Parenting 

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Children and drugs

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What to do in an emergency

• Don’t panic. Dial 999 for an ambulance.
• Make sure they have plenty of air.
• If they are drowsy, talk to them to keep them awake.
• If they have collapsed, turn them on their side.
• Do not leave them alone, as there is danger of suffocation if they vomit.
• Give any drugs or solvents found at the scene to the ambulance crew.

Some common drugs

• Amphetamines are known by a variety of names, most common being speed, billy and whiz. They come in tablet and capsule form but are mostly sold as off-white powder squares in plastic wrapping. It can be taken orally, snorted and injected. It affects people by making them more alert and confident but once the effect wears off they can become anxious and restless. May disrupt sleep and prolonged use can cause mental health problems in the future.
• Cannabis is known as dope, hash, blow, weed, skunk (an extra strong version) or grass. Resin is made from compressing the sticky compound found in the flower tops and the ‘grass’ is the dried leafy parts. It may also come in the form of oil. Usually sold in quantities of an eighth (of an ounce) upwards it is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked. Grass may be smoked on its own and can also be brewed into tea or added to food. Its effect is to relax the user making them more talkative and giggly. Cannabis is currently believed not to be physically addictive. However, it affects concentration and slows reflexes. Occasional or sporadic use is not believed to have serious side effects. However, prolonged, long-term or very heavy use may damage the lungs, lead to paranoia and short-term memory loss.
• Cocaine is known as coke, charlie or snow. A white powder that is processed from the leaf of the cocoa plant and often mixed with other substances. It is usually sniffed or snorted; long-term use damages the lining of the nose. The effects are short-lived, up to 30 minutes, making the person feel more alert, friendly and confident. High dosages have the opposite effect – making people anxious and paranoid. Cocaine can be physically addictive.

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