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T Y PES OF DRUG 169

Drug Form Use Effects Risks
Ketamine Liquid, pills, Injected, This depressant drug is an There is a risk of abdominal pain,
white powder snorted, anaesthetic that causes users bladder problems, increased heart
swallowed to experience feelings of rate, liver damage, and infection as
disconnectedness and a result of injecting. It is linked to
relaxation, as well as depression in frequent use.
hallucinations and paralysis.
LSD (Acid) Small absorbant Swallowed This hallucinogenic drug is Bad trips can occur, with frightening
squares of paper very powerful. It causes a or unpredictable hallucinations. LSD
known as “trip”, a period of time in should not be taken if the user is in
“tabs”, liquid which a user’s perception of a bad mood, or feeling anxious or
sound, colour, objects, time, depressed. It can exacerbate existing
and movement is altered. mental health problems. There is a
risk of flashbacks, weeks, months,
and years after taking LSD.
Magic mushrooms Dried Brewed as a This hallucinogen causes Users may eat poisonous
mushrooms of tea, eaten altered perception of mushrooms by mistake. Some
different colours colours, sound, objects, people experience sickness and
and time, and feelings confusion, flashbacks, or feelings
of relaxation or fright. of terror afterwards.
MDMA/Ecstasy White powder Powder is MDMA is a stimulant that Users can dehydrate and overheat,
(MDMA), pills rubbed on makes users feel chatty, or drink too much water which can
(ecstasy). MDMA gums; ecstasy energized, elated, and also be dangerous. It can cause
is the active pills are loving. Users experience confusion, anxiety, and panic.
ingredient in swallowed colours, feelings, and Ecstasy pills often contain other
ecstasy pills. sounds more intensely. unknown drugs, which can lead to
unexpected reactions. Taking MDMA
or ecstasy has been linked to kidney,
liver, and heart problems, and death.

Poppers Liquid Inhaled, sniffed Poppers can be both a Users might feel disorientated or
stimulant and a depressant. sick, or become unconscious, as
They cause “head rushes” well as have reduced blood pressure.
and feelings of faintness, Users may engage in risky sexual
sickness, or lowered behaviour. The liquid can burn
sexual inhibition. the skin.

Solvents Aerosols, Inhaled, sniffed Solvents can work as Users might experience confusion,
gases, glues depressants and disorientation, unconsciousness,
hallucinogens, leading users mood swings, poor judgement, or
to experience feelings of vomiting, and are at risk of death.
drunkenness, slow reactions,
and hallucinations.
Tranquillizers Injections, pills Injected, Tranquillizers can Users are at risk of anxiety,
swallowed be depressants and depression, headaches, memory
hallucinogens. They slow the loss, seizures, and vomiting.
user’s reactions, and cause
hallucinations and feelings
of calmness and relaxation.
They are highly addictive.

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