A recreational drug is a drug that people take without a medical reason. We’d advise that you don’t do them because they can cause lots of different health problems, addiction and get in the way of your relationships with friends and family. Any stereoisomeric form of a substance specified in paragraph 1 or 2 above, not being dextrorphan.
Children and young people aged 12-21
- They can refer you to local support services, provide advice on tapering these medications or consider alternative treatment options, and support you in managing your condition.
- Schools have a key role to play in ensuring that young people understand the risks involved and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to avoid them.
- If you need more support, our drug and alcohol services can support and guide you through your journey to recovery.
- Put agreements in place around how your child is going to stay safe when they’re going out with their friends.
Our tenth annual #MedSafetyWeek campaign runs from 3 to 9 November 2025. Always read the patient information leaflet, or instructions supplied with your medicine or medical device. It lists the known side effects or problems and advises you on what to do.
Also on NHS inform
Drinking alcohol and trying drugs is one of the ways in which some young people do this. A smaller number of young people will try illegal drugs, or smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes (often called ‘vaping’). At the top, the Economic and Social Council determines UN policy and makes recommendations to national governments.It is assisted by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which is the central policy-making body.
Self-referrals are welcome, as well as referrals from professionals, by calling, e-mailing or visiting the service in person. Even drinking to get drunk occasionally can have serious consequences as it increases risky behaviour. It makes you feel more relaxed and sociable at the beginning, but as you consume more it can lead to dizziness, slow reactions, being sick, feeling down and tearful and even aggression.
PEER LED (LAIB) REPORT
The Yellow Card scheme is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which safeguards medical products quality and efficacy in the United Kingdom. Anyone can report an issue with a medicine, vaccine, medical device (including software, apps and artificial intelligence), blood product or e-cigarette to the buy drugs online Yellow Card scheme. We offer a free, confidential online chat service where you can talk to one of our trained Recovery Workers, seven days a week. Had the ad appeared in non-broadcast media, it seems likely that the decision would have been similar under the CAP Code. The ASA usually takes a strict line on explicit references to drugs. Any such references are likely to be considered irresponsible because they encourage or condone drug use.
Use this guide to find help and support in overcoming alcohol and drug-related issues. You can refer yourself to these services, or you can ask someone else to make a referral for you. You could ask a family member, your GP, a housing officer, or a social worker. Estimates within this publication are based on data from the CSEW self-completion module. The upper age limit for respondents eligible for the self-completion module was removed from 2019 to 2020, but remains in place for questions on drug use because of the low prevalence of drug use in those aged 60 years and over.
It is a criminal offence for anyone to supply you with nitrous oxide for recreational use. You may be more likely to try it after a few drinks and the dizzy feeling can increase the risk of you falling over and injuring yourself. This, along with suffocation from lack of oxygen, is a major risk of taking the drug. When it is inhaled, it can make people feel happy, relaxed, dizzy and lead to hallucinations. See our #MedSafetyWeek page on how to get involved and help us raise awareness. Get involved and support by reposting, liking and sharing our posts using #MHRAYellowCard and #MedSafetyWeek on social media.