Background:

BZP is a synthetic stimulant drug with the chemical name 1-benzylpiperazine. It was originally used as a worming treatment for animals. PEP pills contain a blend of BZP and other less potent chemicals from the piperazine family. It has gained a reputation, and some controversy, as a safe alternative to speed, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

BZP is banned in some countries, including the USA and parts of Australia. In New Zealand, the drug laws have been amended to recognise BZP as a 'low-risk substance'.

The effects:

• Loss of appetite, increased heart rate, tingling skin and flushing are often experienced as the effects of the drug kick in;
• 50-200 mg doses can lead to a sense of euphoria and increased alertness;
• Sense of taste, sound and colour may be enhanced;
• Such effects can last between four to eight hours, depending on the amount taken, the user's mood, metabolism and environment.

The risks:

• Users report an inability to sleep for as long as 10 hours after the effects have subsided;
• Can leave users with symptoms similar to a hangover, such as headache, fatigue, reduced appetite and nausea;
• Possibility of slight memory loss;
• Tolerance develops. This means the user increasingly needs more to get the same effect;
• Medical experts have warned that taking BZP can overstimulate the brain, causing anxiety and convulsions in some cases.

The law:

In the UK, any product containing piperazine - a component of BZP - must be classified as a prescription-only medicine. This also means a license is required for manufacture and supply. Selling it as a party drug or advertising it as such is illegal. At present, a loophole in the law allows BZP to be sold as a soil fertiliser. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says the net is closing on UK piperazine distributors.

If you're planning to take this drug:

BZP is often talked about as a 'safe' drug. However, criticism has been voiced at the fact that rigorous clinical and animal trials have not been undertaken. In effect, this means it is not possible to say the drug is entirely safe.

AKA:

Marijuana, grass, skunk, wacky backy, draw, blow, weed, puff, hash, ganja, spliff, dope, gear, pot, solids, green, herb, puff and bush.

Background:

Cannabis is the most widely-used illegal drug in the UK. It comes in different forms and is made from different parts of the cannabis plant. It comes in a solid dark lump commonly known as 'resin' or 'hash'; dried leaves, stalks and seeds called 'grass'; and also a brown or black sticky oil. Cannabis can be rolled with tobacco in a spliff or joint, smoked on its own in a special pipe or eaten.

There are different strengths of cannabis - in particular, 'skunk' is the generic name often used to describe a potent form of the cannabis plant. In fact, skunk is only one of 100 or so varieties of cannabis plant which have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

The effects:

• Getting 'stoned' on cannabis makes most users relaxed, talkative and sometimes giggly;
• Heightens the senses, especially when it comes to colours, taste, and music;
• Cooking and eating hash makes the effects more intense and harder to control;
• Can also leave people feeling tired and lacking energy;
• May bring on cravings (AKA 'the munchies') for certain food.

The risks:

• Affects short-term memory and ability to concentrate well;
• Getting 'stoned' affects co-ordination, increasing the risk of accidents;
• Impairs driving skills, so never get in a car with someone who is stoned;
• It can make users paranoid and anxious, depending on their mood and situation;
• Smoking cannabis over a long period of time may increase the risk of respiratory disorders, including lung cancer;
• Many regular users find cannabis hard to quit;
• There is some evidence to suggest a link between cannabis and psychotic illness.

The law:

• Currently cannabis is a Class B, having been upgraded from a Class C drug.
• In England and Wales, the first time you are caught in possession of cannabis you'll usually be given a warning. The second time, you will be issued a fixed penalty notice of £80. After that, you will probably have to go to court. The maximum penalty for possession is five years in prison.
• No such warnings exist in Scotland or Northern Ireland and offences are referred straight to the courts, although prosecutors still have discretion not to prosecute someone who is reported to them by the police.
• If you're caught growing cannabis in your home you will be arrested and prosecuted. You may also be charged with 'intent to supply', which carries the same penalties as dealing (a maximum of 14 years in prison).
• Blatant smoking in public may also lead to arrest.

If you're planning to take cannabis:

• High doses can cause mild hallucinations and sensory distortions;
• Mixing alcohol with a high dose of cannabis may cause nausea and vomiting;
• Heavy use of cannabis over a long period of time can lead to users relying on the drug as a way of relaxing or being sociable.

