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If you're worried about your own drug taking, or know someone who is abusing or misusing drugs, it's good to know the facts.
Drug users don't start using drugs with the intention of becoming addicted. But with many drugs containing substances that are addictive, people who use them casually in their spare time can then become dependent on needing to use them regularly.
Reasons why people start using drugs can include:
If you start to use drugs on a regular basis, or if you become dependent on them, it can affect your family and friends as well as having a serious impact on your own physical and mental well-being.
Drug overdoses can be fatal, and you can die instantly from misusing drugs that you can buy over the counter - this includes things like aerosols, glues and other solvents.
There is not a common list of symptoms that you can use to tell if you or someone you know is misusing drugs. That's because drug use affects different people in different ways depending on the type of drugs they're using.
Although anxiety, tiredness and a change in sleeping habits can also be signs of drug use, they can also be caused by changes in your body, stress or other problems.
Drugs are categorised into three classes based on their overall level of harm; Class A drugs being the most dangerous, and Class C drugs being less dangerous. However, all the drugs in all three classes are harmful and are addictive.
Remember that all drugs are illegal, even Class C drugs like GHB and ketamine. If you're caught selling them onto other people, or carrying a small amount of drugs in your pocket, it's likely that the police will get involved. If you're found guilty of any of these offences, you may face a fine or time in custody, with Class A drugs carrying the most severe sentences.
If you suspect that one of your friends or relatives is abusing drugs, you may want to approach them and talk about it.
It's not your responsibility to make them stop, but you can tell them about how their behaviour is affecting your relationship with them.
If they come to you asking for help with their problems, then it's important to listen and help them find the right information and treatment.
If you're worried about drug abuse and addiction, the Talk to FRANK helpline can help.
FRANK runs a free helpline and a website that explains how different types of drugs can affect you. You can get confidential advice by calling 0800 77 66 00, seven days a week. Calls are free and they won't show up on your phone bill, but you may be charged if you use a mobile.
