ALCOHOL
Street Names: booze, 'the bottle' drink and liquour
WHAT IS IT?
Alcohol is found in drinks like beers, wines, spirits, alcopops and cider
HOW IS IT USED?
As a drink, sometimes mixed with soft drinks such as lemonade, lime, cordial and cola. Alcoholic drinks come in different strengths measured as a % by volume. The higher the percentage marked on the label, the stronger the drink will be.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Relaxation, sociability, lack of inhibition, lengthens reaction time, blurs vision, impairs judgement of speed and distance, relieves tension.
Short Term: Loss of co-ordination, slurring of speech, feeling sick, exaggerated emotional reactions, violence, hangover (usually the following day)
Long Term: Dependence, physical damage, especially to liver, heart, stomach, brain, fatal overdose, clinical depression, financial difficulties, infertility, obesity, anxiety, cancer of mouth and throat, disease of nervous system
LEGAL FACTS
This drug can be bought from licensed premises between permitted hours. Use is legal. You must be 18 to use in licensed premises
* It is illegal to give this drug to under 5's
* Under 18's are not allowed to buy in most circumstances
* A supplier is legally entitled to refuse you if you seem to have had too much
* It is illegal to drive with more than 80mg of this drug in every 100ml of your blood. You face losing your licence for 1-3 years, a fine and a possible prison sentence
* Being drunk in a public place and being drunk and disorderly are both offences. You could be cautioned, fined or get a community sentence
* It is legal to make home brew, beer and wine, but you may not sell it
AMPHETAMINES
street names: whizz, speed, uppers, billy, dexedrine, dexies, ritalin
WHAT IS IT?
Stimulant
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as a white or coloured powder, sold in 'wraps', coloured tablets or capsules
HOW IS IT USED?
Swallowed, injected, sniffed or smoked. Sometimes used with Ecstacy in particular.
Assossiated equipment: folded glossy magazine paper, self closing bags (for powder), needles and syringes (for injecting). In the 1950's and 1960's they were widely prescribed for depression and also to suppress appetite
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: High dose repeated in short periods od time could cause panic and hallucinations. Greater confidence, depression, anxiety.
Short Term: Tired, exhaustion, loss of appetite, immediate effects include wakefulness, alertness, more energy and feeling good. Panic, dehydration (when combined with strenuous activity), tolerance (more dose needed to achieve same effect), high blood pressure, rapid irregular heartbeat, sleeplessness. The effects of a single dose can last about 3-4 hours and leave the user feeling tired but often unable to sleep due to the residual stimulant effect of the drug. It can take the body two days to fully recover.
Long Term: Long term use can cause strain on the heart causing an increase in the chance of heart problems. Heavy use can result in mental illness, high blood pressure, paranoia, heat loss and tension. A psychotic state can develop.
LEGAL FACTS
It is legal to use or possess this drug if it has been medically prescribed (which is rare these days). It is usual for street supplies to have been made illegally. Possession and supply of non-prescribed supplies are illegal. It is a Class B drug (Class A if prepared for injection).
Allowing premises to be used for their supply is also an offence.
Maximum penalties;
* Possession - 5 years (Class , 7 years (Class A) prison, unlimited fine
* Supply - 14 yaers (Class , Life (Class A), prison, unlimited fine
AMYL BUTYL NITRITE
street names: poppers, snappers, rush, ram, liquid gold
WHAT IS IT?
Stimulant, relaxant which is chemically linked to nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Amyl nitrite used to be inhaled to relieve acute angina attacks but now is seldom used medically. Poppers derive their name from the sound made when the glass ampoules containing the drug are crushed prior to use.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as a clear yellow liquid in small glass bottles. they are volatile and inflammable liquid with a sweet smell when fresh, but when stale degenerate to a smell often linked to dirty socks.
HOW IS IT USED?
The vapour from the liquid is sniffed either directly or by soaking on a cloth. 'Poppers' are often used by the homosexual community as they relax the anus.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Reduced inhibitions and enhanced sexual sensation.
Short Term: Short term stimulant, relaxation of muscles. Unconciousness can occur when used during vigorous activity. Once inhaled the effects are virtually instantaneous and last for 2-5 minutes. The skin becomes flushed and the heart rate accelerates as the user experiences a euphoric rushing sensation. fainting, loss of balance, headache and nausea can ocur.
