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TYPES OF DRUGS
There now follows a brief list and description of the most common controlled drugs being used, bought and sold in and around licensed premises up and down the country. Each section explains what type of drug it is, its nicknames or street-names, what it looks like, how it is packaged and how it affects the user. It is aimed to help door supervisors to identify any drugs that may be being used on their premises, and so that they can decide on the appropriate action to take when coming across them.
CLASS A
HEROIN
STREETNAMES
Dust; H; horse; junk; skag; smack; gear; brown; harry; jack; china white.
ORIGIN
In a pure form, heroin (proper name Diamorphine) is a white powder made from the dried milk of the opium poppy. It is just about the strongest painkiller known to man, and is still legally prescribed by doctors to terminally ill patients.
APPEARANCE
In its street form, however, it is usually of off-white or light brown powder, sometimes speckley, which may give off a smell similar to vinegar. The substance is obviously much less pure, having been mixed with any number of ‘cutting’ substances, such as flour, glucose, talcum powder, curry powder or even plaster or brick dust. It is normally sold in either small wraps of folded paper, polythene bags noted at the top or in small cling-film type packages.
USE
Heroin can be swallowed, sniffed (rarely), smoked by inhaling the fumes as the drug is heated from below, usually on tin foil, or most commonly by injecting. This is done by mixing the powder with water on a spoon, heating the spoon from below with a flame to burn off most of the liquid, and then injecting the substance under the skin into a muscle or directly into a vein.
EFECTS
Users experience a feeling of total elation and a sense of warmth and euphoria, creating feelings of detachment from reality. It is an immediate surge or rush of pleasure, producing a warm and pleasant drowsiness. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, so any pain is dulled, and breathing and heart rate are slowed down leaving the user feeling warm and contented. First time users can sometimes feel nauseated and vomit. Someone on a ‘high’ from heroin can usually function fairly normally, although some may show signs of drowsiness and their speech may be slurred.
DANGERS
Because of the way that suppliers cut or mix heroin, the quality and quantity of the drug is impossible to judge. There is a strong risk of overdosing on it as the strength of doses vary widely, even from the same dealer. Overdosing can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death through respiratory failure.
There are also the other well known associated dangers of contracting infections like viral hepatitis and HIV when dirty needles are shared, and even injecting itself can cause heart failure, as well as damaging veins.
Heroin often also produces strong physical and physiological dependence, getting some users addicted after just a few doses.
CLASS
Heroin is a Class A controlled drug, and as such door supervisors have the power to arrest anyone found possessing, using or supplying the drug.
CLASS A
COCAINE
STREETNAMES
Coke; charlie; C; candy; flake; snow; stardust; white lady; nose candy.
ORIGIN
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, which works on the central nervous system. Although it is controlled under law, in many circles it has become socially accepted as the recreational drug of the rich. It was originally made as a local anaesthetic and comes from the South America coca bush, from where it gets its name.
APPEARANCE
The drug is most commonly found as a fine white crystalline powder, and is usually supplied in small magazine-type paper wraps or cellophane.
USE
Normally cocaine is sniffed or ‘snorted’ up the nose using either a thin tube such as a straw or a rolled up banknote, which gets the drug into the user’s bloodstream via the nasal membrane. Razor blades or credit cards are often used to chop the powder on a shiny surface, making it easier to snort.
It can also be dissolved and injected, however, or can be mixed with heroin to make a kind of cocktail, although this is not a popular way to use it.
EFFECTS
Users get an immediate but short-lived ‘rush’ or ‘high’, which is usually accompanied by enhanced feelings of happiness, alertness, energy, strength and confidence. It decreases any feelings of pain, hunger, anxiety and tiredness. The effects of cocaine are strong but fade quickly – usually after about 20/30 minutes – and are similar to those experienced by users of amphetamines.
Sudden withdrawal from regular use can lead to the user feeling depressed and run down. Regular users can develop problems of anxiety and paranoia.
DANGERS
Snorting cocaine can damage the membrane lining the nose. Its immediate effect is to heighten blood pressure, pulse, temperature, blood sugar and breathing rate, which can lead to cardio-vascular problems such as heart attack, cerebral haemorrhage and even death.
