Anabolic steroids
Taking anabolic steroids can really damage health and stop young people growing properly. They can make boys grow breasts and make girls grow more body hair.
Cocaine/crack cocaine
It can make people feel uptight and panicky. It can also make them feel sick and stop them sleeping properly. After the effects have worn off, they can feel very tired and depressed. It can also cause heart problems and fits. People can become addicted and want more of the drug. It is expensive so you can easily get into debt.
Cannabis
People can imagine that everyone around them is talking about them and making fun of them. It can also make them feel panicky and anxious. People get confused and are more likely to have an accident, for example crossing the road or on a bike. People taking cannabis can have bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and feel very tired and hungry. They can feel dizzy and sick, especially if cannabis has been mixed with alcohol. Like tobacco, cannabis can make bronchitis and asthma worse and may cause cancer. Taking cannabis can affect your short-term memory.
Heroin
People can become addicted and need more of the drugs to feel good. It's very difficult for someone to stop taking heroin once they become addicted. Some people take too much and can die. People who inject heroin or other drugs are at risk of infection.
Alcohol
People feel sick, become clumsy and do things they might later regret. Their judgement can become poor – this is why there is a legal limit to how much you can drink and still drive. If you drink too much you will have a hangover the next day – you will feel sick and have a headache. Do not mix alcohol with other drugs.
Tobacco
You might feel sick and dizzy. Smoking damages your health and can make chest problems worse. Smoking causes cancer and heart disease and can kill you. It also makes your breath smell and stains your teeth and fingers.
Tranquillisers
These are very addictive. They can cause headaches, sickness and confusion. Too many can make you depressed.
Poppers
If you take these when dancing or doing something else energetic, you can faint. They may give you headaches, sickness and coughs. They are very dangerous if you have a heart problem.
LSD
You may see things differently – colours seem brighter, and still things seem to move. A trip may last 8 –12 hours. You may feel anxious and worried. If you are with someone who is becoming scared, talk to them reassuringly.
Solvents
The effects are like being drunk . You may feel sick and have a headache afterwards. Sniffing gas or aerosols can kill even the first time you try. Never squirt aerosols straight down your throat – this is particularly dangerous.
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