Connexions Tameside

Drugs includes a wide range of substances from medicines that you can buy over the counter or that are prescribed by your doctor which are legal to illegal drugs like cannabis and heroin.

• Anabolic Steroids - Drugs which promote the growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass.
• Analgesics - Drugs which have a painkilling effect. (Heroin)
• Depressants - Drugs which act on the central nervous system and slow down brain activity. (Gases, Glues And Aerosols, GHB, Tranquillizers, Alcohol)
• Hallucinogens - Drugs which act on the mind, distorting the way users see and hear things. (Cannabis, Ketamine, LSD, Magic Mushrooms)
• Stimulants - Drugs which act on the central nervous system and increase brain activity. (Cocaine, Crack, Ecstasy, Poppers, Speed)

All drugs are potentially dangerous so prescription drugs have precise instructions on how and when to take them, including finishing the course of treatment. If you mis-use drugs you could risk damaging your health, and possibly die if you 'overdose'. If the drug is not a 'prescription' drug it's illegal and the 'Misuse of Drugs Act' divides these drugs into 3 classes.

The A-Z of drugs explains more, including whether a drug is classified

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C

If you're found in possession of, or dealing in, illegal drugs you'll risk getting fined or a prison sentence – this could be life for dealing in Class A drugs. See Home Office for more information.

These websites all have help and advice for you and your friends.

• Addaction
• The Site
• You may prefer to call the National Drugs helpline on 0800 77 66 00.

Branching Out

Branching Out is Tameside and Glossop’s specialist substance misuse service. It offers confidential support to under 19’s and to family members/carers who are affected by someone else’s drug use; it also offers training and advice to professionals working with children and young people.

Branching Out works holistically to offer information, harm reduction and relapse prevention, stabilisation, substitute prescribing and family support.

Pre & post 16 link PA: Jenny Dawes

Turning Point - Substance Using Family Support Service

If you feel that you, or someone you know has got a problem with drugs you can talk to your Personal Adviser about it, or you could visit one or more of the above links for further information and help.

You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Health Weblinx for more useful websites.