Similar risks with regards to the injection of the drug come from the use of shared needles.
CLASS
Cocaine is a class A drug, and as such door supervisors have the power to arrest anyone found possessing, using or supplying the drug.
CLASS A
CRACK
STREETNAMES
Rocks; rocky; wash; stone; freebase; base.
ORIGIN
Crack cocaine is made by mixing cocaine with baking soda and water, and then boiling the solution in a pot until all of the water evaporates. What is left is small, hard, white crystals called ‘crack’.
APPEARANCE
Usually found as white, cream or yellow coloured hard crystals, similar to pieces of broken porcelain. The rocks themselves will vary in size and shape depending on how they are made and how pure they are. The most common forms of packaging the rocks for sale are small cling-film type wraps, tin foil balls, small paper wraps around the rock with the excess paper twisted at the end, or in small polythene self-seal bags.
USE
The small crystals of crack are smoked, usually in a specially made pipe, or can be burnt on a piece of tin foil and the fumes inhaled. People have even smoked it by crushing the crystal back into a powder and mixing it with tobacco into a reefer cigarette.
EFFECTS
The psychological effects of smoking crack are similar to those of cocaine, but much stronger. Users get an immediate intense euphoria lasting about 5 seconds, with feelings of increased physical and mental ability. They are almost indifferent to pain and tiredness, although the effects of the drug soon wear off (10-12 minutes).
DANGERS
The immediate risks of smoking crack include pains in the chest, respiratory problems, increased aggressive behaviour and a potentially fatal toxic action on the heart. There is also the obvious risk of overdose with the purity of the drug being unknown.
CLASS
Crack is just a manufactured form of cocaine, and so remains a class A drug. Door supervisors, therefore, have the power to arrest anyone found possessing, using or supplying the drug.
CLASS A
ECSTASY
STREETNAMES
Adam; E; XTC; disco burgers; Dennis the Menace; diamonds; fantasy; doves; New Yorkers; yellow submarines; snowballs; echoes; love doves; apples.
ORIGIN
MDMA, or ecstasy as it is more commonly known, is an amphetamine-like designer drug from the late 1970’s. It was originally discovered in Germany in 1912, and was used as an aid to therapy. It has no formal medicinal uses now, and has been outlawed. It is now illegally produced purely as a recreational drug. It is usually found on the club and rave scene and is known for its stimulant and hallucinogenic qualities.
APPEARANCE
Ecstasy is sold almost exclusively in tablet or capsule form for oral use. The tables can be found in almost any colour and shape, but are often white, light brown, pink or yellow, sometimes with a trademark sign on them. Sometimes the colour of the tablet itself can give it a brand name, as in the red and black coloured Dennis the Menace tablets. The tablets or capsules are usually sold individually, often from small clear self-seal bags.
USE
Most doses of ecstasy have been found in tablet or capsule form, although very occasionally it can be bought as a powder.
EFFECTS
The effects of the drug take about 20 minutes to start, but can last for several hours. Users experience an initial rush of euphoria with heightened perceptions of colour and sound. It can also have mild hallucinogenic qualities. Feelings of calm and well being are also common, and users find they have almost unlimited energy for dancing as long as they are under the influence of the drug. It can also make users feel sick, and can make their arms and legs feel stiff. Some users may also experience a clenching of the jaw muscles, and an overwhelming urge to chew.
DANGERS
There are specific dangers for users who suffer from some forms of mental illness, heart conditions, high blood pressure and epilepsy. There have been more than 60 reported deaths to date in the UK that have been directly linked to taking ecstasy. The majority of those have been due to overheating, dehydration, exhaustion, or conversely drinking too much water. Large doses of the drug can lead to internal bleeding, kidney or liver damage, or even respiratory arrest and heart failure. Such large doses can also lead to feelings of anxiety, panic and confusion.
Dealers may sell other substances like amphetamine or LSD, claiming them to be ecstasy, so users may not even know what they are taking.
