Types of Drugs
Class A
This group includes drugs with high addiction properties. There are over 100 natural and manufactured drugs in this group including Heroin, Cocaine, Morphine, Pethadone, Methadone and opium.
Cocaine is a white powder that is usually divided into lines and snorted through the nose. This substance can also be smoked or dissolved in water and then injected.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine are both stimulants with powerful but short lived side effects. Taking cocaine makes the user feel on top of the world; they will feel wide awake and totally confident. Once the effects begin to wear off there is a strong compulsion to consume more.
Heroin is a pain killing drug made from morphine, which is derived from the opium poppy. It comes as a white powder when pure. Street heroin is usually a brownish-white.
The methadone prescribed to people trying to come off heroin is usually in syrup form, which is swallowed. Pethidine, Diconal, Palfium and Temgesic come in tablet or injectable forms.
Effects start quickly and can last several hours; however, this varies with the amount of drug used and how the drug is taken. Most users will get a buzz within minutes of taking the drug; it will make them feel relaxed and create feelings of well being.
Max penalties:
- Possession: 7 years in prison and/or a fine
- Suppliers: Life imprisonment and/or a fine
Class B
Cannabis can come in different forms. Also known as Hash, Dope, and Blow. This drug is probably the most widely used illegal drug in Britain. The main raeson being is that it is not expensive and is widely available.
Cannabis is a sedative and a mild hallucinogen. It has different effects on people; on some it can make them feel chilled out, on others it can make them feel very ill.
It affects the users short term memory and can make the user feel anxious, suspicious and panicky.
Amphetamines, also known as speed. It comes in the form of ‘wraps’; like cocaine the powder is off white or even pinkish in colour. Amphetamine sulphate is a synthetically produced drug which is typically in powder form. This allows their simple manufacture into capsules or tablets for commercial distribution.
Speed takes effect within half an hour; it will take effect much quicker if injected or smoked. The effects of speed can last for up to six hours followed by a long slow come down.
Speed makes the user feel wide awake and gives them energy; clubbers use it to enable them to have the energy to dance all night without feeling tired. It is impossible to sleep on speed and the come down can take up to two days making the user feel very depressed and hallucinations are also likely.
Max penalties:
- Possession: 5 years in prison and/or a fine
- Suppliers: 14 years in prison and/or a fine
By law passing drugs between friends is supplying and allowing people to take drugs within your home is also illegal.
Class C
Anabolic steroids and tranquillisers, Temazepan (mazzies) and flunitrazepam (rohypnol). Anabolic steroids are meant to be used to treat muscle weakness after surgery.
Anabolic Steroids
Steroids can be taken as a tablet or as a liquid and injected. Steroids have been used by some atheletes intent of improving their performance. Some take steroids during training to help build muscle. It is noted that some users say that the drug makes them feel aggressive.
Anabolic steroids can be sold by a pharmacist but only with a doctor`s prescription and to be used for your personal use only under prescription. However, to possess with the intent to supply to your friends for example, is illegal.
Max penalties:
- Possession: 2 years prison and/or a fine
- Suppliers: 5 years prison and/or a fine
