Our Schools' Roadshow held in the early part of 2006 is now over! However, you may find it interesting to read the following questions which were asked at the Roadshow. Many thanks for all your feedback.

Q How to stop smoking?

A: Look at these websites for lots of information and advice. But remember you will probably need to make some changes to your lifestyle. For e.g. spend more time with non-smoking friends. Visit www.smokingisugly.com


Q What mental illnesses can drug use cause?(X4)

A Drugs are a mind altering substances and people take them to alter mood etc. So most drugs have the potential to induce problems from mood swings being irritable e.g. (Regular cigarette smokers who have not smoked for a while.) Cannabis can reduce lack of motivation (Encourage people to be lazy and use phrases like “I cant be arsed” or “I’ll do that tomorrow”) It can also make people paranoid and can even cause schizophrenia and lead to memory loss. Alcohol can lead to depression and sleep problems, with lack of concentration and mental ability. Powerful stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines can quickly induce depression, mood swings which can lead to changes in personality. Check out the websites below for more information if you have any concerns about your mental health as a result of drug-use ring Drug Sense on 01484-353353. www.youngminds.org.uk or www.talktofrank.com


Q How can I stop taking cocaine?

A: Cocaine is very addictive and can cause some serious problems such as:

• Depression, lack of motivation, mood swings, sleeps problems. It can also cause long term mental illness.
• Death from increased blood pressure, risk of damage to major organs especially if mixed with alcohol.
• Deterioration in relationships. E.g. (Arguments with parents, partners and friends). These can end up resulting with violence. People can quickly get into money problems and lots of debt. Remember cocaine is a class A drug and the police will be interested if it comes to their attention. If you or someone you know has any concerns with cocaine please do not hesitate to contact Drug Sense if under 19 and Way Ahead if you are over 19 for confidential support. You can telephone Drug Sense on 01484-353533 or Way Ahead on 01484-35333. You could also check out the website www.talktofrank.com


Q Where did the ‘Shifty” character come from?

A: The characters on the DVD are based on real people, but also represent typical people in our community. The stories they tell are all based on what people have said and what they have experienced.



Q How do people take drugs?

A: Drugs range from cups of tea to illegal class A drugs. A lot of people use for lots of reasons i.e. Social and personal. Check out the A-Z of drugs on www.talktofrank.com.



Q How much are porn flakes?

A: Not recommended for breakfast because Porn Flakes are very low on moral Fibre. You would be better of with a steaming bowl of porridge and a spoonful of Jam. Which will help with concentrate and energy levels for the whole day.



Q Why do People get addicted to drugs and alcohol?
 
A: Regular use of Alcohol will make anyone addicted; they will become physically addicted and suffer from withdrawal symptoms. E.g. Strokes, fits and blackouts. Mental addiction can lead to depression, lack of  concentration, memory loss and reduced mental ability.

How much you need to drink to become addicted will vary from person to person but if you find your self drinking most days then you are at risk. It is best to avoid spirits and also to have more days in the week on which you don’t drink then when you do. All drugs can be addictive either mentally or physically or a combination of both.

Q What is the strongest drug available and does it have any nickname?

A: By strongest do you mean most dangerous? Lots of drugs can lead to death with the quickest problem being solvents which even a small amount Can Kill Instantly. Check out dangerous and street names of most drugs available on www.talktofrank.com


Q How much does a 10gm bag cost and who can I get it
off?

A: A ten bag could contain any thing Heroin to Cannabis if you don’t who you’re buying from. If you want the ingredients on the bag you should go down to Woolworths and buy ten pounds worth of pick and mix, you would be safer. But watch out for the sugar rush!! It would also be school and police friendly and keep you from gaining a criminal record or expulsion.


Q How much water do you drink when you take ecstasy?

A: You should drink 500mls every hour. You should also think about drinking isotonic drinks which replace salts and minerals, avoid alcohol and caffeine based drinks. You should sip drinks rather than gulp. Always keep yourself re-hydrated when dancing in hot clubs or festivals. www.ecstasy.org - This web site gives advice and  information around safer use, but the only way to ensure your safety is not to take it at all.


Q When you smoke brown do you get addicted?

A: When you smoke heroin ( brown ) you will not get addicted straight away, your tolerance will build up with regular use and the effects of the drug will really not start until you are addicted. The thing with heroin is that it is a physical addiction where your body grows to need it to function right. Brown is a very nasty type of drug and can cost you your life and freedom as it is a class A drug and can become a very expensive habit. So the best thing to is not smoke the stuff in the first place.

Q Can women take Viagra? Is so what happens to them?

A:Yes but Viagra is a drug commonly used by older men who can not perform between the sheets anymore. It’s not a drug commonly used by young people and could be life changing if not used with contraception. It can also increase your blood pressure. If you have any health problems it could continue the damage. You could also possibly end up with STD’s Sexually Transmitted Disease.


Q My friend is stealing money from his mum to feed his addiction and I know about it. What should I do?

A: Your friend is having problems if they need to do this, as their behaviour is now affecting the whole family and the consequences could quickly get very serious. Ask them if they will complete the screening tool on this website and/or give Drug Sense a ring on 01481-353353 for a confidential chat.


Q. I am pregnant (4 months) and using drugs, what should I do?

A. Using any drugs including smoking and drinking could be harmful if you are pregnant. It is very important for you and your baby to get immediate support. You need to speak to a health professional that you trust e.g. school nurse or your own GP (doctor), who will make sure you get all the care and advice that you need.