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Illicit Drugs

Illicit Drugs Illicit (or “recreational drugs”) include cannabis, speed, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD/ acid, magic mushrooms, poppers ketamine and mephedrone, to name a few. All of these drugs change the way you feel in some way.

Sharing Drug Using Equipment Injecting drugs of any kind with shared needles, syringes and other equipment carries a high risk of contracting a number of serious Infections/ viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C. What some people don’t realise is that the risk is not just limited to injecting equipment, but can also be passed through the paraphernalia that is used to sniff drugs. Infection can be passed through bank notes or straws that are used to sniff drugs, but also through water, cups and spoons. To keep you safe, never share equipment used to take drugs. Heroin Heroin can reduce a person’s desire for Sex and might mean that they are less aware of staying safe during Sex. As there is also an increased risk of contracting serious infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C amongst intravenous drug users, having Condoms ready just in case can make it easier to practice Safer sex Cocaine Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug which can make users feel more sexually confident and energetic which can lead to aggressive or rough sex. This can lead to skin damage which makes it easier for infections to be passed on, including HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections. Using condoms and practicing Safer sex can help to reduce the risk. Other Stimulant Drugs Drugs like speed and ecstasy can make people feel more confident, chatty and outgoing. Ecstasy especially can lead to temporary feelings of loving everyone around you. At these times some people are more likely to want to have sex. Staying healthy can be made easier by being prepared. When using drugs it is still possible to talk about and have the kind of sex that you and your partner want without putting yourself at risk. Cannabis One of the effects of cannabis is making people feel more relaxed. In the same way as alcohol, this can lead to people being less inhibited and more sexual which increases the chances of putting yourself at risk. Be prepared and carry condoms just in case Psychedelics Drugs like LSD/ acid and magic mushrooms temporarily alter the way people see their environment and themselves. They can affect the senses meaning that people can behave in ways that they normally would not. It may mean that sex is the last thing they want, or their sexual desires could be heightened. Again the same advice about practicing safer sex applies.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 26 October 2011 )

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