CLASS
Ecstasy is in the same class as heroin and cocaine, class A. Door supervisors, therefore, have the power to arrest anyone possessing, using or supplying the drugs.
CLASS A
L.S.D.
STREETNAMES
Acid; tabs; microdots; trippers; blotters; dots; stars; L; Lucy; trip.
ORIGIN
L.S.D. (Lysergic Acid Deithylamide), or acid, is probably the most common form of hallucinogenic drugs found on the club scene. It is derived from ergot, a fungus found growing wild on rye and other grasses. It has no current medical uses, and is made in secret illegal laboratories for distribution as a recreational drug.
APPEARANCE
It is a white powder originally, but is usually impregnated into small squares of blotting paper with small pictures or trademarks on each square or dose. They can also come in tablet or capsule form in various colours.
USE
All L.S.D. is taken orally, with each tiny square of paper being one dose.
EFFECTS
It takes between 30-60 minutes for the effects of the drug to work and each ‘trip’ can last for up to 8-12 hours. Users experience hallucinations, distorted vision, intensified colours and alter the person’s mood, sensations, perceptions and levels of alertness. Although most of the effects of L.S.D. are on the mind, physical effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a rise in body temperature. Users can have totally joyous trips, or have frightening nightmares, depending on the mood the user is in at the time.
DANGERS
Because of the way L.S.D. tabs are made and the lack of quality control, it is impossible for users to know how much of the drug they are getting. Also, each dose can have a different effect on the user, depending on his or her state of mind at the time of taking it. Bad hallucinations can occur with users feeling, hearing and seeing things that aren’t really there, so can have violent reactions for no apparent reason. Taking L.S.D. can even trigger off mental illness in users.
Door supervisors must be especially careful when handling anything they suspect to be based on L.S.D. as small amounts of the drug can be absorbed into the body through the skin.
CLASS
L.S.D. is also a class A drug, giving door supervisors the power to arrest anyone found possessing, using or supplying the drug.
CLASS A
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
STREETNAMES
Shrooms; mushies.
ORIGIN
There are a number of mushrooms that grow wild in different parts of the UK in early autumn that contain the hallucogenic drug philocybin. They can be found in fields, parks and on some roadsides. The most commonly used ‘magic mushroom’ is the Liberty Cap.
APPEARANCE
The different types of mushrooms used for recreational purposes come in different shapes, sizes and colours. They are too varied to mention here.
USE
The mushrooms can be eaten raw, cooked into cakes, or stewed and made into tea or an infusion.
EFFECTS
Users encounter what has been described as similar to a mild L.S.D. trip, though it is shorter lived and much less severe. The effects usually kick in after about half an hour, peak at about the 3 hour mark, with the user still feeling some effects for as long as up to 9 hours later. Low doses cause feelings of happiness and well being with some users laughing a lot. The effects, however, do differ depending on the mood and state of mind of the person using them. High doses can cause vivid hallucinations and strong distortions of perceptions of sight and sound.
DANGERS
The main dangers that face users of magic mushrooms are those when they pick and use the wrong mushrooms, i.e. poisoning. Even when using the right types of mushroom, users can still experience stomach ache, nausea and vomiting. It is difficult with substances that grow wild to estimate their strength, so there is a risk of overdose. Users are more likely to have accidents whilst under the influence and the risks of problems rise further when taken with alcohol. The hallucinogenic properties of the drug can trigger some forms of dormant mental illness in users.
CLASS
There is no law against possessing or eating the raw mushrooms. If, however, they are dried, boiled, cooked or in some other way ‘prepared’, then they fall into the category of a class A drug, for which door supervisors have the power of arrest for people possessing, using or supplying them.
CLASS B
AMPHETAMINES
STREETNAMES
Speed; whizz; billy; uppers; sulph; pep pills.
ORIGIN
Amphetamines are synthetic drugs, that is they do not occur naturally. Made from chemicals they originated in the 1950’s as appetite suppressants, but are no longer used as such because of their side effects and addictive qualities. They became really popular in the 1960’s in tablet form, called ‘Purple Hearts’. Nowadays most commonly found in powder form, amphetamines are the second most misused drugs next to cannabis.
