• Reduced sperm count and fertility
• Shrunken testicles
• Baldness
• Gynaecomastia (developing breasts)
• Involuntarily and long-lasting erection

Young men are more likely than young women to use steroids to gain weight and muscle mass. The risks of the following side effects are higher if steroids are injected by young men in their late teens/ early 20s, before they have stopped growing:

• Stunted growth
• Premature balding
• Acne scarring
• Stretch marks on chest and arms
• Prematurely-aged, ‘leathery’ skin
• Injuries from excessively intense gym workouts

After you’ve given it some thought, pull mom or dad aside, whomever you’re more comfortable with, and start talking. Make sure your tone of voice, words, and actions convey a willingness to communicate and find solutions to the problem. If you say nice things with a nasty look on your face, you may not get the response you were looking for.

This combination medication is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine belongs to a class of drugs known as Stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills. 

• Using methadone on its own is unlikely to result in an overdose.
• Methadone maintenance keeps the person stable while they make positive changes in their life.
• Health problems are reduced or avoided, especially those related to injecting, such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, skin infections and vein problems.
• Doses are required only once a day, sometimes even less often, because methadone’s effects are long lasting.
• Methadone is much cheaper than heroin.

Alcohol can disrupt important development in the brain. Teenage drinking can result in significant changes in certain parts of the brain & the regions most affected are responsible for learning, memory & decision making.

The earlier a young person starts drinking, the greater their risk of becoming dependent on alcohol. 

A person is 4x more likely to become dependent on alcohol if they start drinking before the age of 15 as opposed to those who wait until the legal drinking age. 

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Some types of amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Amphetamines have also been used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Other types of amphetamines such as speed are produced and sold illegally.

Speed

Fast

Up

Uppers

Goey

Whiz

Amphetamines are generally swallowed, injected or smoked. They can also be snorted.

Amyl Nitrite is a depressant which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and body. Classified as an inhalant, it belongs to a class of drugs known as Nitrates, which also includes Butyl Nitrite, Isobutyl Nitrate and Nitroglycerine. Amyl Nitrite is a vasodilator and vasodilators are medicines that cause the blood vessels in the body to dilate and the involuntary smooth muscles to relax.

Amyl Nitrite is an extremely flammable oil that is clear in color and is commonly inhaled from a small glass bottle. It typically has a distinct smell similar to dirty socks. Historically, Amyl Nitrite has been primarily used among the gay community. This trend is still common; however, it has also become a common ‘party drug’ that is used more widely.

• Competitive athletes – who are motivated by their desire to succeed.
• People concerned about their body image – recreational weight trainers and body builders and people working in the fashion and entertainment industries.
• Body building professionals – people involved in body building as a competitive sport.
• People who need muscle strength to do their job – bodyguards, security personal, construction workers, police and members of the armed services.
• Young men – who want to increase their athletic performance or who are striving to reach the same physical appearance that is often portrayed in the media.

Aspirin is a pharmaceutical drug used to reduce pain or inflammation. It is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Aspirin can be used to treat:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Fever
• Swollen, red and tender body tissues
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatic fever

Aspirin is usually swallowed and comes in different forms including:
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Suppositories
• Soluble powders and tablets
• Liquids

Benzos

Tranx

Sleepers

Downers

Pills

Xan/Xanax/Xannies

Serras (Serepax)

Moggies (Mogadon)

Normies (Normison)

Benzodiazepines are usually swallowed. Some people also inject them.

Dabs or dabbing are slang names for the use of concentrated Butane Hash Oil (or BHO). It is a relatively new method of using/ingesting cannabis that involves the inhalation of highly concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active chemical in cannabis. This concentrated form is produced through a chemical process using butane oil. It is also known as marijuana wax, budder, honeycomb and shatter and has been reported to have a THC concentration of approximately 80% (in comparison with traditional cannabis which is about 14-15%).

It has been reported that the home production of BHO (known as blasting) is hazardous as butane is flammable and highly volatile with a number of incidents such explosions, fires and severe burns occurring in the US.