Long Term: The skin around the nose and lips may be affected by dermatitis. Heart attack, death (if swallowed)
LEGAL FACTS
You can use, posses or supply Butyl nitrite without legal restriction. Amyl nitrite is theoretically available from any chemist without prescription.
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
street names; 'roids, testosterone, sustanon250, Anavar and by trade names such as Dianabol, Durabolin, Deca Durabolin
WHAT IS IT?
Natural or synthetic form of natural hormones such as testosterone. Can be used in medicine to treat amnesia and muscle weakness after surgery. Their main property is to promote protein building by the body.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found in glass capsules for injection and also in tablet form.
HOW IS IT USED?
Usually taken by injection by atheletes/sportsmen and women. Can also be taken orally.
Associated equipment includes needles and syringes (for injecting).
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Enhanced self-image. increased aggression, reduced sex drive.
Short Term: Muscle building, clitoral enlargement. Anabolic steroids help users recover from strenuous exercise.
Long Term: Acne, restricted growth in young people, liver disease, internal bleeding, ulcers. In men - baldness, smaller testicles and lowered sperm count, breast development. In women - increased hair growth, deeper voice and smaller breasts. Anabolic steroids can cause premature accumulation of fats in the arteries, and death can occur from these unwanted effects on the heart and blood vessels.
LEGAL FACTS
You can use and possess these drugs legally. However, use in sports is strictly prohibited. A positive test for the drug can ruin a sporting career.
Anabolic steroids can only be sold by a pharmacist from a doctor's prescription.
BARBITURATES
street names; barbs, sleepers, downers, Seconal, Amytal, Nembutal, Tuinal
WHAT IS IT?
Depressant, synthetic drug
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as white or coloured tablets or capsules
HOW IS IT USED?
Usually swallowed, although can be injected
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: relief from tension and anxiety, poor control of body (speech and feelings), physical and psychological dependence. Because barbiturates are a sedative drug they slow down the central nervous system in a similar way to alcohol.
Short Term: A small dose can cause relaxation and sometimes promote sleep. A moderate to high does can cause confusion. Abcess (if injected), chest infection through suppression of cough reflex.
Long Term: A moderate to large dose can cause breathing failure which can lead to sudden death. Sudden withdrawal can also be fatal. There is a high risk of overdose because a lethal dose is quite close to the normal dose level.
LEGAL FACTS
It is legal to possess or use this drug only if it has been prescribed by a doctor (which is rare these days). It is illegal to produce, supply or possess this drug without a licence. It is a Class B drug (and becomes Class A if prepared for injection).
Maximum penalties;
* Possession: 5 years (Class , 7 years (Class A) prison, unlimited fine
* Supply: 14 years (Class , Life imprisonment (Class A) and unlimited fine.
CAFFEINE
WHAT IS IT?
Stimulant
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found in tea, coffee, chocolate, cola and other soft drinks, some headache pills, pep pills.
HOW IS IT USED?
Drunk, swallowed. It is also used in a wide variety of medicines such as cold remedies.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Refreshment, wakefulness, alertness, energy, sociability, psychological dependence. It is an 'upper' and generally helps stimulate the body. Short Term: If taken regularly in moderate to large quantities - sweating, shaking, urination. anxiety, and sleeplessness. Withdrawal symptoms include feeling bad tempered, sleepy and headaches.
Long Term: Heavy use over long periods of time may cause kidney, bladder and heart disease, peptic ulcers and high blood pressure. There has been some concern about the amount of caffeine consumed by young children particularly in soft drinks and chocolate. Some commentators have suggested that children who consume a lot of caffeine may become hyperactive. A child drinking one can of cola will be taking the equivalent amount of caffeine as an adult drinking four cups of coffee.
LEGAL FACTS
There are no legal restrictions on this drug apart from in sport where restrictions apply. Certain medicines which contain caffeine may only be available on a doctor's prescription.
CANNABIS
street names: marijuana, draw, weed, spliff, grass, pot, ganja, bash, bhang, tac, blow, yoke, skunk.
