Drugs

Using drugs can have both immediate and longer-term effects. These effects may vary from person to person. Some immediate and long-term effects of drugs include:

  • Anxiety, depression, panic attacks
  • Difficulties with memory & attention
  • Having to use more to get the same effect
  • Feelings of anxiety and paranoia
  • Losing interest
  • Not being able to cope
  • Problems with the law
  • Can’t stop using
  • Problems with your mental health

Drugs

While there is a lot of concern about illegal drugs, the greatest risk to young people comes from using legal drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes, and the inappropriate use of medicines (over-the-counter and/or prescription). People use many kinds of drugs. These drugs may be legal or illegal, helpful or harmful. Every drug has side-effects and risks, but some have more risks than others, especially illegal drugs.

Using drugs can become a problem, depending on a number of factors:

  • What drug is used
  • Who is using the drug (especially their mood and personality)
  • Why they are using the drug
  • Where and How they are using the drug

General signs of drug use

If you are concerned about someone, there are some general signs to watch out for which may be linked to drug use.

  • Secrecy about activities, slyness, caginess
  • Staying out unusually late
  • Lack of interest in old hobbies and activities
  • Mood swings – quite suddenly, may have fits of temper
  • Not taking care of their appearance
  • Using deodorant or incense to hide the smell of drugs
  • Always being broke and trying to borrow money
  • Stealing from home or friends – money and items they can sell
  • Poor work or school performance, including poor attendance
  • Becoming withdrawn and not wanting to talk

However, remember that all of the signs listed above could be caused by many reasons other than drug use.

For Further Information

  • DRUGS.IE
    O
    nline drug test www.drugs.ie
    Phone 1800 459 459 (Mon.- Fri. 9.30am to 5.30pm)
  • Drugs HIV Helpline Phone: 1800 459 459
  • Narcotics Anonymous www.na-Ireland.org
    Phone: 01-6728000
  • Aiseiri www.aiseiri.ie
    Wexford 053-9141818
  • Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre,
    Ballyragget, Kilkenny056- 8833777

Drugs

Using drugs can have both immediate and longer-term effects. These effects may vary from person to person. Some immediate and long-term effects of drugs include:

Drugs

While there is a lot of concern about illegal drugs, the greatest risk to young people comes from using legal drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes, and the inappropriate use of medicines (over-the-counter and/or prescription). People use many kinds of drugs. These drugs may be legal or illegal, helpful or harmful. Every drug has side-effects and risks, but some have more risks than others, especially illegal drugs.

Using drugs can become a problem, depending on a number of factors:

  • What drug is used
  • Who is using the drug (especially their mood and personality)
  • Why they are using the drug
  • Where and How they are using the drug

General signs of drug use

If you are concerned about someone, there are some general signs to watch out for which may be linked to drug use.

  • Secrecy about activities, slyness, caginess
  • Staying out unusually late
  • Lack of interest in old hobbies and activities
  • Mood swings – quite suddenly, may have fits of temper
  • Not taking care of their appearance
  • Using deodorant or incense to hide the smell of drugs
  • Always being broke and trying to borrow money
  • Stealing from home or friends – money and items they can sell
  • Poor work or school performance, including poor attendance
  • Becoming withdrawn and not wanting to talk

However, remember that all of the signs listed above could be caused by many reasons other than drug use.

For Further Information

  • DRUGS.IE
    O
    nline drug test www.drugs.ie
    Phone 1800 459 459 (Mon.- Fri. 9.30am to 5.30pm)
  • Drugs HIV Helpline Phone: 1800 459 459
  • Narcotics Anonymous www.na-Ireland.org
    Phone: 01-6728000
  • Aiseiri www.aiseiri.ie
    Wexford 053-9141818
  • Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre,
    Ballyragget, Kilkenny056- 8833777