Cannabis is classified as a cannabinoid drug. The exact number of different cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant is still being researched, but it primarily contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

Marijuana – the dried leaves and flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant that are smoked in a joint or a bong. This is the most common form.
Hashish – the dried plant resin that is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to foods and baked; such as cookies and brownies.
Hash oil – liquid that is usually used sparingly (due to high potency) and added to the tip of a joint or cigarette and smoked.
Concentrates – extracts (dabs, wax or shatter) typically using butane hash oil as a solvent, often vaporized in small quantities due to high THC content.

When edible products have inconsistent levels of THC even experienced users may find it difficult to regulate the amount consumed. When smoked or vaporized, the effects are usually felt straight away. There are health concerns about the impact of smoking, especially in the long term and if mixed with tobacco.

Cannabis can also come in synthetic form which is more harmful than real cannabis.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug which means that it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the rest of the body. Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca bush (Erythroxylum coca), which is native to South America.

C

Coke

Nose Candy

Snow

Charlie

Blow

White 

Flake

Cocaine hydrochloride is most commonly snorted. It can also be injected, rubbed into the gums, added to drinks or food. Freebase and crack cocaine are usually smoked. Indigenous people of South America have traditionally chewed the leaves of the coca bush, or brewed them as a tea, for use as a stimulant or appetite suppressant.

Codeine is part of a group of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body, from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment. Codeine is used to provide relief from a number of conditions, including:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Severe pain (when combined with aspirin or paracetamol)
• Dry irritating cough
• Diarrhea
• Cold and flu (when combined with antihistamines and decongestants)

Some people misuse codeine by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose to get high, or as an act of self-harm. Codeine is usually swallowed and comes in different forms, including:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Suppositories
• Soluble powders and tablets
• Liquids

The research is still inconclusive on exactly how the drugs work to stimulate the mind, but early research indicates they may act on a variety of different systems within the body simultaneously. One explanation is that they may increase blood flow to the brain, which allows the brain to use more oxygen. Some cognitive enhancers may raise the body’s adrenaline levels and produce effects similar to drinking large amounts of caffeine, which means people can stay awake for extended periods of time. Some drugs increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as dopamine, which are released in the part of the brain associated with dependence.

Cocaine and Crack differ in appearance.

Cocaine is generally found in white powder form, and crack is found in a rock form that is generally white, cream, tan, or light brown. Crack and cocaine also differ in the manner in which they are used. Cocaine is typically snorted, and Crack is typically smoked. When cocaine is injected or smoked, the drug takes effect more quickly, resulting in a more intense but shorter high. When cocaine is snorted, it takes longer to feel its effects but the resulting high lasts longer.

Black Rock

Crack

Crankenstein

Dice

Hard Rock

Kryptonite

Poor Man’s Cocaine

Rock/Rocks

Sleet

Sugar Block

DMT — or N, N-dimethyltryptamine in medical talk — is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug. Sometimes referred to as Dimitri, this drug produces effects similar to those of psychedelics, like LSD and magic mushrooms

It is typically consumed in the following ways:

• vaporized or smoked in a pipe
• consumed orally in brews like ayahuasca
• snorted or injected on rare occasions

When smoked, the average dose of DMT is believed to be somewhere between 30 to 150 milligrams (mg), and the onset of action can be felt almost instantly. The effects peak and plateau for 3 to 5 minutes, and gradually drop off with the duration of effect totaling 30 to 45 minutes.

When consumed as a brew, the dose is between 35 to 75 mg. Effects begin after 30 to 45 minutes, peak after 2 to 3 hours and are resolved in 4 to 6 hours.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine solution, flavor and other chemicals in a disposable cartridge that can be replaced or refilled. E-cigarettes use heat to transform nicotine solution into vapour which is inhaled. People may use e-cigarettes for various reasons including:

• To help them reduce or quit smoking
• To avoid disturbing other people with smoke
• In smoke-free places
• To cough less, improve their breathing or physical fitness
• For the flavor or sensation of inhalation

Ecstasy is an an Empathogen, which means it increases an individual’s feeling of empathy and compassion towards others. Ecstasy contains the drug MDMA. However, many pills sold as ecstasy only have a small amount of MDMA or none at all. Other drugs and ‘fillers’ are often used instead. This makes it hard to know what reactions to expect after taking ecstasy or how bad the side effects will be.