WHAT IS IT?
Relaxant and mild intoxicant. It is a natural substance derived from the 'Cannabis Sativa' plant.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as leaf, resin or oil. Hashish or hash is resin scraped from the plant and compressed into blocks. It is the most commonly used form in the UK.
HOW IS IT USED?
Smoked with tobacco, eaten in food, smoked as a pipe or with bottles etc;
Associated equipment: cigarette papers, cardboard filters.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Relaxation, feeling good, sociability, talkativeness, hilarity, seeing and hearing things differently. Often used to counter the effects of amphetamine, ecstacy and cocaine and to help withdrawal from heroin. Impairment of memory is a well proven effect of cannabis, particularly in relation to short term memory. Cannabis is both physically and psychologically addictive.
Short Term: Cannabis affects the female cycle and decreases sperm count in males. It weakens the immune system by damaging and destroying white blood cells.
Long Term: The full extent of long term health risks of chronic cannabis use. If young smokers continue the habit, it would require a latent period of ten or twenty years to be revealed. It has been calculated that smoking three to four cannabis cigarettes a day is associated with acute and chronic bronchitis and the same degree of damage to the bronchial mucosa of twenty or more normal cigarettes a day.
LEGAL FACTS
The drug cannot be grown, obtained or possessed or supplied legally. It is also an offence to allow premises to be used for cultivation, supply or use. It is a Class C drug in almost all forms, however Class A penalties can apply to Cannabis oil. (Downgraded from Class B to Class C - February 2004)
Maximum penalties; No Change
* Possession: 5 years in prison, unlimited fine.
* Supply: 14 years in prison, unlimited fine.
COCAINE/CRACK
street names: coke, snow, charlie, rock, white
WHAT IS IT?
Stimulant with properties similar to amphetamine
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as a white powder (cocaine) or as raisin size crystal (crack). Crack is produced from a manufacturing process whereby cocaine is dissolved in water and heated with a chemical reagent to 'free' the cocaine alkaloid 'base' from the powder. These small crystals or rocks which, when smoked in pipes, 'cracks'
HOW IS IT USED?
Cocaine is usually sniffed or snorted up the nose through a tube using a rolled banknote and absorbed into the blood supply via the nasal membranes, crack is usually smoked.
Associated equipment: mirror/tile, razor blade (for sniffing), needles and syringes (for injecting), crack/rock 'pipes' such as drink cans (for smoking).
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Confidence, feeling alert, clever, strong, working faster and for longer. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, exhaustion. When sniffed the psychological effects peak after about 15-30 minutes then diminish. This means that the dose may need to be repeated every 20 minutes to maintain the effects. When smoked, the effects are felt more immediately and wear off more quickly.
Short Term: Hunger (after effects), damage to nasal tissue. After discontinuing the user will feel fatigued, sleepy and depressed, all of which reinforce the temptation to repeat the dose.
Long Term: Miscarriage, premature birth, voice and lung damage (long term smoking) and weight loss.
LEGAL FACTS
This drug is only rarely prescribed. In almost every case it is illegal to possess or supply. This is a Class A drug.
Maximum penalties:
* Possession: 7 years in prison, unlimited fine.
* Supply: Life in prison, unlimited fine.
ECSTACY
street names: E, XTC, disco burgers, white doves, biscuits, mitsubishis. MDMA, elephants.
WHAT IS IT?
Hallucinogenic stimulant. A group of drugs roughly combining those of amphetamines and LSD.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as white or coloured tablets of differing shapes.
HOW IS IT USED?
swallowed, often with amphetamine or cocaine for boosting effects. Although developed in 1912, ecstacy did not become widely used until the emergence of the 'acid house' scene in the late 1980's and has been associated with dance music and parties ever since. As the drug has become more popular, so the quality has tended to decrease - many tablets or capsules sold as ecstacy may not contain the drug at all or be a mixture of other drugs.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Calming effect, greater awareness of sight and sound, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, depression.
Short Term: Effects are experienced after 20-60 minutes and can last for several hours. Dehydration, overheating.
Long Term: Increasing evidence is emerging on the increasing effect of ecstacy on brain cells and brain function. Some sudden deaths have also occurred (around 80 so far). The effects are very unpredictable.
