(Ket, K, Special-K)

Ketamine is an anaethetic with psychadelic properties used medicinally for both humans and animals. It is most commly used by snorting powder or ingesting a tablet. In low doses it can make people feel relaxed, happy and ‘dream-like’, sometimes causing hallcuinations. If you take too much ketamine you could enter a “K-hole” where you lose the ability to move and feel that your mind and body are separated. This can be a very scary experience. 

Time until effects begin: 5-15 minutes (snorting), 15-60 minutes (ingesting)

Duration of effects: 30-60 minutes (snorting), 1-2 hours (ingesting)

Harm Reduction advice

• It is highly dangerous to mix ketamine with alcohol or other depressants – it can be fatal
• Avoid injecting ketamine
• Never share snorting or injecting equipment
• Avoid food for at least 90 minutes before using ketamine to reduce the chances of nausea and vomiting
• Take ketamine in a safe and familiar environment. At high doses or in a K-hole it is very difficult to move around
• If you experience bladder pain or any issues while peeing, stop use immediately and seek a GP’s advice

(Coke, Charlie, Snow, Crack, Blow, Sniff)

Cocaine is a strong but short-lasting stimulant known for giving people lots of energy, confidence, and increasing sociability. It is most commonly used by snorting powder but can also be injected or smoked which are much more dangerous methods of consumption. It has highly addictive potential

Time until effects begin: Within minutes

Duration of effects: <30 minutes

Harm Reduction advice

• To avoid the most serious negative effects, avoid taking large doses and/or repeat doses in a short space of time
• Avoid mixing cocaine with other drugs, especially alcohol as they mix in the body to produce cocaethylene which can cause serious damage to the heart and liver
• Avoid smoking or injecting cocaine
• Avoid taking more cocaine to counter-act the comedown effects of fatigue and depression
• Cocaine can vary a lot in purity. Try and test cocaine before use and always start with a small dose
• Never share snorting or injecting equipment
• If you have any heart conditions or seizure disorders, avoid using cocaine at all
• Put effort in to recover properly after cocaine use by staying hydrated, having a proper meal and full nights of sleep

Prescription drug misuse normally begins with a legitimate prescription. It can be a result of pain management or an effort to manage mental health. However, it becomes drug misuse when a person starts using the medication beyond what a doctor has prescribed. This may mean taking more than the prescribed dose or using the prescription at times when it is not needed or perhaps using someone else’s prescription.The prescription drugs most often misused include opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medication, sedatives and stimulants (for example, ADHD medication).

Effects of prescription drug misuse

• Irregular breathing                                         
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Poor concentration
• Problems with memory
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Agitation

Harm Reduction advice

• Follow the directions given for your medication
• Try not to change the dosage without consulting your GP
• Avoid taking depressants such as alcohol while taking prescription medication as this can lead to a loss of consciousness  and trouble breathing
• Take steps to understand your medication. You should know what effects to expect and which would be abnormal.
• Be sure to only take your medication; never use another person’s medication, even if you have similar medical conditions.

(Benzos, Blues, Vallium, Xanax, Rohypnol)

Benzos are a prescription drug mostly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Those who use benzos recreationally use them to reduce anxiety and feel relaxed, usually in the form of tablets. Prolonged use makes addiction likely and withdrawal symptoms can be intense, including nausea, anxiety, panic attacks, aggression and sometimes involve hallunciations, paranoia and tremors. Benzos should never be stopped suddenly, instead reduce use gradually.

Some of the most severe side effects from taking benzos do not come from the benzos themselves but other drugs mixed into the tablets without the user’s knowledge. Street benzos are unregulated and can be laced with other, more dangerous drugs. Because of this, benzos have been linked with an increasing number of hospitalisations and deaths in the UK. In Belfast specifically there have been reports of nitazenes, a strong synthetic opioid, found in street benzos.

Time until effects begin: 30-90 minutes

Duration of effects: 6 hours

Harm Reduction advice

• Always test before use to reduce risk of the tablets containing more dangerous chemicals. Benzos laced with opioids can be deadly and are increasingly common
• Try not to take benzos for more than 1-2 weeks and definitely not for more than 4 weeks to reduce the chances of dependency
• Set your dose ahead of time and stick to it. Tolerance develops quickly and so users tend to slowly increase their dosage. Avoid doing this to reduce the chances of dependency
• Those who use cocaine may have an enhanced sensitivity to benzos leading to more intense effects. Lower dosages are recomended
• Avoid taking depressants such as alcohol while using benzos as this can lead to a loss of consciousness  and trouble breathing
• Be aware that the after effects of benzos can last for days, during this time avoid taking depressants, and avoid tasks that require motor skills or concentration including driving