Ecstasy is the pill while MDMA is the powder.

Ecstasy comes in a tablet form and is usually swallowed. The pills come in different colors and sizes and are often imprinted with a picture or symbol.

It can also come as capsules, powder or crystal.

Fentanyl is part of a group of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body; from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment. It is prescribed in the event of chronic, severe pain as a result of cancer, nerve damage, back injury, major trauma and surgery.

It is about 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

Medicinal fentanyl comes in a number of different forms and strengths including:
• Transdermal patches 
• Lozenges/lollipops
• Intravenous injection 

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) or more commonly known as “The Date Rape Drug” or “Roofies” is a depressant, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and 1,4-BD (1,4-butanediol) are chemicals that are closely related to GHB. Once GBL or 1,4-BD enter the body, they convert to GHB almost immediately. GHB usually comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty liquid, which is usually sold in small bottles or vials. It can also come as a bright blue liquid known as ‘blue nitro’, and less commonly as a crystal powder.

It can also come as a pill which is more commonly used to spike drinks. 

GHB is usually swallowed, but sometimes it’s injected or inserted anally.

Heroin is part of a group of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body; from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment.

Heroin comes in different forms, including:

• Fine white powder
• Coarse off-white granules
• Tiny pieces of light brown ‘rock’

Heroin is usually injected into a vein, but it’s also smoked (‘chasing the dragon’) and added to cigarettes and cannabis. The effects are usually felt straight away. The effects take around 10 to 15 minutes if snorted.

Ibuprofen is a pharmaceutical drug that is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Ibuprofen is used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Severe pain (when combined with codeine)
• Fever
• Swollen, red and tender tissues (inflammation)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and gout (in conjunction with physiotherapy)

Crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) is a stimulant drug which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It’s stronger, more addictive and therefore has more harmful side effects than the powder form of methamphetamine known as speed. Ice usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice. It can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder with a strong smell and bitter taste.

Ice is generally smoked (feel the effect almost immediately) or injected (15 to 30 seconds to feel the effects). It is sometimes swallowed (15 to 20 minutes to feel the effects) or snorted (3 to 5 minutes to feel the effects).

Inhalants are common household, industrial and medical products that produce vapours, which some people inhale (breathe in) to make them feel intoxicated or high.

Glue

Gas

Sniff

Huff

Chroming

Poppers

Ketamine is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anesthetic. It is sometimes used illegally by people to get high. Ketamine can produce hallucinogenic effects, causing a person to see, hear, smell, feel or taste things that aren’t really there or are different from how they are in reality. When it’s sold illegally, ketamine usually comes as a white crystalline powder. It can also be made into tablets and pills or dissolved in a liquid. A number of clinical trials and studies are currently being undertaken to assess ketamine as a treatment for depression, early indications are showing good results.

Ketamine can be swallowed, snorted or injected.

It is also sometimes smoked with cannabis or tobacco. The effects of ketamine may be experienced within 30 seconds if injected, 5–10 minutes if snorted, and up to 20 minutes if swallowed. The effects of ketamine can last for approximately 45 to 90 minutes.

Khat is a stimulant drug which means it speeds up the messages going between the brain and the body. The drug is the leaves and buds of the khat plant (Catha edulis Forsk). The leaves may be used fresh or dried.

People use the leaves and buds of the khat plant and the leafy green shrub that can grow to tree size.

• Fresh leaves and buds are chewed
• Dried khat is chewed, taken as tea or smoked

The chewing of khat leaves is common in some countries of east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has a deep-rooted social and cultural tradition in some Muslim, Somali and Yemeni cultures. In some Muslim countries in which alcohol is prohibited, khat is commonly used in social situations, although it is often condemned on religious grounds.

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. It can cause effects similar to both opioids and stimulants.

Kratom is a controlled substance and has been easy to order on the internet. It is sometimes sold as a green powder in packets labeled “not for human consumption.” It is also sometimes sold as an extract or gum.

