Current statistics indicate on average, 79% of students have tried an illegal substance – evidencing that drug use can be quite prevalent amongst students. Whilst we would always encourage people not to take drugs, it is important you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and maximise your safety if you choose to use drugs. Reminder: taking any illegal (or in some cases legal) substances comes with risks!

Key Harm Reduction Information:

• Assess the risks and make informed decisions – don’t give into peer pressure
• Test a small amount first and wait for the effect to kick in – different drugs/batches effect different people in very different ways and can take varied times to take effect. You must always wait for the dose to kick in before taking more – don’t think it isn’t working and re-dose, this can be extremely dangerous and unpleasant!
• Avoid mixing drugs with other drugs and also avoid mixing drugs and alcohol (see TripsIT Drug interaction chart here which shows you the risks of combining a huge range of substances)
• Don’t use drugs alone! You should remain with friends and ensure you let them know what you’ve taken and when. Most importantly – look out for each other! Ideally, have at least one person who is not using anything, and let people know where you are!
• Stay hydrated (but be careful not to drink too much water) and take regular breaks from dancing
• If you find yourself having a ‘bad trip’ or fearing that you will, try to find somewhere you feel safe and remember it will pass
• If someone doesn’t seem ok/safe, seek help. This could be emergency services, security in accommodation, staff in nightclubs or other friends. Don’t leave them alone and ensure they are in the recovery position if they’re sleeping or unconscious!
• Try and buy from a trusted source where possible. There are significant risks and legal implications with both buying drugs online and from street dealers, though generally buying online provides purer substances that contain less cutting agents. But you must remember this means the drugs are likely to be far more potent and therefore carry a higher risk of overdose!

Reminder – buying drugs in any way is illegal and you could face criminal prosecutions!

‘Study’ Drugs

Whilst these might seem like a great idea at the peak of your stressful period and it’s easy to think these will resolve all your problems and get those assignments finished; it is important to remember the dangers and risks of doing so:

• These tend to be prescription medications which are sold illegitimately. They’re often used to manage health conditions such as narcolepsy. However, the side effects can be seriously
• Side effects can include: nausea, insomnia, headaches, skin rashes, palpitations, dizziness and heightened nervousness – all of which are not going to help you in that exam! There is also information to suggest they exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
• It is illegal to possess the majority of ‘study’ drugs if you do not have a prescription.
• Studies have actually shown that using ‘study’ drugs without a prescription does not enhance academic performance.
• It is known that some people use speed (Class B illegal drug) as a ‘study’ drug due to it being accessible, cheap and being known for its ability to energize individuals and keep them awake. However, the side effects and after effects from speed can be horrific – such as days of feeling significantly low, your heart being under increased pressure and the possibility of developing a habit. Again, none of these will help you in those exams!

Key Harm Reduction Information for the Use of ‘Study’ Drugs:

• Most of these drugs (including the legal/prescribed ones) are highly addictive, and particularly so at high doses. If you’re going to use them, ensure doses are small and are not take in quick succession.
• Ensure you seek medical support from your GP if your use if concerning you or becoming problematic. You must also seek support if you’re experiencing side effects.
• If you find yourself experiencing poor mental health before or after using study drugs, you should seek support to ensure that use is done so in the safest way.
• Ensure you’re sourcing ‘study’ drugs from a safe and suitable source. For example, ensure the medications are legitimate (some bought online may not be) and also buying medication off individuals who have been prescribed this for diagnosed health conditions is both dangerous to their health and your own as dosages will vary from person to person.
• Do your research - be aware of the potential risk factors and side effects so you can monitor for any adverse reactions.
• Don’t be afraid to speak to local support services or peers about your use – internalizing your experiences and how you’re feeling can prove detrimental to your wellbeing.

Be aware, all Universities will hold policies and Codes of Conduct which incorporate drug use amongst students and where students are found to be using drugs, many Universities will investigate this and your place on your course can be reconsidered. Additionally, the use of ‘study’ drugs is generally considered as academic misconduct and comes with rigid penalties.

Unipol Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Team provide an impartial support service and can help those struggling with drug-use or issues associated with this. We can also signpost you to essential information to allow you to make informed decisions, as well as signposting to local support services where required. Contact us on tenancysupport@unipol.org.uk or use this form.