Drugs
Alcohol |STIs and safer sex | HIV and AIDS | Pregnancy | Sexuality | Mental Health| Drugs | Diversity
Drugs are no longer taboo. Though still illegal they have been integrated into everyday life. Drugs come in three classes: A, B and C. Class A drugs include Heroin, Crack, Speed (prepared for injection), Ecstasy and LSD. Speed is Class B. Cannabis resin, herbal cannabis, prescribed drugs and tranquillizers come under Class C.
If you are going to use drugs, it is vital that you do so sensibly. One way of making this safer is by telling a friend what you are taking so that they can help if an incident occurs.
It’s also a good idea to sip water, but not to exceed one pint per hour as this may cause more harm than good. Eating something before taking a drug may also help, as food provides energy for dancing and it lines the stomach.
If you are feeling depressed or anxious, it’s best to avoid drugs as they could make you feel worse. With all drugs, including alcohol, the onus is on you to be sensible. Doing illegal stuff is never a good idea at the best of times, but you are even more likely to get in trouble if you are out of your tree as your perception and reaction times may be altered.
Also, if you are feeling a bit too merry and look like you’re getting lucky, remember to be safe. It may feel wonderful now, but tomorrow – when the hangover kicks in or the drugs wear off – you may not want to be left with an extra bonus gift of an STD or an unwanted pregnancy.
The Union does not condone the use of illegal drugs, and if you are found in possession of them we will have to inform the police. The whole of College operates a zero-tolerance approach, particularly in Halls of Residence.
However, if you do find yourself needing help due to previous drug use, we offer confidential advice and can find the right source of support for you. Contact Nigel Cooke the Student Advisor in the Information and Advice Centre to get help. Your GP is another source of confidential advice and is able to offer treatment programs should you need them.
The Law
If you take illegal drugs, the offense you are most likely to get done for is possession of a controlled drug. This includes joint possession of a common pool of drugs and past possession. More serious are supply and intention to supply, which includes giving and selling drugs to a friend – so people who say “the drugs are not all mine some are for a friend” are not helping themselves by admitting to supply!
If you would like more information about the use and effect of drugs, call into the Information and Advice Centre, e-mail or phone in. We have a variety of leaflets about drug use.
If you feel that you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or you want legal advice regarding drugs, call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00 (Free & Confidential).
Nigel Cooke
(020) 7594 8067
IC Extension 48067
