Substance information library
All substances by A-Z
Alcohol
DepressantAlcohol is widely available in many varieties, including wine, beer, and spirits, and drinking alcohol is largely viewed as socially acceptable in the UK. Alcohol varies in strength and taste. Labels will always tell you how strong the drink is and will usually outline how many units are in the drink.
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Amphetamine
SedativeAmphetamine is a stimulant drug which can make you feel alert. It usually looks like a white, off-white or pink powder but can also look like crystals or a paste.
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Benzodiazepines
SedativeBenzodiazepines are a group of sedative drugs. Some people may be prescribed a type of benzodiazepine, while other types are only available illicitly (sometimes called ‘street benzos’). Street benzos often contain several different drugs, which can increase the risk of overdose.
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Cannabis
CannabinoidCannabis is a plant-based drug. It usually looks like small buds of leaves, or whole or shredded green leaves, and has a strong smell. It can also look like a solid lump of dark brown or black resin or a solid, crystal-like slab.
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Cocaethylene
SedativeCocaethylene is a toxic substance produced when cocaine and alcohol are taken together. It can cause permanent damage to your liver and heart.
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Cocaine
StimulantCocaine is a stimulant drug which can make you feel alert. It usually looks like a white powder. Crack cocaine usually looks like a yellow-white crystal.
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Ecstasy
StimulantMDMA (ecstasy) is a stimulant and psychedelic drug which can make you feel energised. It usually looks like an off-white, yellow, grey, purple or light brown crystal-like powder, but can also look like tablets.
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Fentanyl
OpioidFentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It can be taken on its own, but it has also been found in heroin and other illicit drugs like oxycodone and benzodiazepines. If a drug contains fentanyl, there is an increased risk of harm, overdose and death.
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Heroin
OpiateHeroin is an opioid drug which can make you feel relaxed, confused and zoned out. It usually looks like an off-white or brown powder.
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Prescription drugs
SedativeIllicit prescription drugs are drugs obtained without a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. They’re considered illicit because in the UK, prescription-only medicines are not legally available without a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Ketamine
Dissociative anaestheticKetamine is a dissociative drug which can make you feel detached from your body or physical environment. It usually looks like a grainy white or light brown crystal-like powder.
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Nitazenes
OpioidNitazenes are a group of synthetic opioids which have emerged in the UK drug supply. They can be taken on their own (sometimes unknowingly), and they have been found in heroin and other illicit drugs like oxycodone and benzodiazepines. If a drug contains nitazenes, there is an increased risk of harm, overdose and death.
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Nitrous oxide (NOS)
InhalentNitrous oxide is a drug with anaesthetic and psychedelic properties which can have a dissociative effect.
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Synthetic cannabinoids
HallucinogenSynthetic cannabinoids are man-made drugs which are designed to act like the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis. They usually look like a mixture that resembles buds or leaves like cannabis.
It's becoming increasingly common for these drugs to be found in vapes, as well as edibles (e.g. gummies) and mixed with herbal cannabis.
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Xylazine
SedativeXylazine is a powerful and dangerous anaesthetic that relaxes the muscles and causes severe drowsiness. It is often mixed with opioids like heroin and nitazenes, and has been found in other illicit drugs like benzodiazepines and THC vapes. If a drug contains xylazine, because it’s not what’s expected and could have different effects, there is an increased risk of harm, overdose and death.
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