Most people take kratom as a pill, capsule, or extract. Some people chew kratom leaves or brew the dried or powdered leaves as a tea. Sometimes the leaves are smoked or eaten in food.

LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic chemical, made from a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye (grain). LSD belongs to a group of drugs known as Hallucinogens (also known as ‘psychedelics’). When small doses are taken, it can produce mild changes in perception, mood and thought. When larger doses are taken, it may produce visual hallucinations and distortions of space and time.

Sometimes, what is sold as LSD can actually be other chemicals such as NBOMe or the 2C family of drugs (part of the new psychoactive substances). These can be quite dangerous, as their quality is inconsistent, plus the potential to take too much of these other substances can be fatal and a number of deaths have been reported due to people taking them.

LSD is usually swallowed, but it can also be sniffed, injected or smoked.

In its pure state, LSD is a white odourless crystalline substance. However, LSD is so potent that an effective dose of pure drug is so small it is virtually invisible. As a result it is usually diluted with other materials. The most common form of LSD, is drops of LSD solution dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper or sugar cubes, which release the drug when they are swallowed. LSD is also sometimes sold as a liquid, in a tablet or in capsules.

Psilocybin or magic mushrooms are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They belong to a group of drugs known as Psychedelics because of the changes experienced to perception, mood and thought. The key ingredient found in magic mushrooms is psilocybin. When psilocybin is taken, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with the psychoactive properties.

Magic mushrooms are eaten fresh, cooked or brewed into a tea. The dried version is sometimes smoked, mixed with cannabis or tobacco.

Magic mushrooms look much like ordinary mushrooms. There are many different types of magic mushrooms. The most common ones in Ireland are called Fly-Agaric/Amanita Muscaria and Liberty Caps. Magic mushrooms look similar to poisonous mushrooms that can cause a person to become very sick and can result in death. They can also come as dried material in capsules. Synthetic psilocybin appears as a white crystalline powder that can be processed into tablets or capsules or dissolved in water.

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an an empathogen which means it increases an individual’s feeling of empathy and compassion towards others.

MDMA is commonly called and known as Ecstasy. However, some pills sold as ecstasy may only have a small amount of MDMA or none at all. Other drugs and ‘fillers’ are often used instead. This makes it hard to know what reactions to expect after taking MDMA or if negative side effects will be experienced.

MDMA usually comes in a tablet form and is swallowed. The pills come in different colors and sizes and are often imprinted with a picture or symbol. 

It can also come as capsules, powder or crystal.

Methadone is a prescription drug, and is part of a group of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids are depressant drugs, which means they slow down the messages travelling between the brain and the rest of the body. Methadone is taken as a replacement for heroin and other opioids as part of treatment for dependence on these drugs. Replacing a drug of dependence with a prescribed drug in this way is known as pharmacotherapy.

As well as improving wellbeing by preventing physical withdrawal, pharmacotherapy helps to stabilise the lives of people who are dependent on heroin and other opioids, and to reduce the harms related to drug use. Methadone is also used to relieve pain following heart attacks, trauma and surgery.

• Maintenance (long-term programs): May last for months or years and aim to reduce the harms associated with drug use and improve quality of life.
• Withdrawal (short-term detoxification programs): Run for approximately 5-14 days and aim to ease the discomfort of stopping the use of heroin.les, powder or crystal.

For pain relief methadone is administered through an injection or tablets.

Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of antihistamines if the body chooses to metabolize the alcohol before the antihistamine. Alcohol may cause more severe side effects when mixed with certain antihistamines.

These drinks trick your body into thinking it is less tired and intoxicated than it truly is, leading to greater, and potentially dangerous, levels of alcohol consumption. These drinks also dehydrate the body, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and the severity of hangovers. Those who drink alcohol with caffeine are more than twice as likely to be injured, require medical attention, or accept a ride from an intoxicated driver than those who drank alcohol without caffeine.

Elevated blood pressure, which can lead to irregular heartbeat, heart failure and stroke.

A high risk that the person will lose consciousness due to a sudden and extreme drop in blood pressure. This may require immediate medical attention.

