Drug Awareness - Pupil Handout

Name: _________________________________________ Date: _________________

📖 What is a Drug?

A drug is any substance (other than food) that changes how your body or mind works. This includes:

Legal drugs: caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, medicines
Illegal drugs: cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine

Just because something is legal (like alcohol) doesn't mean it's safe!

🔬 Common Substances

Cannabis Class B

Most common illegal drug among young people. Can cause anxiety, paranoia, and impacts brain development. Smoking increases lung disease risk.

Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas") Class C

Inhaled from balloons. Can cause dizziness, falls, and with regular use, serious nerve damage leading to paralysis.

Vapes with THC/Synthetic Cannabinoids

Some illegal vapes contain THC or dangerous synthetic drugs. 1 in 5 school vapes tested contained synthetic cannabinoids - much more dangerous than cannabis.

MDMA/Ecstasy Class A

Pills or powder. Can cause overheating, dehydration, heart problems. Effects unpredictable as pills often contain other substances.

Ketamine Class B

Rising fast among teens. Can cause "K-cramps" (severe stomach pain) and irreversible bladder damage with regular use.

⚖️ The Law

Class A (heroin, cocaine, ecstasy): Up to 7 years prison for possession
Class B (cannabis, ketamine): Up to 5 years prison
Class C (nitrous oxide): Up to 2 years prison

Remember: A criminal record affects your future - jobs, university, travel abroad.

✏️ Activity: Saying No

Someone offers you something at a party. Write three different ways you could refuse:

🛡️ Refusal Strategies

"No thanks, I'm good" - Simple and direct
"I've got training tomorrow" - Give a reason
"My parents would kill me" - Blame someone else
Just walk away - You don't owe an explanation
Change the subject - "Anyone want food?"

Real friends won't pressure you. If they do, they're not real friends.

🆘 Need Help or Advice?

FRANK: 0300 123 6600 | talktofrank.com

Childline: 0800 1111

Young Minds: Text YM to 85258

These services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental.

💊 Drug Awareness