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• Drug Info:

Poppers

What is it?
Poppers are small bottles filled with liquid chemicals called alkyl nitrites. They were used at the turn of the century for people suffering with chest pains. They’re usually sniffed straight from the bottle and deliver a short, sharp high.

Also known as…
Amyl Nitrates, RAM, Thrust, Rock Hard and Liquid Gold.

What does the law say?
Amyl Nitrite is very rarely used in medicine these days but is controlled under the Medicines Act. Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.

What are the effects?

• An initial head rush that lasts a couple of minutes.
• Sniffing poppers during sex can make orgasms feel like they last longer.
• May help relax anal muscles.

What are the risks?

• If swallowed poppers can kill you.
• Don’t get them on your skin because poppers burn.
• If you have chest or heart problems, anaemia or glaucoma, poppers are very dangerous.
• Taking poppers when you are taking Viagra or any medication to reduce your blood pressure is very dangerous.
• Poppers are highly flammable.
• They can give you a very bad headache.
• Some people can get a rash around their mouth and nose.
• Some people may have trouble getting an erection after sniffing poppers.
• Effects don’t last long and can leave the users feeling sick, faint and weak.

Reducing the risks
Drugs can severely damage your physical and mental health. They can get you in to trouble with the law and even kill you.
But if you do decide to use drugs, reduce the risks by finding out as much as you can about the effects, risks, etc. and then decide if it’s really worth it.

If you do decide to use drugs keep these points in mind: –

• The only safe option is not to take drugs.
• The smaller you are the less drugs you need to get the same effect, but where your are and the mood you are in will also affect the way you’ll react.
• Don’t score off strangers; poor quality drugs can give you bad trips and may be something other than what is claimed.
• You can never be sure of what substance you’re taking or how strong it will be.
• Mixing drugs and alcohol can be fatal.
• Be aware that different tablets come in different strengths and contain different chemicals.
• Be cautious – make sure you know and understand what you’re taking.
• Never drive if you have had drugs.
• If you’re dancing wear light clothing.
• Always carry a condom; never risk unprotected sex.

First Aid

• If your mate collapses call 999.
• Get help to put them into the recovery position.
• Tell the medics what they have taken – IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE

This information leaflet has been put together by:
FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, and an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

The information on this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press.

Contact details and links

Name: Dan 24/7 – Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Web: www.dan247.org.uk/
Email: On website.
Tel: 0800 6 33 55 88 (Freephone)
Text: ‘DAN’ to 81066
Info: A free and bilingual telephone drugs helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.

Name: FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service
Web: www.fusion-online.org.uk/
Email: admin@fusion-online.org.uk
Tel: 0800 731 4649
Info: Fusion is a free and confidential service for anyone aged between 11 and 24 who lives in the Gwent area and is concerned about their own drinking or drug use, or that of a friend or family member. FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

Name: Talk to Frank
Web: www.talktofrank.com
Email: Online form (you don’t have to give a name)
Tel: 0800 77 66 00
Text: 82111
Info: The website offers a huge amount of info on all aspects of alcohol and drigs. The infoline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer FREE info on drugs. Set up by the UK government.

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day.

Name: The Samaritans
Web: www.samaritans.org
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Info: Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

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