Drugs

Drug poster made by young people
If you are affected by someone you know taking drugs or are considering taking drugs yourself, always find out as much information as possible to help you understand better the risks involved.

This page should help you with basic understanding and show you some helpful links for more detailed information.

How much do you really know?

Drugs affect people in different ways and there's no way of telling how a drug will affect you. What's safe for one person could be dangerous for another - or even dangerous for the same person in a different situation.

How you'll react depends on
  • The type of drug used
  • Amount taken
  • Its purity
  • Whether it's what it's supposed to be
  • How it's taken
  • What it's mixed with
  • The setting
  • Your health and whether you're on any medication
  • Your mood

Drugs can be grouped into three main types

Uppers
Also known as 'stimulants'. Drugs like speed, ecstasy and cocaine speed the body up and are extremely dangerous if you suffer from heart or blood pressure problems.
Downers
Also known as 'depressants'. Drugs like heroin, alcohol and solvents slow the body down and can be very dangerous if mixed together.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogenic drugs, like acid and magic mushrooms, alter the way you see, hear and feel things. They can be really bad news for anyone with a mental illness because they can make it even worse.

Consequences & Classification

Drug Possession Production or dealing
A Ecstasy, acid, cocaine, heroin, methadone, mushrooms (if prepared), speed (if prepared for injection). Up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. Up to life imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
B Speed, Ritalin (without prescription), Pholcodine Up to 5 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. Up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
C Cannabis, tranquillisers & some painkillers (without prescription), GHB. Up to 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. Up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

This information comes from - Know the Score

Dumfries and Galloway - What is the Integrated Drugs Service?

The Integrated Drug Service (IDS) offers an easy to access, responsive assessment for people who have a drug misuse problem. After the initial baseline assessment, the IDS team will discuss the next step with you. This may mean referral on to others for:

  • a more in-depth assessment, particularly if you are likely to need a prescription such as methadone
  • a co-ordinated care / support plan that is agreed with each individual service user
  • support in addressing other issues (e.g. housing, employment, health etc)
  • a key worker to help manage your treatment and support

Who do I call to refer someone?

This depends on where the person you wish to refer normally lives

  • Annan - 01461 206891 for Annandale & Eskdale
  • Dumfries - 01387 259999
  • Mid and Upper Nithsadale - 01659 50191
  • Stewartry - 01556 503550
  • Wigtownshire - 01776 700666

TUMS

If you would like support with making a referral or need someone to talk to about any issues concerning drug misuse please contact Beryl at beryl@tums.org.uk

Drug Use And Its Effects

Recreational Drug Use
The most common form of drug use which can include prescribed drugs, illicit drugs and alcohol. Often described as "social" or "enjoyment" drug use. Recreational drug use can affect self esteem, relationships and work. Public order offences, driving offences and domestic incidents are all too often a side-effect of this type of drug use.
Regular Drug Use
This is when taking drugs starts to develop into a pattern of use or become habit. Behaviour starts to build around maintaining the habit and health effects both physical and mental become more evident.
Dependant Drug Use
Dependency is when a person can no longer function without the drug of choice. They may be able to maintain a normal life as long as the drug is obtainable. Withdrawal symptoms begin if they cannot take the drug. This is when priorities in life change and criminal activity may begin.
Chaotic Drug Use
By now life can be completely under the control of the drug of choice. The person may be unable to carry out simplest of tasks. Their behaviour becomes totally unacceptable and criminal activity is the norm. Self image and health and well-being is non existent.

Evidence Of Drug Use

  • What do their eyes say to you? Trust the phrase "eyes are the gateway to the soul".
  • Can they concentrate?
  • Do they have difficulty in staying awake or interested?
  • Is their behaviour erratic or unusual?
  • Are the experiencing rapid mood swings?
  • Can they hold down a job? Have they empathy to activity?
  • Have you found any drug paraphernalia about them or their home?
  • Do you know if they are involved in criminal activity?

Although these signs may add up to suggest drug or alcohol misuse, it may also be the symptoms of underlying personal difficulties.

If in doubt ask the person or seek another opinion.