Drugs & Alcohol
The reality is that drugs are unpredictable:
- The effects can vary greatly from one person to another, with factors like where a person is, who they’re with and their general state of mind all influencing the experience.
- Mixing drugs and/or taking them with alcohol will significantly increase the risk to your health.
However, using drugs could cost you more than just your health:
- If a police officer suspects that you have illegal drugs in your possession then you may be stopped and searched.
- If you have illegal drugs on you, you could be arrested. If they believe you intend to give or sell (supply) to others it is a much more serious offence.
- Fact: Passing drugs amongst friends is supplying in the eye of the law.
- Fact: Allowing people to take cannabis, or any other drug, in your house or any other premises is illegal.
- Fact: A drug conviction could stand between you and your ideal job, a place at University, or visiting some countries e.g. America and Australia.
There are a lot of myths and rumours about drugs.
KNOW YOUR FACTS – contact one of the local Services for advice and information.
Alcohol
ALCOHOL IS A VERY STRONG DRUG.
- Approximately a quarter of ALL accidents are alcohol related.
- Alcohol kills thousands more people than all illegal drugs put together.
- You can be arrested for being Drunk and Disorderly and this could leave you with a criminal record.
- Heavy drinking can cause staggering, slurred speech, double vision, liver damage, brain damage, stomach and pancreas damage, kidney and bladder problems.
- The majority of people drink in moderation; however, there are particular problems associated with ‘binge drinking’ linked with crime, violence and personal safety.
- Drinking heavily or bingeing over a long period of time can lead to problems such as alcohol dependency and serious health risks.
- Rochdale now has a borough-wide ban on consuming alcohol in public places. You will now have alcohol taken off you if you are in a public place. If you fail to hand it over or give your name and address you can be arrested.
- It is illegal to BUY or SELL alcohol to anyone UNDER 18.
Drug and Alcohol Services in Rochdale
- Addiction Dependency Solutions - 01706 860033 www.adsolutions.org.uk
- Community Drug Team - 01706 702170
- Community Drug Outreach Team - 01706 924883
- 24hr Helpline for Rochdale - 0845 6022341
- Early Break (for young people) - 0161 7970108 www.earlybreak.co.uk
- FRANK (national helpline) - 0800 776600 www.talktofrank.com