APPEARANCE
Normally found in powder form – white, yellow, pink or grey in colour but can be bought as tablets. The most common packaging is the small paper wraps or envelopes.
USE
There are several ways to use amphetamines. They can be sniffed or snorted like cocaine, dabbed on the tongue, sucked off a paper finger, rubbed on the gums, or just wrapped in cigarette paper and swallowed. In tablet form they are swallowed with drinks. The powder can be sprinkled with tobacco and smoked in a cigarette, or mixed with water and injected.
EFFECTS
After an initial rush or high, users experience enhanced energy and confidence. The drug allows them to party all night, although some may experience rapid changes in mood and start to feel edgy or anxious. It stimulates the central nervous system and speeds up breathing and heart rate. One dose normally lasts for 3-4 hours.
DANGERS
Users can become aggressive or violent while under the influence and high doses may cause chest pains, hallucinations, convulsions, come or even death. Risks are especially high for people with a history of heart condition or some forms of mental disorder. There are further risks from infection for users who inject, as with heroin.
CLASS
Amphetamines are a class B drug. They are illegal to possess (unless prescribed by a doctor), use and supply. When the drug is in injection form, it becomes a class A drug. The powers of arrest for door supervisors are the same as for all class A and B drugs.
CLASS C
CANNABIS
STREETNAMES
Dope; grass; blow; ganja; hash; joint; weed; pot; shit; morrocan; leb; paki black; marijuana; ragweed; stick.
ORIGIN
Cannabis, in its various forms, has been used for many years to cure such ailments as anxiety, insomnia, migraine and rheumatic disorders. It is also the most commonly abused controlled drug in this country today. It is used as a relaxant, intoxicant and a mild hallucinogen. It is derived from a leafy plant that grows wild around the world, but can be grown domestically here in the UK.
APPEARANCE
In its herbal form, cannabis can be best described as a greenish brown leafy substance often bought in small polythene self-seal bags. It is also very commonly found in its resin form which comes as a compressed greenish brown resin with a strong sweet smell, often bought wrapped in cellophane. Its strongest form is in cannabis oil, a dark brown or black oil, usually found in small glass or plastic bottles.
USE
Herbal cannabis is smoked either in a special pipe or mixed with tobacco in a hand made cigarette called a reefer, joint or spliff. The resin, after heat softening, is usually crumbled into tobacco in a hand made cigarette and smoked, sometimes with a small cardboard ‘roach’ or filter in one end. Cannabis oil can be rubbed along the side paper of a traditional cigarette before smoking to get the same effect. The drug can also be used in cooking, such as in cakes, or be brewed in tea.
EFFECTS
The effects of cannabis are usually felt quickly by the user and can last up to 5 or 6 hours, depending on the size of the dose. Users normally feel relaxed and cheerful and experience a feeling of well being. The drug heightens the senses of colour and sound, but can slow the body’s reactions and give feelings of drowsiness. It can also temporarily disrupt the user’s co-ordination and levels of concentration.
DANGERS
It is virtually impossible to overdose on cannabis, though high doses can cause feelings of paranoia and depression, very occasionally shown in aggression. The lack of co-ordination whilst under the influence can cause accidents, so the main risk with taking cannabis is from intoxication itself.
Smoking the cannabis can cause damage to the lungs, resulting in chest complaints, bronchitis and cancer. People with heart disorders may suffer adverse effects from taking the drug. High doses may cause distorted vision, and heavy use may trigger a temporary psychiatric disorder.
CLASS
Herbal cannabis and cannabis resin are both categorised as class C drugs, but the dark cannabis oil is a far more concentrated form and comes under class A. As such door supervisors have NO power of arrest for simple possession of normal forms of cannabis, but may arrest anyone found selling it to others or being in possession of them with intent to supply them to others.
CLASS B
BARBITURATES
STREETNAMES
Barbs; downers; sekkies; sleepers; goofballs; reds; blues.
ORIGIN
The many types of barbiturates are man-made drugs which first came into being in the early 1900’s. They were first used to treat anxiety and depression. In the early 1960’s and 70’s they were commonly prescribed as sleeping pills but were superseded by tranquillisers because of the high rates of overdoses.