Related terms:

• Airfix - a suggestion from an impatient smoker to another that he has been in possession of the joint too long, as if it were stuck to his fingers with glue;
• Caned - how you feel if you've been smoking too much. This can also refer to the finishing of a joint;
• Monged - the result of several hours of steady smoking, characterised by inability to move from the sofa;
• Munchies - intense bursts of hunger after smoking weed, usually resulting in a trip to the 24 hour shop for crisps and chocolate;
• Whitey - refers to the pale skin and unconscious mental state of someone who has smoked too much dope.

Slang:

Tina, meth, ice, tweak, glass, Christine, cristy, quartz, ice cream, crank, go fast, fire and yaba.

Background:

Crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine) is a powerful stimulant that, even in small doses, can cause insomnia, increased physical activity and decreased appetite. It is a member of the amphetamine family of drugs that also includes speed. Crystal meth usually comes in ice-like crystal chunks or in a coarse powdered form. It's made from a highly volatile combination of substances, which can include household cleaning products. It can be smoked, eaten, snorted or injected and the effects can last anywhere from two to 20 hours. Crystal meth started out as a drug used primarily by the gay community but is now slowly entering the mainstream in the UK.

Short-term effects:

• Sharpened attention
• Increased libido
• Euphoria
• Insomnia
• Increased activity
• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate/breathing
• Paranoia
• Aggressiveness
• Anxiety
• Dry mouth

Long-term effects:

• Mood disturbance
• Dependence
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Stroke

The risks:

• The greatest risk of the drug is the increased chance of contracting HIV and other STIs from unprotected sex while under the influence. The drug has the effect of dramatically reducing inhibitions and can produce a feeling of invincibility. This, combined with the effect of massively increasing the sex drive, can mean that safe sex is forgotten and sexual activity is greatly increased;
• The effects and chances of becoming dependant on crystal meth are similar to that of speed but as crystal is much stronger, the risks of overdose are greater;
• Taking crystal meth can cause irreversible damage to the immune system
  
  
• Some people have died after taking small doses of the drug.

The law:

Crystal meth is a Class A drug. It is illegal to produce, supply, or possess. It is also illegal to allow premises to be used for supplying or producing crystal meth.

If you're planning to take crystal meth:

• Don't mix your drugs.The greatest danger to your health is from mixing crystal meth with cocaine or ecstasy. The first is an unlikely combination because they have such similar effects. This pairing brings a danger of increased toxicity and strain on the heart;
• Mixing crystal meth with ecstasy puts extra strain on the heart and you will be at risk of over-heating. Mixing crystal meth with Viagra is also very dangerous;
• As crystal meth decreases inhibitions and increases the sex drive, safe sex can become an after-thought. It is essential to stay safe during sex so always carry -and use- condoms. In the US almost half the new cases of HIV infection have crystal meth as a factor;
• Don't take too much. It is possible to overdose on crystal meth, which can lead to permanent damage or death;
• If you are using crystal meth over long periods of time you are advised to take multi-vitamin and calcium supplements, as well as keeping a check on your body weight;
• Avoid injecting crystal meth. This can damage your body and sharing needles can pass on diseases such as HIV;
• If you have schizophrenic tendencies there are real dangers that even the mildest use of crystal meth could push you over the edge.

Slang:

Laughing gas, hippy crack, cartridges, whippets, nos.

Background:

Nitrous oxide is a colourless, slightly sweet-smelling gas with a short-acting disorienting effect. The gas is most commonly used as an anaesthetic in dentistry and a propellant in the food industry (e.g. in whipping cream). Nitrous oxide can be breathed through a mask, cone, or more commonly, a balloon.

The effects:

• Giddiness;
• A floating sensation;
• A pain-free state;
• An overwhelming desire to laugh;
• Some people experience mild auditory or visual hallucinations.

The immediate effects after the initial stimulation include:

• Nausea;
• Sleepiness;
• Lack of co-ordination;
• Loss of appetite;
• Headache.

The risks:

• As nitrous oxide affects motor control, you are likely to fall over soon after inhaling it. It's best to sit down when you are inhaling it to avoid a serious fall;
• The gas should not be inhaled for more than 30 seconds as this can lead to the risk of suffocation;
• Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister can cause frostbite of the nose, lips and vocal chords. Because of the anaesthetic effects of the gas, you may not realise there is any injury until the effects of the gas have worn off;
• Continued use of nitrous oxide can interfere with the function of vitamin B12, which is essential in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

The law:

Nitrous oxide is classed under the Medicines Act, which means that it can be sold if the seller has a special licence. There is currently no offence for possession of nitrous oxide. However, there may be legal implications if nitrous oxide is sold to minors.