LEGAL FACTS
You cannot possess, sell or supply this drug legally. This is a Class A drug. Anyone wishing to use it for research purposes has to obtain a Home Office Licence.
Maximum Penalties:
* Possession; 7 years in prison, unlimited fine.
* Supply: Life in prison, unlimited fine.
GHB - (GAMMAHYDROXYBUTYRATE)
street names: easy lay, liquid ecstacy, ghb, natural sleep-500, somatomax, liquid x, gammo-o, salt water.
WHAT IS IT?
Synthetic drug, depressant, general anaesthetic, treatment for insomnia and treatment for alcoholism. GHB is also used as an alternative to anabolic steroids.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Usually in two forms: either a clear odourless liquid with a salty taste or as a powder (usually white). It is rarely found in capsule or tablet form.
HOW IS IT USED?
GHB was originally developed as a medicine for use during surgery. It has an unpleasant tatse and so is usually mixed with a drink. It can also be smoked and snorted.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: GHB has sedative qualities and can produce feelings of euphoria. effects include an enhanced state of relaxation and decrease inhibitions.
Short Term: Effects are felt within 5-20 minutes. Lasting anything from 1.5 to 3 hours. Vomiting, drowsiness, amnesia, vertigo, unresponsive sleep.
Long Term: The long term effects of GHB are not yet fully known. There is however a potential for repiratory problems which can result in sudden death as can an overdose. The strength of GHB can vary from bottle to bottle so it may be difficult to know how much is being taken, therefore there is a high risk of overdose.
LEGAL FACTS
In Britain GHB is not covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act, so possession is not an offence. Supply however, is controlled under the Medicines Act. This does not stop it being sold as a sex aid.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs are considering classifying GHB as a Class C drug.
HEROIN
street names: H, smack, skag, brown, junk, gear, codeine.
WHAT IS IT?
Depressant, opiate. Opiates are derived from the opium poppy. From morphine it is not difficult to produce heroin, which is, in pure form, a white powder more than twice as potent as morphine.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found as a brownish powder 9illicit supplies), pure heroin is white.
HOW IS IT USED?
Smoked by heating it and inhaling the fumes (known as 'chasing the dragon'). Sniffed up the nose like cocain and injected.
Assosiated equipment: Needles and syringes, burt foil, spoons, filter, citric acid, candle, sterile water.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Sensations of warmth, pleasanr drowsiness, reduced anxiety, euphoria, pain killer.
Short Term: sickness, constipation, disrupted menstrual cycle. Opiates have medicinal usess as painkillers, cough suppressants and anti diarrhoea treatments.
Long Term: Coma, death (overdose). Overdose is more likely if other depressant drugs (like alcohol) are used at the same time. There can be fatal reactions to injected adulterants.
LEGAL FACTS
It is legal to use this type of drug when prescribed for pain control or to prevent withdrawal symptoms (diamorphine). Only specially licensed doctors can prescribe heroin or diamorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction. All othe opiates can be prescribed for normal therapeutic uses. Otherwise it is illegal to possess or supply. It is a Class A drug.
Maximum penalties:
* Possession: 7 years in prison, unlimited fine
* Supply: Life in prison, unlimited fine.
INHALENTS / SOLVENTS
WHAT IS IT?
Gas, glues, aerosols, cleaning fluid
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found in glue, aerosols, butane gas, correcting fluid, dry cleaning fluid, petrol, some fire extinguishers and many household products.
HOW IS IT USED?
Ihaled either from a plastic bag, cloth or crisp packet or by spraying directly into the mouth. Some organic (carbon based) substances produce effects similar to alcohol or anaesthetics when their vapours are inhaled.
Associated equipment: Plastic bags, crisp packets, aerosols, gas lighter refills, milk cartons, cider/beer cans.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Intoxication, sociability, hilarity, loss of inhibitions. Psychological dependence develops in a small number of young people who are vulnerable as a result of underlying family ar personal problems.
Short Term: Spots around the nose and mouth, lingering smell, unconsciousness, physical accidents due to intoxication. The effects disappear after about 15-45 minutes. Afterwards users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache (mild hangover). Users may also hallucinate.
