel to certain countries.
Misuse of Drugs Act (1971)
Having and supplying a drug (including giving to friends) which is described as illegal by the Act, is against the law
and carries with it the risk of being fined money and/or going to
prison.
Above the age of 10 it is possible to
be convicted of a criminal offence. Maximum sentences for offending against the Act are
very tough. Regular offenders, dealers and smugglers might have all their property
and goods taken off them and be imprisoned for many years.
First offenders who have a drug for their own use are likely to be
fined or cautioned by the police.
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