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It's Your Choice

Key Fact

What is a drug?

A drug is something that changes the way your mind and body works.

PC Wathan’s Advice

Top Tips

Remember

  • Medicines are drugs but not all drugs are medicines.
  • Drugs can be addictive.
  • Friends who encourage you to take drugs are not really your friends.
  • If you want to look after yourself and keep your body safe and healthy, say NO!
  • Taking somebody else’s medicine can be dangerous and is against the law.

Things to Make You Think!

PC Jones says:

  • A legal drug is one that is purchased within the law or prescribed by a doctor for you. Even with legal drugs there are still rules about who can buy them and how they can be used.
  • It is dangerous to take more medicine than a doctor prescribes.
  • An illegal drug is a substance that a person is not allowed to have. It is against the law.
  • 80% of first time users are persuaded to do so by friends.
  • When taking drugs you might do something you regret.
  • You are responsible for your actions in the eyes of the law from the age of ten.

Introduction

Your school police officer will help you learn

  • the difference between legal, illegal, medical and other substances; and
  • the power of peer pressure.
"Don’t listen to the voices, always make your own choices!"

Question and Answer

Question: How do I know if something is a drug?
Answer: Don’t take any risks. Anything you are unsure of just say "no".
Question: Who uses drugs?
Answer: People who are ill may use a medicine to make them better. Adults may use alcohol or cigarettes legally. There are also people who take drugs illegally.
Question: Why do people use drugs?
Answer: People may start to use drugs because their friends ask them to. This is peer pressure. Remember you can say no!
Question: What are the dangers of using drugs?
Answer: You put yourself at risk of being arrested, seriously harming yourself, an accident or even death.

If you need help, phone ChildLine on

0800 1111

Calls are free from most mobiles and landlines.

Your call will not show up on the bill.

For help about drugs, phone Dan 24/7 on

0808 808 2234

Calls are free from most landlines.

Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network.

dan247.org.uk

If you need to report a crime, call CrimeStoppers on

0800 555 111

Calls are free from most landlines.

Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network.