About 40% of the population of Cornwall live in small towns and villages of less than 2000 people.
Living in such small groups with few main roads, meeting people recreationally and finding ways to spend your time can be difficult.
This can lead to drug use becoming a social norm amongst adults as well as the young. Some drugs are legal, some aren’t, some carry deadly risks, but all drugs have consequences.
The consequences of any drug should be understood before you consider taking something.
The most common illegal drugs used recreationally are listed below along with some basic information that should be considered.
Cannabis (aka Marijuana)
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Britain. It is a mild sedative and hallucinogen.
The effects differ from person to person, but the most common ones are: feeling relaxed and happy, giggly and talkative and experiencing hunger pangs.
Cannabis is a class B drug: if caught, the police will confiscate it and either caution or arrest you depending on other factors.
Cannabis can affect your coordination as well as making you anxious or panicky and can cause paranoia in the short term as well as increasing your risk of mental health and heart problems.
Cocaine (aka Charlie)
Cocaine delivers powerful, but short lived effects. It causes a sense of feeling wide-awake, confident and on top of the world.
It is a Class A drug which means that the consequences of being caught are severe.
Due to the psychological effects coke causes, it is very addictive and psychological withdrawals are more of a problem than physical withdrawals.
Cocaine can cause serious harm if mixed with other drugs and/or alcohol. It can also cause heart complications and can bring mental health problems to the surface.
Ecstasy (aka pills)
Ecstasy is closely linked with the rave culture of the 90’s as clubbers took them to stay awake and dance for hours. Ecstasy can cause a euphoric energy buzz.
Colours and sounds feel more intense and users feel a love for surrounding people, friends and strangers.
Ecstasy is a class A and on possession alone a person can be charged with up to seven years in prison.
Pills can be cut with other drugs and it’s impossible to know what’s in one before swallowing it.
As well as a tightening jaw muscle, dilated pupils and a tingling feeling, other side affects include anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia or psychotic episodes.
Ketamine (aka K)
Ketamine is a powerful general aesthetic which temporarily suppresses the body’s nervous system.
It causes temporary loss of body sensation and hallucinations. It is a Class C drugs and if charged with possession you can face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Harmful problems associated with Ketamine include not being able to move, not recognising pain symptoms immediately and possible mental health problems.