Long Term: Sudden sniffing death (SSD). Users run the risk of accidental death or injury if they are intoxicated in an unsafe environment, such as on a roof or by a canal bank. If the method used to inhale the solvent obstructs breathing (e.g. using a plastic bag over the head) and the sniffer becomes unconscious then suffocation may result.
LEGAL FACTS
These drugs can be bought and used legally, but it is illegal for shopkeepers to supply a young person under the age of 18 if they are likely to be used for intoxication.
Users may however, be convicted for unruly, offensive or intoxicated behaviour or because they resist Police attempts to intervene.
Somebody driving under the influence of these solvents may be convicted of driving whilst unfit.
KETAMINE
street names: Special K, K. Kit-Kat, Vitamin K, Ketalar, Ketaset, Cat Valiums.
WHAT IS IT?
Powerful anaesthetic, pain killer (mainly intended for vetinary use)
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found in liquid form or as a white powder. Sometimes in capsules and sometimes mixed with ecstacy.
HOW IS IT USED?
Powders are sniffed up the nose or sometimes smoked. They can be smoked with cannabis or tobacco. Liquid is usually ingested orally, or can be injected into muscle not veins. The normal dose for sniffing Ketamine is about 100-200mg.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Hallucinations, lack of physical co-ordination, psychological problems, memory loss, flashbacks, impaired attention, delirium, amnesia, alters perception.
Short Term: High blood pressure, depression. Many users report a temporary paralysis and a feeling of being out of the body. Many users report being sick and often vomiting.
Long Term: Potentially fatal respiratory problems. Aside from the normal risks of injecting common to all drugs, it is the anaesthetic properties of Ketamine which pose the main physical dangers. Under its influence users are less likely to feel pain and some may not realise they are hallucinating. Because users believe what is happening to them is real, there is a potential for serious injury.
LEGAL FACTS
The only preparation legally available in Britain is liquid 'Ketelar' (in small vial bottles for injecting). It is a prescription only medicine and therefore not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act. Unauthorised supply is illegal under the Medicines Act.
The drugs current legal status is thought to be under close review, following concerns that use of the drug is on the increase among young people.
LSD (LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE)
street names: trips, acid, tabs, microdot.
WHAT IS IT?
Hallucinogen
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
As a whit powder, but as a street drug it is a liquid or more commonly found on small squares of impregnated paper usually with a colourful design, e.g. cartoon or film characters, as microdots sandwiched between tape, as tablets.
HOW IS IT USED?
Swallowed, rarely injected.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Changes in perception, mood and behaviour. Severe psychological distress, fear, panic, anxiety, depression, paranoia, flashbacks.
Short Term:
A trip begins about half an hour after taking LSD, peaks after 2-6 hours and fades after about 12 hours depending on the dose. Once a trip starts there is no way of stopping it. A bad trip can be terrifying. Users may feel very threatened and even forget that the drug is responsible.
Long Term: LSD can complicate mental problems such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Deaths can happen through accidents.
LEGAL FACTS
This drug is not available on prescription. It is illegal to produce, possess or supply it. It is a Class A drug and it is also an offence to allow premises to be used for its production or supply.
Maximum penalties:
* Possession: 7 years in prison, unlimited fine.
* Supply: Life in prison, unlimited fine.
MAGIC MUSHROOMS (LIBERTY CAP MUSHROOMS)
street names: 'shrooms, mushies.
WHAT IS IT?
Hallucinogen
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Found growing in the wild in late summer and autumn
HOW IS IT USED?
Chewed, infused whether fresh or dried, crushed or frozen, injected after cooking. Usually 20-30 mushrooms are required in order to benefit from the hallucinogenic experience, but less may be equally potent due to the variations.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: The psychological effects are similar to a mild LSD experience but the trip is milder and shorter. At low doses euphoria and detachment predominate. At higher doses virtual distortions progress to vivid hallucinations. There are no significant withdrawal symptoms or physical dependence, however individuals may feel a desire to repeat their experience.
Short Term: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pains. bad trips can occur and develop into a psychotic episode.
