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Community safety
Alcohol and drugs advice and support in Adur
I would like some information about drugs
If you would like to be sent information about different drugs please contact
Norma Buss, Community Alcohol and Drugs Worker.
There are also a number of useful external websites you can log onto, such as :
The following sites are particularly suitable for young people :
The following site deals with legislation and the government's position on drugs :
'Legal highs'
There's been lots of information in the news about so-called 'legal highs'. These are substances which affect the body in similar ways to illegal drugs, but which have not previously been covered by the 'Misuse of Drugs Act', and as a result are not always illegal to buy or possess.
As these substances are not covered by the drugs laws, many young people think they must be safe to use. The situation is therefore not only confusing, but also dangerous. There have been deaths associated with some of these 'legal highs' and the government has acted quickly to re-classify them. Not all legal highs are included in the recent changes however.
Here is a quick guide:
- GBL (gamma-butryolactone) is a chemical substance, which converts into GHB once in the body. This is used as a club drug, although it's more practical use is as a paint-stripper. There have been deaths associated with this drug, particularly when mixed with alcohol. This has now been classified as a Class C drug.
- BZP - sometimes sold as Legal E. Effects can include nausea, vomiting, agitation, collapse and seizures. It is a derivative of a chemical used as an anti-worming medication for animals. It has now been classified as a Class C drug
- Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g Spice) - These are man-made chemicals found in 'herbal' smoking mixes. They mimic the effect of cannabis, but can be more harmful because of the way they are made. These have now been classified as a Class B Drug (same as cannabis)
Penalties :
- The maximum penalty for possession of a Class B Drug is 5 years in prison, and for Class C drugs it is up to 2 years imprisonment
- The penalty for supplying both Class B and Class C drugs can be 14 years imprisonment.
In addition to these drugs which have now been classified, young people are experimenting with other 'legal highs', such as Meow (mephedrone). It is cheap, and easily obtainable. The manufacturers sell it as a plant fertilizer, as this sidesteps rigorous controls on substances sold for human consumption. Remember there have been no tests, and the effects are unknown as this is a relatively new drug. Just because it is not illegal does not mean that it is safe, it just means the manufacturers have found a way round the law.
If you would like any more information, or are worried about someone who may be using these drugs, contact the Community Drugs and Alcohol Worker, Norma Buss on 01273 441215, or send the Norma an e-mail in confidence.
See also : What does the law say about using drugs?
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Note : All the photos featured in this drugs sections of our website are subject to Crown copyright protection, for more information see the OPSI website ( http://www.opsi.gov.uk/advice/crown-copyright/copyright-guidance/index.htm )