Can increase the risk of stomach irritation and discomfort.

Breathing difficulties with an increased risk of overdose and death.

Can cause nausea & vomiting.

Cannabis is sometimes used to help with the ‘come down’ effects of stimulant drugs, such as ice, speed and ecstasy.

Increases heart rate and blood pressure, which further heightens the risk of a heart attack. 

Cocaine and alcohol also react within the liver to form a chemical known as Cocaethylene, which has toxic effects on the heart, liver and other organs. This can happen even if cocaine and alcohol are used separately on consecutive days. 

Increases heart rate and body temperature.

Mental clouding, reduced coordination and slow breathing.

Increased risk of dehydration or consequently drinking too much water.

Drowsiness, clumsiness, restlessness and feeling drunk and dizzy.

Adds to adverse effects and may increase the risk of respiratory depression.

May add to the sedative effects and diminished breathing.

Chance of overdose is greatly increased. GHB will interact with prescription drugs heightening the risk of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Causes enormous strain on the heart and kidneys, and increased risk of overdose.

Can increase the risk of stomach irritation and discomfort.

Causes enormous strain on the heart and other parts of the body, which can lead to stroke.

Causes huge strain on the body, and can affect breathing rate and may increase the risk of passing out and suffocating or choking on vomit.

With the lack of awareness of effects of the depressant drugs, it may lead to taking too much and vomiting, slowed breathing, coma and death.

Can increase the chances of a bad trip and can also lead to panic.

Increased risk of dehydration and consequently drinking too much water.

There is no current evidence demonstrating that mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases health risks. However, it is possible that combining the gas with stimulants and other drugs places additional pressure on the heart, increases blood pressure and may disrupt heart rate. Anecdotal evidence suggests that combining nitrous oxide with other drugs such as cannabis, ketamine, LSD, magic mushroom and salvia can cause intense dissociation. 

Opium is commonly taken with other drugs such as cannabis and/or methamphetamine.

Black is the mixture of marijuana, methamphetamine and opium.

Buddha is the mix of potent marijuana spiked with opium.

Increased confusion and clumsiness and breathing difficulties.

Can increase the chances of a bad trip and can also lead to panic.

Increase the risk of cardiovascular (heart) problems and substance-induced psychosis

Reduced effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Naloxone hydrochloride is a drug that can reverse opioid overdose. It can also be used to treat respiratory depression during pain management or after an anesthetic. It works by blocking opioid drugs, such as heroin and methadone, from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.

Naloxone can be administered by authorised medical personnel such as ambulance officers. It can also be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or via prescription as an ampoule or pre-filled five dose syringe.

Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioid medication including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse. Naltrexone is used as part of a treatment program for drug or alcohol dependence.

Naltrexone is used to prevent relapse in people who became dependent on opioid medicine and then stopped using it. Naltrexone can help keep you from feeling a “need” to use the opioid.

Naltrexone is taken by mouth with or without food, usually 50 milligrams once daily or as directed by your doctor.

NBOMe (N-methoxybenzyl) is the name for a series of drugs that have hallucinogenic effects. Reports indicate that there are a number of different versions of NBOMe available – all with differing effects. Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, change the way a person perceives the world and can affect all the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions. NBOMe drugs are also referred to as a new psychoactive substances (NPS) because they are designed to mimic or produce similar effects to common illicit drugs such as LSD.

25-I-NBOMe is not the same as 2C-I

It is important they are not confused because 25-I-NBOMe is a lot stronger and the effects are felt when only a very small amount is taken. It is therefore much easier to overdose after using 25-I-NBOMe. There have been reports that NBOMes have also been included in some ecstasy pills.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief but is also used by people to feel intoxicated or high. It is commonly used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures. It is also a food additive when used as a propellant for whipped cream and is used in the automotive industry to enhance engine performance. Nitrous oxide is classified as a dissociative anaesthetic and has been found to produce dissociation of the mind from the body (a sense of floating), distorted perceptions and in rare cases, visual hallucinations.

