As part of the SU’s and Universities' commitment to a harm reduction approach to substance use, we are providing realistic and educational information to students on the impacts of drugs. This information in no way condones drug use. 

In the SU we still operate on a zero-tolerance policy of drugs being brought in or used in the Student Union. This is to comply with student safety policies. 

Harm Reduction Explained

Harm reduction is a public health strategy that focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of drug use, such as through education and health support, rather than criminalizing users. It acknowledges that some individuals may use drugs for various reasons and provides resources to help them stay safe and informed.

Reasons for Drug Use

Drug use can occur for numerous reasons, including:

• Recreational or experimental use (seeking fun or adventure)
• Social use (enhancing social interactions)
• Stress management (to cope with academic or personal pressures)
• Mental health management (self-medicating for depression, anxiety, or trauma)
• Psychological factors (such as seeking spiritual experiences or boosting confidence)

Recent surveys show that these reasons reflect a mix of coping strategies and social influences.

Detailed Drug Information:

• LSD (Acid):

  • How it's taken: Swallowed as a tab or in liquid form.
  • Effects: Visual and sensory distortions, euphoria, anxiety, confusion, and potential panic.
  • Duration: It takes 20 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, lasting 6-12 hours.
  • Risks: Bad trips can lead to harm; they are dangerous when mixed with other substances like cocaine or weed.
  • Addiction: Not considered physically addictive but tolerance can develop.
  • Legal: Class A drug, with severe penalties for possession or distribution.

• Cocaine:

  • How it's taken: Usually snorted in powder form.
  • Effects: Euphoria, alertness, increased confidence, heart palpitations, anxiety, and paranoia.
  • Duration: Effects kick in within 5-30 minutes and last 10-30 minutes, but residual effects can linger.
  • Risks: Heart attack or stroke, especially with regular use; nasal damage from snorting.
  • Addiction: Highly addictive, with tolerance building over time.
  • Legal: Class A drug, carrying heavy prison sentences for possession or distribution.

• Ecstasy (MDMA):

  • How it's taken: Swallowed as a pill or snorted.
  • Effects: Euphoria, increased sociability, heightened sensory experiences.
  • Duration: Kicks in after 30-60 minutes, lasting 2-4 hours.
  • Risks: Unpredictable strength of pills, dehydration, and overheating; liver and kidney issues.
  • Addiction: Tolerance can develop, and regular use may lead to psychological dependence.
  • Legal: Class A drug, with severe legal penalties for possession or trafficking.

• Heroin:

  • How it's taken: Smoked, injected, or inhaled.
  • Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, and drowsiness, but can also cause nausea and vomiting.
  • Duration: Effects kick in within minutes when smoked, lasting up to an hour.
  • Risks: Overdose risk is extremely high, especially when injected; sharing needles can lead to infections like HIV.
  • Addiction: Highly addictive, with intense withdrawal symptoms.
  • Legal: Class A drug, with severe legal penalties for possession or distribution.

• Ketamine:

  • How it's taken: Snorted, ingested or injected.
  • Effects: Disconnection from reality, hallucinations, numbness.
  • Duration: Effects start within 15-20 minutes and last 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Risks: Can cause memory damage, agitation, and bladder issues with long-term use.
  • Addiction: Tolerance can build, and psychological dependence is possible.
  • Legal: Class B drug, with significant penalties for possession or supply.

• Magic Mushrooms:

  • How they're taken: Usually eaten, sometimes made into tea.
  • Effects: Mild hallucinations, euphoria, or anxiety.
  • Duration: Effects last 6-12 hours.
  • Risks: Possible poisoning from misidentified mushrooms; mental health issues like panic attacks.
  • Addiction: Not physically addictive, but users can develop tolerance.
  • Legal: Class A drug, illegal to possess or distribute.

• Nitrous Oxide:

  • How it's taken: Inhaled from balloons.
  • Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, laughter, but also dizziness and short-term paranoia.
  • Duration: Short-lived effects, typically lasting minutes.
  • Risks: Risk of asphyxiation or fainting, especially with frequent use; long-term use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Addiction: Possible psychological dependence.
  • Legal: Psychoactive substance, illegal to sell for recreational use.

• Speed (Amphetamines):

  • How it's taken: Snorted or ingested.
  • Effects: Alertness, energy, suppressed appetite, but also anxiety and aggression.
  • Duration: Kicks in within minutes, lasting 3-6 hours.
  • Risks: Mental health issues like paranoia or psychosis; heart problems.
  • Addiction: Highly addictive, with increasing tolerance and dependence.
  • Legal: Class B drug, with significant penalties for possession or distribution.

• Cannabis (Weed):

  • How it's taken: Smoked, vaped, or ingested as edibles.
  • Effects: Relaxation, mood enhancement, but also paranoia and cognitive impairment.
  • Duration: Smoked effects last 10 minutes to a few hours; edibles can last longer.
  • Risks: Respiratory issues, mental health effects (e.g., anxiety, schizophrenia), and cognitive decline with long-term use.
  • Addiction: Possible psychological dependence, with withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
  • Legal: Class B drug, with penalties for possession or trafficking, though street warnings may apply for small amounts in some cases.

Support Services

• Student Services: Offers on-campus support through in-person or virtual sessions.
• T3 Stars: A free external charity providing support for students dealing with problematic drug or alcohol use.