Talk 4 Teens - new website for teen health

Alcohol

police can legally confiscate alcohol from anyone they know to be, or reasonably believe to be, under 18 drinking in a public place

Alcopops often contain more alcohol than many beers, lager or cider

Useful links
www.wrecked.co.uk
www.talktofrank.com
www.crew2000.co.uk

Effects Risks

The effect depends on the strength and how fast it is consumed

It also varies according to when a person last ate, their weight, mood and surroundings

Mixing alcohol with other drugs is very dangerous

Overdose (drinking too much) can lead to loss of consciousness, users then risk choking on their own vomit.

Long-term over use can lead to serious liver, heart and stomach problems

Cannabis

It comes In a solid dark lump known as 'resin' or dried leaves and stalks called 'grass'

Cannabis is a Class B drug

Cannabis and the Law

Cannabis was class graded on 29th Jan 2004.

Cannabis is classified as a class C drug with maximum penalties for possession being 2 years and/or an unlimited fine, and supply being 14 years and/or an unlimited fine.

Useful links
www.talktofrank.com
www.crew2000.co.uk

Effects	Risks
It heightens the senses, especially when it comes to colours, taste and music Cooking and eating cannabis makes the effects more intense and harder to control It can leave people feeling tired and lacking energy	Can affect short-term memory and ability to concentrate 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

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a Class A drug
It usually comes in tablets or different shapes, size and colour

Useful links
www.talktofrank.com
www.crew2000.co.uk

Effects	Risks
Sound, colour and emotions can be much more intense The energy buzz from ecstasy means users may dance for hours The effects last anything from 3 to 6 hours	The comedown can leave users feeling tired and depressed, often for days Use has been linked to liver and kidney problems Dangers of dehydration should sip water/fruit juice every hour.

Heroin

It is a Class A drug, which usually comes as a brownish-white powder
It can be smoked,injected or snorted (very unusual)
Heroin is a painkiller

Useful links
www.talktofrank.com
www.crew2000.co.uk

Effects	Risks
In small doses it gives the user a sense of warmth and well-being, higher doses can make them drowsy and relaxed First time use often leads to side effects like dizziness and vomiting	Tolerance develops which means the user needs more heroin to get the same effect Long term injecting can damage veins and lead to gangrene Sharing needles or syringes puts users at risk of dangerous infections like hepatitis and HIV

Gases, Glues and Aerosols (Solvents)

It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell gas lighter refills to anyone under 18.
It is also illegal to sell gases, glues and aerosols to under 18's, or to people acting for them, if they suspect the produce is intended for misuse

Useful links
www.ndh.org.uk
www.talktofrank.com
www.crew2000.co.uk

Effects	Risks
Users fell thick headed, dizzy, giggly and dreamy, the effects last 15 to 45 minutes Afterwards users feel drowsy and can suffer headache	Use of gases, glues or aerosols can cause instant death - even on the first go There is risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected

Tobacco

Tobacco contains a drug called nicotine which is very addictive

It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell tobacco to under 16's

Smokers gain weight when they quit so the best thing is not to start

Useful links
www.cdc.gov/tobacco/tips4youth.htm
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
www.quitnet.com
www.talktofrank.com
www.crew2000.co.uk
www.stopsmokingcentre.net

Effects Risks

Nicotine is a powerful and fast acting drug that speeds up heart rate and increases blood pressure

When smoke is inhaled, the nicotine effects hit the brain after about 8 seconds

First time users may feel sick

It will considerably reduce the size of your wallet.

It's very easy to become addicted; most smokers wish they'd never started

Smokers are more likely to suffer coughs and chest problems, a long term tobacco habit can lead to cancer, emphysema and heart disease

Premature aging producing early wrinkles

Leading cause of male impotence.