Know the Score - Info & Advice on Drugs In Scotland
Info & Advice on Drugs in Scotland for...
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Effects of Drugs
Different drugs are taken for different effects. Drugs are split into three general groups: stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. Some examples are:
| Drug group | Drug | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulants
(Uppers) |
Amphetamine, Cocaine. | Increase energy, activity, heart rate, blood pressure. |
| Depressants
(Downers) |
Alcohol, Heroin, Solvents | Relieves anxiety and tension. Calms users and slows them down. High doses can make users drowsy and forgetful. |
| Hallucinogens | Cannabis, LSD, Magic mushrooms | Cause hallucinations (see, hear and feel things differently). |
While some argue that experimenting with drugs causes no long-term harm, some drugs like heroin are particularly addictive and dangerous, and can occasionally cause very serious physical reactions, including drug overdose.
It's dangerous to take several drugs at once, and lots of people who've died from a drug overdose had taken a cocktail of drugs, often combined with alcohol. The Drugs A-Z is a quick guide to the most commonly used drugs, their effects, risks and legal status.