The gas is inhaled, typically by discharging nitrous gas cartridges (bulbs or whippets) into another object, such as a balloon, or directly into the mouth. Inhaling nitrous oxide produces a rapid rush of euphoria and feeling of floating or excitement for a short period of time.

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a range of drugs that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD. Manufacturers of these drugs develop new chemicals to replace those that are banned, which means that the chemical structures of the drugs are constantly changing to try to stay ahead of the law. New psychoactive substances (NPS) are being developed at an unprecedented rate.

As of December 2015, 643 new psychoactive substances were registered in the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Early Warning Advisory on NPS. In 2015, the emergence of 75 substances was reported for the first time. Out of these, the majority of the substances belong to synthetic cannabinoids (21), synthetic cathinones (20) and phenethylamines (9). In addition, another 21 substances were reported for the first time in 2015, that are structurally diverse and do not fit to any of the above-mentioned groups.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about NPS. Even though they are sometimes advertised as legal, this doesn’t mean they are safe. Given how rapidly new drugs are emerging, it is difficult to know the common effects of these drugs and what dose causes what effects.

NPS do not typically come with a recommended dosage printed on the label. They are unregulated and untested. Given the chemicals in these drugs are constantly changing to try to stay ahead of the law, it’s possible to receive a very different product from batch to batch, even if the packaging and name are the same. NPS are relatively new, so there is limited information available about their short and long-term effects. However, synthetic cannabis has been reported to have more serious side-effects than cannabis.

The 3 most common types of NPS are known as:

• Party pills and pellets
• Synthetic cannabis
• Research chemicals and drug analogues

Opium is a depressant drug which means it slows down the messages travelling between your brain and body. Derived from the poppy (Papaver somniferum), it was traditionally cultivated in the Mediterranean and Asia. The Opium Poppy is one of the oldest plants in recorded history, with information dating back to 5,000 BCE. A milky substance called latex is collected from the poppy, air dried and manufactured into a brown powder or resin. This latex contains a combination of active chemicals such as morphine and codeine.

Opium is a sticky dark-brown gum with a strong odour. It can also be manufactured into a liquid, powder, or solid resin.

Oxycodone hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics. It is a depressant drug which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Depressant drugs do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. Other depressants include alcohol, cannabis and heroin. Oxycodone is most commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve moderate to severe pain. Some people misuse oxycodone to become intoxicated, which can result in serious side effects.

Oxycodone comes in a number of forms including capsules, tablets, liquid and suppositories. It also comes in a variety of strengths.

Paracetamol is a pharmaceutical drug, which is used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Mild pain
• Fever
• Strong pain (when combined with codeine)
• Colds and flu (when combined with antihistamines and decongestants)
• Some people misuse paracetamol by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose in a mistaken attempt to get high, or as an act of self-harm.

Paracetamol may also be known by its brand or trade names.

Party pills and pellets are sometimes marketed as natural supplements that increase energy or mood, with effects similar to ecstasy or amphetamines. However, these products can contain man-made chemicals and the label often doesn’t list the ingredients correctly.

Research on them has demonstrated they are usually made with synthetic chemicals, which are cheaper. These products are marketed under names such as Loaded, HyperDrive and NeuroBlaster.

Performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) are substances taken by people with the intention of changing their physical appearance and to enhance their sporting performance.

Peptides stimulate the release of human growth hormone, which has an important role in muscle and bone growth. Peptides have become increasingly popular among professional and amateur athletes as they are hard to detect due to how quickly they are absorbed by the body.

Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) are stimulants with hallucinogenic effects similar to MDMA, which is the main ingredient in ecstasy. In fact most people who take PMA or PMMA think they are taking ecstasy. However, drugs sold as ecstasy may not contain any MDMA. They can be a mix of amphetamines, PMA, PMMA, ketamine, NBOMe, methylone or other substances. This is potentially harmful as PMA and PMMA have more toxic effects (and are less euphoric) than MDMA. It also takes longer to feel these effects, so people may take another pill in the mistaken belief that the first has not worked, sometimes resulting in overdose.

PMA and PMMA are usually swallowed and can be snorted or injected.

PMA and PMMA have been around since the 1970s and have been associated with a number of deaths over the years worldwide.