If you, or your friends, are planning on taking nitrous oxide:

• Remember that if someone using nitrous oxide becomes unconscious (on any drug including alcohol) they need medical attention immediately;
• If you are going to take nitrous oxide be sure that you use medical or 'food grade' nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is also used in motoring and this grade of gas is toxic and should therefore be avoided;
• Don't confuse nitrous oxide with nitric oxide, which is extremely poisonous;
• Remember that, mixing nitrous oxide with any other drug (including alcohol) can lead to highly unpredictable effects.

AKA:

Acid, sugar, trips, tabs, sid, Bart Simpsons, blotter, micro dots, liquid, Lucy, stars, lightening flash, paper mushrooms, rainbows, flash and hawk.

Background:

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic drug that is usually sold on tiny squares of paper, often with a picture on one side. The picture says nothing about the likely effect or strength of the drug. Microdots and dots come in the form of very small tablets.

The effects:

• LSD can have a powerful, often unpredictable effect on the mind;
• It can take up to one hour to kick in;
• The effects are commonly known as a 'trip', and may last for eight to 12 hours. Much depends on the strength of the drug, the user's mood, their location and surroundings;
• Users may experience their surroundings in a very different way, including the distortion of objects, movement, vision and hearing;
• Hallucinations are common;
• On rare occasions users experience flashbacks of past 'trips' for a long time afterwards. Users experience different trips every time.

The risks:

• Once the trip starts, there's no way of stopping it until the effects subside;
• Bad trips can be terrifying, and seem very real;
• Dizziness, disorientation, fear, paranoia, and panic may arise;
• The likelihood of a bad trip will increase when users are in a bad mood, anxious, nervous, uncomfortable or have a history of mental problems;
• A bad trip can make users feel very threatened and shaken for a long time afterwards;
• Accidents may happen while users are hallucinating;
• LSD can complicate existing psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

The law:

• LSD and other hallucinogens are Class A drugs.
• It is illegal to reproduce, supply or possess these drugs except under a special office licence.
• It is also an offence to allow premises to be used for production or supply.

If you're planning on taking LSD:

• Hallucinogens can enhance and amplify existing feelings. Even so, being in a good mood does not guarantee a good trip.
• If you're with a friend who's having a bad LSD experience you can help simply being there with them as a steadying influence. Remind them they've used LSD (they might have forgotten), and that they are tripping. Help them to talk if they want to, but don't constantly question them as a bad trip can leave users sensitive to feelings of paranoia. If possible, change your environment to encourage a sense of calm - for example, play some less frantic music or step outside if you're in a crowded club.

AKA:

Glue sniffing, glues, aerosols, gases, thinners, volatile substances and tolly.

Background:

Solvents can be found in household items such as lighter gas refills, fuel canisters, aerosol cans (for example: hairspray, deodorants or air fresheners), tins or tubes of glue, paints, thinners, and correcting fluids. The vapours are sniffed or breathed into the lungs.

The effects:

• The experience of solvent inhalation is like being intensely drunk for a short period of time;
• Breathing and heart rate are depressed, and feeling of unreality kicks in;
• Users may feel thick-headed, dizzy, giggly, and dreamy;
• Some feel nauseous and may vomit. With larger doses, users may hallucinate;
• The effects last between 15 to 45 minutes;
• Headaches or feelings of drowsiness are common after-effects.

The risks:

• Abusing gases, aerosols or glue can kill, even on the first go;
• Sniffing solvents reduces breathing and heart rate and can cause damage to the nasal membrane;
• Spraying solvents down the throat may lead to instant death;
• Users risk suffocation if inhaling solvents from a plastic bag over the head;
• Users (when high) are more prone to accidents because their senses are affected;
• Long-term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys;
• Repeated use of leaded petrol can cause lead poisoning;
• Sniffing gases, glues, or aerosols kills one person every week.

The law:

It is illegal to supply solvents to persons under the age of 18 if they know, or suspect, that the product is intended for abuse.

If you're planning to get high on solvents:

• Accidental death or injury can happen - steer clear of unsafe environments such as a canal or river bank, on a roof or near a busy road or train line.
• Sniffing to the point of becoming unconscious also risks death through choking on vomit. Try to be around people who are straight and can help if things go wrong.
• Avoid any method of use that obstructs breathing (such as an sniffing with a plastic bag over the head) as death from suffocation may result.