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With drug use among celebrities and public figures, from supermodels to Tory MPs, hitting the headlines week after week its no surprise that drug use is such a problem in the UK, with cocaine in particular becoming more and more popular.

What those of us who dabble in the occasional recreational drug taking – a line of cocaine at a party or a pill or two at a club – don’t take in to consideration are the wider implications of drug abuse, the people affected, the detriment to our health and the criminal charges which we could in fact face. It’s easy to think that as a once in a while user we’re not really part of the problem but the young professional out with friends of a weekend is just as much part of the problem as a ‘true addict’.

Marijuana:
The most widely used drug in Britain marijuana or cannabis is generally thought of as a soft drug with little long term effect. But although only 10% of users become physically dependant on the drug itself the risks of becoming addicted are much the same as smoking with the same long term health problems as well as an inability to concentrate, a higher risk of contracting cancer, mental health problems ranging from paranoia to actual psychotic states and a low sperm count in men. Legally speaking possession of cannabis can land you in the nick for a good two years at the moment as well as an unlimited fine.

Cocaine:
Cocaine might make you feel confident, clever and attractive while you’re on a high but the feelings of paranoia, depression and anxiety, even in light users, can stay with you for years. Add to this the fact that, despite what your brain’s telling you, you actually look a right charlie when on, er…charlie and the fashionable drug of choice isn’t looking so stylish.

In addition to the risks of a Daniella Westbrook nose or Kate Moss’ bad taste in blokes developing, there are even bigger health risks including the possibility of overdose, panic attacks, heart problems and a decreased sexual appetite. And then there’s the damage to your wallet and the seven years banged up just for possession.

Not worried about yourself? So what about the effect on the global community? You might be filling up your cupboards with fair trade coffee and Green & Blacks chocolate but on a night out you’re helping fill the pockets of those evil drug barons making the average Colombian’s life less than fun.

Heroin & Opiates (painkillers):
Even when heroin is just smoked it’s one of the most highly addictive substances known to man and the risk of sudden death is scarily high. Apart from that there are various other ways to die glamorously on heroin – choking on your own vomit, respiratory failure, hepatitis and AIDs from sharing needles. In addition the Trainspotting inspired chums, the anorexic look and the gangrene will no doubt add to the look, which will go down a storm when you’re hanging in the big house, drug free, for the next seven years.

Ecstasy:
If you’re feeling that the smiley face T-shirts and glo-sticks are still a good look, Ecstasy is the drug for you. With over 200 E-related deaths in less than ten years in the UK, the risks speak for themselves and effects range from urinary tract infections to paranoia. As well as that, dealers aren’t the most scrupulous of people and a dodgy pill could contain MPTP, which causes Parkinson’s or PMA, a stronger version more likely to cause overheating.

There’s another seven years in jail for possession of Ecstasy as well as life for supplying drugs to someone else – even if it’s just passing a pill to a friend.

Useful websites:
www.drugs.gov.uk
www.talktofrank.com
www.urban75.com/Drugs
www.cauk.org.uk