Drugs include a wide range of substances, from medicines that you can buy over the counter or that are prescribed by your doctor and which are legal, to illegal drugs like cannabis and heroin.
All drugs are potentially dangerous, so prescription and over the counter drugs have precise instructions on how and when to take them. If you mis-use drugs you could risk damaging your health, and possibly die if you overdose (take too much).
The 'Misuse of Drugs Act' divides illegal drugs into 3 classes: A, B and C.
The A-Z of drugs at Talk to Frank explains more about lots of different drugs, including what the law says about each kind of drug.
If you're found in possession of, or dealing in, illegal drugs you'll risk getting fined or a prison sentence – this could be life for dealing in Class A drugs. See Home Office for more information.
These websites all have help and advice for you and your friends.
You may prefer to call the National Drugs helpline on 0800 77 66 00.
Local help
- Lifeline - 0161 832 8073.
- Turning Point - provides some services for young people needing help with a drugs issue.
If you feel that you, or someone you know has got a problem with drugs you can talk to your Personal Adviser about it, or you could visit one or more of the above links for further information and help.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Health Weblinx for more useful websites.