Drug and Alcohol Support for young people in South Tees

Some people use cannabis to relax or help them sleep. But today’s cannabis; especially stronger types like “skunk”, can cause problems, especially for young people. If you're under 25, your brain is still growing, and cannabis can affect how you feel and think.

It might make you feel anxious, unmotivated, or even paranoid. Using it often can make it harder to concentrate, affect your mood, and get in the way of school, friendships, or doing things you enjoy.

Think about it: is feeling relaxed for a short time worth the risk of feeling anxious or low later on?

Visit The Mix Website to learn more about Cannabis.

Ketamine can leave you confused or zoned out.

Using it often can cause serious issues with memory, concentration, and even bladder damage (sometimes called “K‑bladder”).

Mixed with alcohol or other depressants, the effects can knock you out or slow your breathing.

Ask yourself: what could happen to me if it knocks me out at a club or party?

Visit the Talk to Frank website to learn more about Ketamine.

Some people use MDMA to feel more connected or happy, especially on nights out. But it can also make your body too hot, leave you feeling really low afterwards, and be more dangerous if mixed with other drugs.

It can affect your heart and body in serious ways, especially if you don’t have a safe space to rest and recover.

Think about it: do you have somewhere safe to come down — feeling calm, clear, and supported?

Visit the Talk to Frank website to learn more about MDMA.

Benzodiazepines are often used to feel calm, manage anxiety, or help with sleep however street versions and those bought online are often much stronger than expected and may be mixed with other substances.

They carry serious risks like blackouts, breathing problems, memory loss, and becoming dependent quickly.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Once a person becomes dependant on this drug, stopping suddenly can be extremely dangerous and requires specialist support.

Think: Is this something prescribed to me - or a pill I don’t really know the strength of?

Visit the Talk to Frank website, to learn more about Benzodiazepines.

Commonly known as “pregabs or PG’s” this medication is sometimes prescribed for anxiety, pain, or epilepsy.

When used outside of a prescription, it can cause heavy drowsiness, confusion, and emotional numbness. It’s especially risky when mixed with alcohol, benzos, or opioids. Regular use can lead to dependence and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Consider: Even medicines that help some people can be harmful if not used properly, especially when mixed or taken in high doses.

Visit the Drink and Drug Hub website to learn more about the effects of Pregablin.

Magic Mushrooms contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical that changes how you see, hear, and feel things.

Some people feel calm or curious during a trip, but others can experience paranoia, panic, or distress, especially if they’re already feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed. Effects can last 4–6 hours, and sometimes longer.

Trips can be unpredictable; you can’t always tell how strong they are, or how they’ll make you feel. Even small amounts can cause intense experiences, and bad trips can leave you shaken up for days.

Think: Am I in the right headspace and place to handle something unpredictable?

Visit The Mix website to learn more about the effects of Magic Mushrooms.

Spice is a man-made drug that’s meant to act like cannabis, but it can be much stronger and more unpredictable. It’s usually sprayed onto dried plants and smoked, or sometimes used in a vape.

People can feel very different effects; some might feel calm, while others could feel scared, confused, or even get sick.

Because it’s made in different ways with no checks, you never really know what’s in it or how strong it is. Some batches have dangerous chemicals that can affect your heart, breathing, or how you feel mentally. Even a small amount can be risky, especially if it’s mixed with alcohol or medicine.

Think: If I don’t know what’s really in it, how can I know how it will affect me?

Visit the Talk to Frank website to learn more about Spice.

Nitrous oxide (sometimes called laughing gas) is a gas that people often use at parties or festivals to feel a quick high. It might seem harmless, but it can be dangerous; especially if used a lot or in the wrong way.

Breathing it straight from a metal can is risky. The gas is freezing cold and can burn your lips, face, or throat. It can also make you faint, fall over, or stop breathing properly.

Using nitrous oxide often can damage your body’s nervous system. This might cause tingling, numbness, or problems with walking and these effects can last a long time.

Think about it: is a few seconds of feeling dizzy worth the risk of getting hurt or feeling unwell later?

Visit the Talk to Frank website to learn more about Nitrous Oxide.

Vaping might seem safer than smoking, but it still has risks, especially when you don’t know what’s inside. Some vapes have nicotine in them, which can be very addictive. Even if they taste sweet, they can make it harder to concentrate, feel more anxious, and cause mood swings when you stop using them.

Other vapes, like THC vapes (sometimes called dab pens or weed vapes), are used to get high. But many sold online or on the street contain unknown chemicals that can harm your lungs and affect your mental health. Some people have ended up in hospital with serious breathing problems.

Because vape cartridges aren’t always labelled properly, it’s easy to take in more than you meant to. This can lead to feeling confused, panicked, or even blacking out.

Think about it: Do you really know what you're breathing in — and how it might affect your brain and body?

Visit the Talk to Frank website to read more about Vapes.

LEAN is a mix of strong cough syrup (with codeine and promethazine) and sugary drinks. Some people use it to feel sleepy or relaxed, but it can be very risky.

Using LEAN a lot can make your body depend on it, which means you might feel unwell or upset when you stop. Taking too much can slow down your breathing — and that can be life-threatening. It can also affect your mood, make you feel low or confused, and harm how your brain works over time.

Mixing LEAN with alcohol or other drugs makes it even more dangerous and can lead to overdose.

Think about it: is feeling sleepy for a short time worth the risk to your health and safety?

Visit the Catch-22 website to read more about the effects of Lean.