Long Term: Poisoning and death (through eating the wrong types). There have been reports of longer lasting disturbances, such as anxiety attacks and flashbacks to the original experience, but these almost invariably fade.
LEGAL FACTS
Several types of magic mushrooms grow wild in the UK.
The bringing into force of section 21 of the Drugs Act 2005 on 18 July 2005 means that mushrooms containing psilocin – commonly known as magic mushrooms – are now controlled as Class A drugs.
From Monday, 18 July 2005 it will be an offence to sell, possess or supply magic mushrooms in all forms – whether dried, packaged or fresh – as Section 21 of the Drugs Act 2005 comes into force.
It is already an offence to import, export, supply or possess dried or packaged mushrooms. However, mushrooms vendors have used an apparent loophole in the law to import and sell fresh magic mushrooms. The Government has now clarified the law on psilocin, the Class A hallucinogen in mushrooms, so that it extends to fresh mushrooms as well as prepared mushrooms. The new offence also covers the sale and importation of kits.
People who flout the law can from 18/7/05 expect the police, Customs and courts to take action against them. The maximum penalty for the supply of Class A drugs is life imprisonment, with a maximum of seven years for possession. Both can attract an unlimited fine.
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said;
“Magic mushrooms are a powerful hallucinogen and can cause real harm, especially to vulnerable people and those with mental health problems.
“By clarifying the law we are making it clear that we will not allow the sale and supply of magic mushrooms whether fresh or dried. This will benefit people likely to be at risk from the dangerous effects of magic mushrooms and will bring to an end to profiteering in fresh mushrooms by growing numbers of vendors.”
The last two years has seen a sudden increase in the number of shops selling magic mushrooms from only a handful to over 400 in the UK. HM Revenue and Customs estimate that a significant proportion of the UK magic mushroom market is fed through imports from the Netherlands.
John Whyte, Class A drugs lead for Customs Detection said;
“H.M. Revenue and Customs will take a robust approach to the traffic in magic mushrooms and is fully committed to achieving the Government’s aim to shut down the commercial importation and supply of these goods.”
Maximum penalties:
* Possession: 7 years in prison, unlimited fine.
* Supply: Life in prison, unlimited fine.
METHADONE
street names: meth, green, juice.
WHAT IS IT?
A synthetic opiate substitiute prescribed to minimise the withdrwal effects of heroin.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
A green liquid similar to Fairy Liquid. Also occasionally made as tablets, although most doctors will not prescribe them, because people sometimes crush and inject them.
HOW IS IT USED?
Taken orally.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: A 'high' or euphoria that is less intense but longer lasting than heroin, 'warm' feelings, strong physical and psychological addiction, drowsiness.
Short Term: Sweating, itching, dizziness, heavy feeling in limbs, reduced or absent periods, reduced concentration.
Long Term: Dependency, constipation, reduced blood pressure, lethargy, poor sleep, overdose likely if mixed with other depressants (such as alcohol).
LEGAL FACTS
Methadone is a Class A drug. It is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a schedule 2 drug, i.e. a sustance considered to have medicinal and therapeutic use and legal to possess only if prescribed by a doctor and then only if taken in accordance with the doctor's instructions.
Maximum penalties:
* Possession: 7 years and unlimited fine.
* Supply: Life sentence and unlimited fine.
ROHYPNOL (BRAND NAME FOR FLUNITRAZEPAM)
street names: most commonly known as "The date rape Drug"
WHAT IS IT?
Depressant, tranquiliser
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Tasteless, odourless and sometimes clourless. Usually a purple diamond shaped tablet with horizontal groove and the name 'Roche' with an encicled 1 or 2 on the reverse.
HOW IS IT USED?
Ingested orally, chewed, dissolved under the tongue, crushed, snorted, dissolved in liquid, injected, smoked.
THE EFFECTS
Psychological: Slow psychomotor responses, lower inhibitions, 'drunken' state, hallucinations.
Short Term: Synergistic effecr with alcohol and enhances the effects of other drugs. The effects usually come on within 20-30 minutes and last up to 8 hours. Muscle relaxant.
Long Term: Physical dependence
LEGAL FACTS
This drug is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. it is often packaged in bubble wrap which gives it a false sense of safety or legality.
