Drug of choice, or choice of drugs?

Typically, studentdom is dominated by Britain’s socially acceptable drug of choice, alcohol, but you are likely to come into contact with other drugs within your first few weeks. So, although this is a brief guide to help you make a more informed choice about whether to consider using other drugs, the reality is that your “informed” choice may be affected by that disinhibiting triple Sambuca.

At some point during the term you are likely to be offered such drugs and feel pressure to follow your peers. It takes confidence to decline to take a smoke of a joint when it’s socially being passed around the room but if you’re not comfortable, then decline the offer.  
If you’re determined to use drugs, there are some tips to consider that can minimize risks and potential harm:
• Avoid alcohol with all stimulants.
• If you are dancing, take regular breaks to sip water. You won’t need to replace fluids if you’re not dancing.
• Tell friends what you’ve taken, in case you need help.
• With the stimulants and hallucinogenic drugs listed below, wait at least an hour to be “high” before considering taking more.
• Your mood at the time will affect how you experience the drug. For example, if you’re feeling down, drugs, including alcohol, will heighten this mood.
• Be aware that drugs can affect different people for various reasons.
• If taking hallucinogens for the first time, take them in an environment you feel safe in, such as your flat and be with friends you feel comfortable with.

Cannabis is likely to be the drug you’ll encounter most often; bear in mind that how common cannabis is has little to do with the penalties attached to it. It’s a class B drug; the maximum penalty for intent to supply – which can include passing a joint – is 14 years and/or an unlimited fine. The maximum penalty for possession is 5 years and/or an unlimited fine.

Using tobacco with cannabis can make you nicotine dependent, which may lead to increased health problems. Using a pipe or bong cools the smoke and lessens the damage to your lungs. Eating cannabis eliminates damage to lungs, but the dose is harder to control so be careful, a little at a time. Use short puffs when inhaling. THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) enters the blood stream in a few seconds, so holding in smoke does not increase the effects but it can do more damage to your lungs. Also, know the score and avoid 'soap bars' which can contain henna, plastic and other crap.

Cannabis is not generally considered to be physically addictive, but addiction is rarely about the substance itself, therefore some people report becoming psychologically dependant. Despite scare stories it is unlikely that using cannabis will cause mental ill health although there is very strong evidence to suggest that it can cause underlying psychological problems to surface or make existing mental illness worse. 

Having a fun-fuelled event can be drug and alcohol free. Get dancing and get lost in the music in a club. Have fun making a tit of yourself in karaoke – at least you’ll remember the night. If you’re flagging, then coffee or Red Bull should keep you partying.