Drugs Now

Changing drugs scene

The drug landscape in Jobstown and everywhere has changed massively. People using drugs today are rarely taking one drug. They are taking combinations.

(The fact that people are not using older drugs like heroin as much also tells us that awareness campaigns work; young people in particular know that heroin is bad. Now we want to raise the same type of awareness about mixing drugs.)

POLYDRUG USE

Using more than one drug at a time is known as polydrug use. This includes taking any combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs and alcohol.
Drinking alcohol and taking a sleeping tablet at night is polydrug use, just as much as taking an opiate and then smoking a joint is.

Taking more than one drug puts extra stress on your body – especially on our heart, brain and liver. Sometimes mixing drugs can result in an overdose or death.
The crash after taking a mix of drugs can be much worse too. You may find that you don’t have the time and the patience you might need for your children, or to go to work or school.

Get to know about the different types of drugs out there and the effects they have on your body. Do a check around your own house. See how many drugs you have in your cupboards, drawers and bags.

Be Smart Be Safe Checklist image

For great information on different drugs and the effects they have on our bodies and those around us go to www.drugs.ie

Click here to download our Be Smart Be Safe Checklist in PDF format [2.4 MB]