Understanding substances
Substance information library
Educational, plain-language pages written without scare tactics or moral judgement. Every page covers effects, dependence, withdrawal, overdose risk, harm reduction and where to get help.
Showing 17 of 17 substances.
- Alcohol & nicotine
Alcohol
A legal depressant drug, widely used in the UK and a common cause of health and social harm.
Read about Alcohol → - Cannabinoids
Cannabis
Also known as: weed, hash, grass
A controlled drug in the UK with sedative and psychoactive effects, used in a range of forms and strengths.
Read about Cannabis → - Stimulants
Cocaine
Also known as: coke, powder cocaine
A stimulant drug that increases heart rate and blood pressure and carries cardiovascular and mental-health risks.
Read about Cocaine → - Stimulants
Crack cocaine
A smokable form of cocaine with a rapid, short-lived effect and a high potential for compulsive use.
Read about Crack cocaine → - Opioids
Heroin
Also known as: diamorphine (medical), gear
A strong opioid with a high risk of overdose, particularly after a break in use or when mixed with other depressants.
Read about Heroin → - Opioids
Other opioids
Also known as: morphine, oxycodone, codeine, tramadol, fentanyl, nitazenes
Prescribed and illicit opioids that share overdose risk. Some synthetic opioids are extremely potent.
Read about Other opioids → - Depressants & sedatives
Benzodiazepines
Also known as: benzos, diazepam, etizolam (illicit)
Sedative medicines, also widely available illicitly. Withdrawal can be medically serious.
Read about Benzodiazepines → - Stimulants
Amphetamines
Also known as: speed
Stimulant drugs that increase alertness and reduce appetite and sleep, with cardiovascular and mental-health risks.
Read about Amphetamines → - Stimulants
Methamphetamine
Also known as: crystal meth
A potent stimulant with long-lasting effects and a high potential for compulsive use.
Read about Methamphetamine → - Stimulants
MDMA
Also known as: ecstasy, pills
A stimulant with empathogenic effects; risks include overheating, water imbalance and unknown pill content.
Read about MDMA → - Dissociatives & inhalants
Ketamine
A dissociative anaesthetic used medically; illicit use carries bladder, injury and dependence risks.
Read about Ketamine → - Dissociatives & inhalants
Nitrous oxide
Also known as: laughing gas
A gas with medical uses; misuse is associated with nerve damage and vitamin B12 problems.
Read about Nitrous oxide → - Other
Novel psychoactive substances
Also known as: NPS
A broad group of newer chemicals with unpredictable content, strength and effects.
Read about Novel psychoactive substances → - Medicines
Prescription medicines
Medicines can be effective and safe when prescribed and reviewed — some can also cause dependence.
Read about Prescription medicines → - Medicines
Over-the-counter medicines
Pharmacy and general-sale medicines are safe when used as directed, but some carry dependence or overdose risk.
Read about Over-the-counter medicines → - Other
Anabolic steroids
Also known as: image and performance enhancing drugs
Substances used to change body composition or performance, with hormonal, cardiovascular and injecting-related risks.
Read about Anabolic steroids → - Alcohol & nicotine
Nicotine
A highly dependence-forming substance found in tobacco and vaping products; stopping smoking has major health benefits.
Read about Nicotine →