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Home - Youth Site Frequently Asked Questions Q What is a drug The term drug includes any substance which when taken has the effect of altering the way the body works or the way a person behaves, sees or thinks. Alcohol, tobacco, over the counter and prescribed medication, volatile and controlled substances are all drugs. Q I think my friend is taking drugs how would I know Withdrawn and moody Bloodshot eyes Loss of appetite Secretive behaviour Increased evidence of lying New friends Becomes excited and talkative Sudden shortage of money They look depressed or anxious. Evidence of drug paraphernalia i.e. cigarette papers, syringes, home made pipes made from empty lemonade bottles, plastic bags with traces of glue, extreme use of deodorants, small wraps of paper, hairsprays, unusual stains or smells on clothing, socks with white stains or bits of cling film. Q Who can I talk to if I'm worried Mum or Dad GP Teacher/Headmaster Minister Youth Leader Trusted Adult The Young People's Counselling Service (9am-5pm) - 028 2565 2105 Carrickfergus Community Drug and Alcohol Advisory Group (CCDAAG) (9am-5pm) - 028 9335 1562 Contact Youth - 028 904577848 Breakthru (Freephone 9am-5pm) - 0808 800 2020 Youthline (Freephone 4-9pm) - 0808 808 8000 National Drugs Helpline (Freephone 24-7) - 0800 776600 Q Will I become addicted if I try drugs? It would be very unlikely to become addicted the first time you try drugs, but it is still possible. Normally continual and repeated use of drugs can lead to you becoming physically or psychologically dependent or addicted. Through repeated use some people build up a tolerance requiring more & more of the drug to have the same effect. Q What does being a drug addict mean? A drug addict is someone who is mentally or physically dependent on a drug or drugs. Q What do I do in an emergency? Read the emergency page on this website Make sure they've got fresh air Turn them on their side (recovery position) but stay with them. Ask someone to phone for an ambulance. If you find any powders or tablets give them to the ambulance personnel Q If alcohol is legal does that mean that is safe? No. Alcohol and tobacco are two of the most commonly used legal drugs; they have been responsible for more deaths and health problems than other causes. The short term effect of alcohol consumption can lead to accidents and violent behaviour. The long term effect of continual alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, heart disease, brain damage, oesophageal cancer, breast cancer, gastritis, pancreatitis, high blood pressure and impotence. Q Is cannabis a safe drug? No. When smoked it carries the same risk as tobacco, but has higher tar content. Some people can become psychologically addicted which can lead to paranoia, stress and fear. The short term effects can be problems with memory and learning, loss of motor coordination and increased heart rate. Q What if I drink lot of coffee will that sober me up? No. The liver breaks down the alcohol at a constant rate and cannot be speeded up by drinking tea or coffee. After drinking a lot of alcohol the human body can still be breaking it down the next morning making it illegal to drive or operate machinery.