Many women dabble with drugs during their student days. Drugs use does not always create problems or result in abuse. However, bear in mind:

All drugs have risks. Illegal drugs carry the risk of penalties (see the Misuse of Drugs Act below).

Drugs can have side effects both immediate and longer-term. If you inject drugs, contaminated needles can transmit HIV, Hepatitis B and many other serious infections. For some individuals, there may be underlying emotional/psychological problems that lead to drug (ab)use. Whatever the surrounding issues, drug problems can lead to difficulties in your life - your health, relationships and studies can suffer.

If you think you have a problem with drugs, contact your doctor, Student Health Service or Student Union Welfare Officer for referrals to specialist agencies. If you have urgent medical problems, see your doctor ASAP.

USEFUL CONTACTS

National Drugs Helpline
0800 776 600

Release Emergency Service
020 7336 8184

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
The most important legislation governing controlled drugs is the Misuse of Drugs Act. Under the law, drugs are placed in one of three classes (A, B or C), depending on how dangerous the drug is thought to be at the time of inclusion. Those drugs thought to be most dangerous are Class A. Heroin is a Class A drug while cannabis is Class B (although cannabis resin is Class A) and anabolic steroids are Class C.

Drugs are also placed within one of five schedules according to their perceived therapeutic use. Schedules determine whether a drug may be prescribed or not, and impose duties relating to record keeping, manufacturing, storage and distribution. Schedule 1 drugs are thought to have no legitimate medical use while most schedule 5 drugs are sold without the need for a prescription.

Drug Offences
The drug offence that most people will be aware of is possession. If you have controlled drugs in your possession or have control of them and are not entitled to do so then you could be charged with this offence. Common types of possession are:

1- Simple Possession
You are knowingly in possession of a controlled drug.

2 - Joint Possession
You own a pool of drugs jointly with other people.

3 - Past Possession
You have previously been in possession of a controlled drug.

Supplying a drug is a lot more serious. If you pass drugs on to another person you are supplying them, whether or not money is exchanged. A charge of possession with intent to supply may be brought because the amount of the drug involved is too large to be for personal use only. If you knowingly allow other people to use premises that you occupy in order to produce or supply drugs you are committing an offence.