Frequently Asked Questions

Q Are all drugs addictive?
A People can become psychologically dependant on any drug, this has more to do with the people taking the drug rather than the drug itself.
Physical dependency results from frequent and substantial use of a drug to the point that body chemistry changes so that physical withdrawal symptoms are felt if someone does not get a repeat dose of the drug. Drugs that can result in a physical dependency are heroin, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and amphetamines. Do not be fooled, psychological addiction can be just as powerful as physical addiction.

Q What causes ecstasy deaths?
A Complications from over heating, often alongside heavy alcohol consumption is the most common cause of death. However, deaths have also occurred as a result of people drinking too much water in an attempt to stay ‘safe’. Excessive water consumption causes the brain to swell inside the skull, which puts pressure on the brain stem and leads to coma and death.

Q Does drinking black coffee help to sober someone up?
A No. The liver breaks down alcohol at a constant rate that cannot be altered by coffee, water or anything else. The only thing that can sober someone up is time. The body can only burn off one unit of alcohol an hour.

Q Is it illegal to sniff glue?
A No it isn’t. However, it is illegal for a shop to sell solvents to young people under 16 years of age.

Q If I use cannabis does that mean I will progress to using ‘harder’ drugs?
A There is no evidence of this. Many cannabis users will only use cannabis throughout the time they use drugs.

Q Does LSD make you think you can fly?
A No, this is a myth. However, LSD is a very powerful, conscious altering drug and if you are in an environment where you do not feel comfortable you may experience panic attacks, paranoia or even feelings that you are about to die. Once you have taken LSD it takes about 12 Hours before the ‘trip’ is over. Once it's started you can't stop it. And until you take a tab of acid you can't tell how strong it is or how it's going to affect you.

Q Does LSD cause flashbacks?
A Research generally shows that roughly a quarter of LSD and cannabis users experience a flashback. Most flashbacks are episodes of visual distortion, time distortion, physical symptoms or relived intense emotion lasting a few seconds to a few minutes. They tend to be short-lived but can be disturbing, especially if the user does not know that it can happen.

Q Is heroin addictive after one dose?
A No. However, heroin is a highly addictive drug. It has the ability to create a sense of warmth and well-being for the user, but over time the desired effects reduce so much that users have to take more and more just to get the same effects and even more just to feel 'normal'. Effects on the brain cause 'craving' and strong psychological and physical dependence.

Q If I use cocaine will it destroy my nose?
A With regular and heavy use you could find that the inside of your nose starts to deteriorate and collapse, with sneezing you may find that lumps of tissue are dislodged.