Know the Score.

Most young people will think about trying drugs or alcohol at some stage. 

We know that drugs can affect everyone differently – depending on your age, body size, what and how much you take.  Some drugs can also be ‘stronger’ than others.

If you are considering trying drugs, it’s important to ask yourself if you know…

CLASS has lots of information about the different drugs and may answer some questions you have. 

This could help you make the decision that’s right for you!

KNOWING YOUR CLASS

There are some drugs that are legal and can be bought if you are the right age - Alcohol, Tobacco and Vapes are among the most common. 

For the illegal ones, the consequences or even punishment for buying, having them on you, sharing them with friends or selling can depend on what class they are.

Part 1:

Some drugs are legal - such as Alcohol, Tobacco, over the counter medications and Caffeine. However, their use may be restricting - depending on a person’s age, the location they’re intending to use,

Legal

Click a drug name to read more.

Class A

It is illegal to have a Class A drug, even it is for yourself. Possession of Class A drug can result in up to 7 years in prison. Sharing or selling Class A drugs can potentially lead to life in prison.

Click a drug name to read more.

LSD

It is illegal to have a Class B drug, even it is for yourself. Possession of Class B drug can result in up to 5 years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine. Sharing or selling Class B drugs can potentially lead to up to 14 years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine.

Class B

Click a drug name to read more.

THC

Class C

It is illegal to have a Class C drug, even it is for yourself. Possession of Class C drug can result in up to 2 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Sharing or selling Class C drugs can potentially lead up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Click a drug name to read more.

THE STREET NAMES

Part 2:

Drugs can have a lot of nicknames, and often these can vary depending on where you are and who you are with. This can make it hard to know exactly what you are being offered.

Our A - Z Common Name Glossary should help keep you up-to-date.

You can use the filter list of drugs below to browse the common names that each drug can also be called. You can also search for specific names you might have heard..

KNOWING THE RISKS

If you are going to experiment with drugs, it’s important to consider some of the risks that come with them. Sometimes risks can be both life changing and life threatening, so it’s important to ask yourself some questions.

Part 3:

Click or tap a question to read more about it.

IF YOU’RE FEELING PRESSURED

When you are with friends, they may sometimes encourage you to try new things – sometimes this might be drugs or alcohol.

It can be hard to say 'no' to your friends, even if it’s something you don’t want to do.

You may not want to be the ‘odd one out’ if everyone else is using. 

Below are some useful tips to remember, particularly if you are feeling pressured into taking drugs.

Part 4:

Click or tap a tip to read more info

IF YOU’RE FEELING WORRIED

It can be easy for the amount of drugs you are using to increase over time, you may not have even noticed you have been using more and more.

Most people don’t want to admit that their drug taking has become a problem or is getting out of hand.

This section will give you tips on how to support yourself, or a friend, at times when you are worried.

Part 5:

Worried about:
Your own drug use

Drugs can be very addictive and stopping can sometimes be difficult.  You don’t have to stop on your own.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and there are plenty of support organisations skilled specifically with supporting and helping young people with drug related problems.

You can get support whenever you feel like you need it.

    • relying on drugs to feel calm or relaxed

    • worrying about when you'll have drugs next

    • thinking about drugs more and more

    • planning your day or weekend around when or how you will get to take drugs

    • using drugs to cope with difficult situations, for example, exam stress, family problems

    • not being able to remember how much you've taken in one day

    • changes in your relationships with friends and family

    • changes in your mood

    • Getting rid - of any drugs you have

    • Avoid temptation – stay away from places or situations where you know there will drugs

    • Change friendship circles – hang out with people who aren’t using drugs to help you stay clean

    • Find a new hobby - to give yourself something to do to take your mind off drugs

    • Tackle your problems - think about what makes you take drugs, it may be time to get support to with these

    • Finding the right support for you

Worried about:
A friends drug use

It can be uncomfortable talking to a friend if you think they are struggling with a drug problem.  It could be embarrassing for you & them and they may not want to talk to you!

You can always suggest they chat to someone else if it helps them feel more comfortable, but a good start is telling them you are worried about them and their drug use.

They may not realise they have a drug problem – it could come as a bit of a shock when you bring up the idea.

    • when you are both sober and not on drugs – trying to chat while out having a drink or taking drugs isn’t going to work

    • somewhere private – where they feel safe and relaxed (they could get upset)

    • when you have lots of time – you don’t want to rush

    • more than once – you may need bring up the subject overtime to get them to open up

    • be aware - there may be other issues going on too

    • be judgmental or critical – it won’t help

    • act like you know better - even if that’s what you think

    • boss them about – telling them how to ‘sort themselves out’ is not going help them make changes

If you are really concerned - whether for yourself or a friend - it may be time to chat to a parent or another adult who can help.

Don’t try to keep ‘secrets’ around drugs – there is always a chance that your, or their, drug use could be life threatening. It’s important to know what to do if an emergency situation comes up.

LOOKING FOR SUPPORT?

Part 6:

If you or a friend are worried about Drugs or Alcohol, it might be good to link in with an organisation for support. 

You may be anxious about people knowing your business, but organisations have strict rules on how they handle your personal information. They will explain this when you first chat to them.

You decide what type of support you want. This can include…

Mentoring

Counselling

Group Programmes

Harm Reduction

Specific Drugs Agencies

Talk To Frank

Drugs & Alcohol NI

Daisy Project

Dunleway

Counselling Organisations

Integrated Services

Lifeline
24/7

New Life Counselling

Street Beat Youth Project

Support Services

Integrated Services

Start 360

Ascert

Extern Reaching Out Project

Medical Support Services

Your GP may be able to provide further Medical Support and Advice specific to your child’s needs. If needed, your local GP Out of Hours can do the same.

Part 7:

A CLASS ACT:
USING SAFELY

If you decide that you want to use drugs, then it’s important to think about how to use them as safely as you can.

Click or tap a statement to read more.

CLASS ACT:
IN AN EMERGENCY

We can’t be sure how drugs will affect someone if they decide to take them, even someone who has used drugs before can find themselves in trouble.

Emergencies are rare but its important to get the right help!

Keep an eye out for a friend who appears to be…

    • Take them to a calm & quiet place

    • Keep them away from crowds, bright lights and loud noises/ music

    • Get them to take slow deep breaths

    • Reassure them they are ok

    • Encourage them to take off coats/ sweater if they are too hot.

    • Keep them dry, especially if you are outside or in cold weather.

    • Keep an eye on how much water they are drinking, they may have too much.

    • Move them to a quiet place and talk to them to keep them awake

    • Don’t shout at them or shake them to try to keep them alert

    • Don’t give them tea/coffee or energy drinks to try to wake them up

    • If they stop responding or become unconscious, it’s time to get help!

If your friend is unconscious, or has collapsed and is struggling to breathe