APPEARANCE
They can occasionally be found in powder form, but more commonly come as different coloured, shaped and sized tablets and capsules.
USE
Barbiturates are usually taken orally, sometimes with alcohol. They can, however, be mixed with water and injected.
EFFECTS
As strong sedative drugs barbiturates depress the central nervous system, slowing the user down and helping them to relax. The effects last between 3-6 hours, depending on the dose, and users show similar characteristics of someone under the influence of alcohol.
DANGERS
In small doses, users can lose some of their co-ordination resulting in clumsiness and accidents. Some can become argumentative or even aggressive. There is a significant risk of overdose with barbiturates, especially when used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs.
Large doses can cause unconsciousness, breathing failure, coma or even death. Injecting barbiturates is reported to be the most dangerous form of drug abuse.
CLASS
Barbiturates are classified as class B drugs and so door supervisors have the power to arrest anyone they find in possession, using or supplying the drug.
CLASS C
TRANQUILLISERS
STREETNAMES
Tranx; downers; eggs; benzos; jellies.
ORIGIN
Tranquillisers are man made drugs that are prescribed by doctors to cure depression, tension, and stress or just to help people cope in times of crisis. They are supposed to be prescribed for only short periods of time, normally just for a few weeks. The most common types of mild tranquillisers are a group known as ‘benzodiazepines’, which are prescribed under trade names like Valium, Ativan, Librium, Mogadon and Temazepam.
APPEARANCE
Tranquillisers come in different shaped and sized tablets sometimes with the trade name pressed on them. There are too many types to list here.
USE
They are usually taken orally though some, temazepam for example, may be crushed and injected as a poor substitute for heroin. As tablets they are often used by people ‘coming down’ from heroin, ecstasy or cocaine.
EFFECTS
Tranquillisers are also central nervous system depressants and as such make the user drowsy, disorientated and lethargic. They lessen alertness and in some cases release aggression in the user when inhibitions are lowered. Effects usually last for 3-6 hours, dependent on the size of the dose.
DANGERS
Heavy doses may lead to depression of the breathing mechanism and can make the user suffer dehydration. The chances of overdosing on tranquillisers increases rapidly when they are taken in conjunction with alcohol.
CLASS
The tranquillisers that are restricted under the Misuse of Drugs Act are classified as class C drugs. As such door supervisors have NO power of arrest for simple possession of them, but may arrest anyone found selling them to others or being in possession of them with intent to supply them to others.
CLASS C
STEROIDS
ORIGIN
Steroids are synthetic drugs derived from the male hormone testosterone. They are legally prescribed by doctors to patients to help improve muscle bulk and strength, usually for the elderly or long-term bedridden patients. It is also used to cure some bone wasting disorders. On the black market, however, steroids are fast becoming a fashionable drug on the night club and rave scene, and in some areas are replacing amphetamines.
APPEARANCE
Steroids come in either tablet or liquid injection form.
USE
The tablets are taken orally, but injecting the drug is also popular amongst body builders.
EFFECTS
Steroids increase muscle bulk and strength, and many young people now use it to improve their body image. Its use often increases moodiness in the user and stimulates aggression (i.e. ‘road rage’).
DANGERS
The side effects of steroid abuse are numerous. They may include heart attacks, depression, hallucinations, manic behaviour, aggression (‘roid-rage) and can precipitate serious psychiatric effects on the user. Regular use can reduce sex drive and sperm count in males, and cause liver damage and blood pressure problems.
Injecting steroids, or any form of drugs, carries its own risks. There is also a higher risk of users showing aggression or violence towards others if they use alcohol and steroids together.
CLASS
The majority of steroids are now class C drugs, and are prescribed for medical uses only. Although there is no power of arrest for straight possession, anyone found to be either supplying the drugs to another, or being in possession with intent to supply, may be arrested.
NOT CLASSIFIED
NITRITES
STREETNAMES
Poppers; snappers; rush; bananas.
