Welcome!! Understanding Drugs and Alcohol SkyCast

Understanding Drugs and Alcohol Today’s Aims: To understand the different types of drugs, the effects they have and the different ways that they can be taken. To look at how people use drugs and identify when drug use can become a problem. To give information about where to go if you or someone you know needs help.

1. Firstly, we agree that everything that is said in the session is confidential and that we won’t discuss it with anyone outside of this session 2. We all agree to listen to each other and give people a supportive space where they can let their feelings out 3. We will treat each other with respect, take each other’s views seriously and do our best to try and understand where people are coming from, even if we disagree with something they are saying 4. We all agree that we are entitled to share as much or as little as we want – there’s no obligation to say anything during these sessions, but also if you want some time to talk about your situation, that’s okay… KEEPING THINGS PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Agree or Disagree? Its ok to have a joint at home and occasionally with friends Its ok to have a beer with friends at the pub Its ok for a teacher to have joint at home and in private Its ok for a police officer to have a joint at home and in private

Four Groups of Drugs Depressants Opiates Stimulants Hallucinogenic

Four Groups of Drugs Depressants Slow brain function Slowed pulse and breathing Lowered blood pressure Poor concentration Confusion Fatigue Dizziness Slurred speech Fever Sluggishness Visual disturbances Dilated pupils Disorientation, lack of coordination Depression Difficulty or inability to urinate Addiction

Four Groups of Drugs Stimulants Stimulates the brain and central nervous system Speeds up communication between the two Increases alertness and physical activity Withdrawal symptoms Paranoia Insomnia Suppresses appetite

Four Groups of Drugs Hallucinogenic Affects the brain and 5 senses Acts on the central nervous system Produces significant changes to the user’s state of consciousness Can distort the user’s sense of reality, time and emotions Can lead to mental health problems

Four Groups of Drugs Opiates Opiates are used to help individuals cope with pain Related to sensations of pain relief, pleasure, and reward When used as prescribed, legal opioids are one of the most effective forms of pain relief Opiates can treat severe pain when other attempts to relieve the pain have proven unsuccessful. However, since opioids have both pain relieving properties and positive psychological properties, they are among the most abused types of substances currently available.

Swallowed (eaten): Takes 20 minutes to digest - chemicals are broken down and absorbed into blood stream. Swallowed (drunk): Takes 5 minutes to digest – chemicals are broken down and absorbed into blood stream. Injected: Injected into veins (not artery) – chemicals are absorbed directly into blood. Usually using needles (risk of blood born viruses). Sharing and disposing of needles. Inhaled/Smoked: Inhaled straight into the lungs and then absorbed into the blood stream within 2-3 minutes. Absorbed: Chemicals are absorbed straight into the body in 5-10 minutes e.g. Nicotine patch.

Four Types of User Experimental Addiction Recreational Chaotic/Problematic

Four Types of User Experimental First times using Often as part of a group A dangerous way of using drugs (inexperienced) Experimental use can be some peoples’ only experience of drug use – maybe they don’t enjoy it so don’t repeat? First experience may not be pleasant Likely to be young

Four Types of User Recreational Which drugs to use? Which amounts? Times and places Often in a group Planned process Learned to control their drug use By far the most common recreational drug used in the UK is Alcohol. Not always without problems. Recreational drug use can end in dependant use. Recreational use is often undertaken with few if any significant problems resulting from it.

Four Types of User Addiction Driven by a physical or psychological compulsion Often a solitary activity The absence of the drug in the body leads to cravings, physically and psychologically Likely to lead to physical dependence than others. Physical dependency can lead to withdrawal symptoms (such as alcohol and heroin) The development of dependence has at least as much to do with the individual as it does the drug. Dependent drug use is often associated with problems, but problems are by no means inevitable.

Four Types of User Chaotic/Problematic Crime/Criminal Record Tolerance Increase Financial Problems Relationships Problems Employability Travelling Abroad Driving Disqualifications

Need Help? Support in Schools/Colleges Love your Future – Turnaround Centre (Paulin) Adult services at Lantern Hall Websites/Helpines: E.g. Talk to Frank Off the Record/Jump Start – counselling services Sutton CDSSL -