Drug Abuse

Acid

Acid is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that commonly comes in the form of small squares of paper or tiny pellets. Trippers have been known to talk with trees and moan incoherently for hours. Acid users can experience flashbacks years after taking the drug. There is also always the danger of having a bad trip. This is when users experience terrifying nightmare-like hallucinations.

Cannabis/Hash

When smoked, the effects of cannabis are usually felt fairly quickly with people feeling more relaxed, happy and generally laid back. Strong cannabis can also lead to a loss of inhibitions. Regular users develop a poor appetite and lose their physique. Heavy users can choke on their own vomit when overdosed and passed out.

Cocaine

Cocaine delivers a quick high, but because the hit is so concentrated and brief, cocaine encourages repeated doses. Smoking cocaine can give a stronger hit. Long-term use can result in a range of mental health conditions from mild depression to psychosis, with symptoms similar to schizophrenia, as well as the development of eating disorders.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a powerful stimulant and mood changer that speeds bodily systems and alters perception. Some users have been known to come up with a huge exhilarating rush, and experience hallucinations. Once the user comes down they'll feel depressed, anxious, hungry and tired. Ecstasy is said to be socially addictive, with people needing the drug to interact in social situations.

Heroin

Heroin users experience a sleepy euphoria and total relief from anxiety as the drug enters the system. This then makes way for a feeling of calm. Many of the dangers of heroin from using shared/dirty needles that carry diseases, as well as developing body sores and ulcers. There is also the risk of a fatal overdose.

Ketamine

Ketamine is an anesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine. In illicit use, ketamine is evaporated from liquid to form

powder. Ketamine is odourless and tasteless; it can be added to drinks without being detected. Users can experience sensations including a feeling of floating and being separated from their bodies. Ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

Magic Mushrooms

Magic Mushrooms are naturally-occurring and grow in many places, including in Ireland. There are many different types of magic mushrooms, but all contain a natural hallucinogenic chemical, psilocybin, which affects a person's senses. They can cause dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea and anxiety as well as numbness of the mouth. A small amount of magic mushrooms leads to mild effects, a large amount can cause a ‘bad trip'.

Poppers

Amyl/butyl nitrate (the main ingredient in poppers) is a powerful drug that gives a burst of dizzy energy for a few minutes. The rush kicks in immediately, and for brief minute sensory perceptions is amplified. Using poppers can be a serious health risk for anyone with heart trouble, breathing problems, anaemia and glaucoma.

Speed (also anamphetamine)

Speed is a stimulant that can keep users awake for hours, making the user feel extremely energetic. Speed can also make users feel confident and outgoing, and turn quiet introverts into party animals. Users might feel tired and unwell, and even paranoid and depressed. Some users have been known to hallucinate.

Signs of Drug Use:

- Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, inability to sleep, or excessive sleep

- Abnormally slow movements or speech, confusion and disorientation

- Sudden weight loss or gain

- Unexpected changes in clothing, such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide injection marks

- Suspected drug paraphernalia

- Sinusitis or nosebleeds

- Persistent cough, bronchitis

- Dental problems

- Cycles of being unusually talkative and energetic

- Irritability, agitation and anger

- Unusual calmness, looking ‘spaced out'

- Apathy, depression

- Paranoia, delusions

- Temporary psychosis, hallucinations

Seeking Help!

UCD

SU Welfare Officer

Scott Ahearn

T: (01) 716 3112

UCD

Student Advisers

Student Counselling Service

Irish Association of Alcohol

and Addiction Counsellors

T: (01) 797 9187

Irish Association for Counselling

and Psychotherapy

T: (01) 230 0061