ORIGIN
These are a group of chemicals known as Alkyl Nitrites. The most common types available in the UK are Amyl Nitrite and Butyl Nitrite. They were discovered in 1857 and were originally used as treatment for patients suffering from angina and other heart conditions. The nitrites have since been replaced by longer lasting drugs. They are now more commonly used in the clubs and raves scene as a recreational drug, and are particularly popular with the gay community.
APPEARANCE
Nitrites are usually bought as a yellow, golden or clear liquid that smells sweet when fresh, and of bad eggs when stale. The liquid comes usually in small brown bottles or small glass vials with stoppers or screw tops on. They usually have trade name labels on like ‘Liquid Gold’, ‘HI-tech’, ‘Rave’, or ‘TNT’.
USE
The nitrites are sniffed directly up the nose from the bottles, or occasionally from a soaked rag.
EFFECTS
The effects work immediately on inhaling the drug, but only last a few minutes. It reduces the body’s blood pressure and accelerates the heat rate, which produces a strong rushing feeling. Users experience feelings of well being, mixed sometimes with fits of the giggles and a loss of balance. Nitrites are often taken to enhance sexual feelings but there is no evidence to suggest it actually aids performance.
DANGERS
The reduction in blood pressure experienced can cause loss of balance on users and this could lead to fainting if the drug is taken when dancing. Overdoses are very rare with nitrites, although the chances increase if taken with alcohol. Swallowing the liquid instead of inhaling it can lead to unconsciousness or even death. People with heart or blood pressure problems should avoid using nitrites.
CLASS
The distribution of nitrites is controlled by the Medicines Act only. It is not illegal to possess them, but only doctors and chemists should give them to others. Door supervisors have no powers to arrest people with the drug, but do not have to allow customers with nitrites into the club or pub.
NOT CLASSIFIED
G.H.B.
STREETNAMES
GBH; liquid x.
ORIGIN
G.H.B. (Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate) was originally used as a pre-operation anaesthetic and in the 1980’s was used by body builders because it was thought to stimulate growth hormones. It is now more regularly found on the club and rave scene being used as a recreational drug.
APPEARANCE
The drug itself is a colourless, odourless, liquid with a slightly salty taste to it. It is usually sold in small bottles but can sometimes be bought by the capful.
USE
G.H.B. is drunk, sometimes in combination with amphetamines. It is sometimes taken prior to sex as it is believed to improve performance, although there is no evidence to substantiate this. There have also been cases where it has been used to facilitate ‘date rape’.
EFFECTS
This is a ‘downer’ drug which relaxes the user and induces drowsiness. Small doses are similar to being drunk.
DANGERS
The main dangers with using G.H.B. are caused when it is mixed with alcohol or other drugs. When buying the drug, users cannot gauge its strength or quality, and with its anaesthetic qualities users may injure themselves without even realising it. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, disorientation and fits, and excessive use may even cause collapse.
CLASS
G.H.B. is not restricted as yet under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but is under the Medicines Act. It is not illegal to possess G.H.B., but it is to sell it to others. Door supervisors have no powers to arrest people just for possessing the drug, but do not have to let customers bring it into the club or pub.
NOT CLASSIFIED
KETAMINE
STREETNAMES
Special K, vitamin K, K
ORIGIN
Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug, used to relieve pain. It is very similar to a drug used by vets on animals.
APPEARANCE
Usually found in tablet form, normally pale coloured, but can be bought as a powder for snorting.
USE
Ketamine has painkilling and psychedelic properties, and can be either swallowed or snorted up the nose.
EFFECTS
The effects of using this drug include hallucinations, and may differ each time it is taken, depending on the user’s state of mind and mood at the time.
DANGERS
The drug numbs the body when it is taken, so users may suffer injury without realising it. Large doses can affect the user’s breathing, and can even cause heart failure. The use of Ketamine can be extremely dangerous if it is taken in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs.
CLASS
Ketamine is not yet restricted under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but is under the Medicines Act. It is not illegal to possess the drug, but it is to sell it to others. Door supervisors have no powers to arrest people just for possessing the drug, but do not have to let customers bring it into the club or pub.
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