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Alcohol and Drugs

Know the facts, know the consequences and play safe. The School will take appropriate disciplinary action in the case of the use, possession or supply of illegal drugs, and also in the case of unacceptable behaviour arising from excessive consumption of alcohol. This may range from a verbal reprimand to expulsion from the School and/or Halls of Residence.

The LSE has a drugs and alcohol policy which you should read to understand your rights and obligations. Read it thoroughly at www.lse.ac.uk/resources/schoolRegulations/studentDrugsAndAlcoholPolicy.htm

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol can be seen as fantastic way to relax, lose a few inhibitions and 'get to know other people'. However alcohol can cause high blood pressure, strokes, various cancers, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis and stomach disorders so it's best to use it in moderation.

The Government publishes guidelines on alcohol consumption. As a rough estimate, a pint of 'normal' beer (i.e. Not your Super Tenants) is two units and a measure of spirits or a single glass of wine is one unit. These guidelines suggest that men should consume a maximum of 21 units a week. Females, around 14. If you drink a lot more you may be causing damage to your body.

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake then there are specialist help-lines who will discuss any matters with you. They are confidential and you do not need to have what you consider to be to be a serious problem before you contact them. You can also contact the doctors at the LSE Health Centre for help and advice.

For more information contact:

Drinkline on 0800 917 8282

Drugs

Illegal drugs are widely available and certain types are used recreationally by large numbers of people. They can be dangerous and you should never accept any form of drug without knowing exactly what it is and what all the consequences of taking it may be (mental, physical, legal and financial). For information on drugs that are popular in the UK visit http://www.release.org.uk/Drugs.php .

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 defines three classes of drugs "A", "B" and "C" with class "A" drugs being considered the most dangerous and carrying the largest maximum sentences for possession or supply. In terms of the law, supplying does not have to be at a profit and could simply involve giving drugs to a friend. The LSE also has a drugs policy which you should be aware of.

Contact:

The National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00

Or Visit www.release.org.uk for more information

Your Rights On Arrest

If you are caught by the police in the possession of an illegal substance it is important to know your rights. Visit the Release Website at http://www.release.org.uk/html/~master_menu/Bust_Card.php . This site includes information on stop and search and what to do if your home is searched or you are taken to a police station.

For information and help in dealing with the Police, the courts or drug problems, contact the Release Legal Helpline 020 7729 990410-6 Monday to Friday.

Keeping Safe

The following information has been supplied by kind permission of Release.

If you are planning a night out which you feel may include drug talking the information below will help you to stay as safe as possible.

Before you go out:

Know as much as possible about drugs and the risks if you are going to take them
Clubs are hot so wear cool clothes for dancing. Take warm clothes for queuing and going home.

Eat something - food provides energy for dancing and lines the stomach. And remember to sip about a pint of water an hour when dancing non-stop.

At the venue:

If you are going to use drugs make sure you are with friends. it is not a good idea to be on your own and being with friends can be a help when you are come down.
Always tell each other what you're taking, so if one of you runs into trouble of any sort the others will know what to do (see first-aid).

The effects of drugs can vary according to where you are, who you're with, how you're feeling emotionally at the time and how physically fit you are. Also, the lighter you weigh the more powerful the effect.

It's best to avoid drugs if you're feeling depressed or anxious as they could make you feel worse.
Be especially careful if you're taking prescribed drugs - you may accidentally produce reactions you are not prepared for.

Don't drive. Alcohol and drugs affect your perceptions and reaction times - you could drive more dangerously. The police are increasingly looking out for drivers using drugs and you could lose your licence.
Try not to buy from strangers - or in the dark - you can never be sure of what you're buying. Drugs are not quality controlled and you never know what's in them. They may be stronger/purer than you anticipate.

Try to set a limit on the money you spend on drugs - try not to borrow money from friends or accept credit from dealers.

Many drugs make you feel more confident or stimulated sexually, but always try to practice safer sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy.

If you are pregnant you may experience effects from the drugs which you weren't expecting. They could also affect your baby.

If you are injecting drugs never inject alone.

If you have a bad experience with a club (if it is too hot or too crowded, if free drinking water is not available, if you have difficulty with door staff or security, if one of your friends is ill and you're not properly assisted, if you are searched without your permission) tell the management, the Local Council's Environmental Health Department or contact Release for confidential information at www.release.org.uk .

First Aid

Getting help in the club
Good clubs have at least one first-aider or paramedic that knows about drugs. Ask a staff member for the first-aider and if you have trouble demand to see the manager.
There may be drugs outreach workers that can help - club staff will know if they are in the club, and where. If in doubt always ask for an ambulance to be called and call one yourself if necessary.

If you know make sure you tell the paramedic or first-aider what drugs have been taken. They are not interested in legalities and want to help your friend so this information is vital.

If someone collapses on the dance floor put them in the recovery position and send for help. If the person is breathing turn them onto their front with their head sideways. Bend their upper arm and leg. Straighten the other arm parallel to their back. Either stay with them, asking stewards to clear a pace or, if possible, move them, still in the recovery position, to a quieter space.

If they are not breathing and you know how to give mouth to mouth resuscitation, do so. If not, wait until someone arrives who does. In the meantime loosen tight clothing.

Recognising Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke and Overheating
It is not just being hot. Symptoms could include any or many of the following - dizziness, feeling sick, sudden tiredness, sudden headache or cramps, particularly in the arms and legs. Peeing is difficult and dark in colour. Sweating stops, which is a strong signal of dangerously increasing body heat. Blackouts, collapsing, fits or fainting may follow.

Anyone suffering from any of these symptoms should immediately take a break, cool down in the quiet area or chill-out room and sip about a pint of water slowly. Gulping down a great deal of water should be avoided. Cool or tepid water splashed on the face and neck will help with cooling down but don't cool too fast in case shock sets in. Loosen tight clothes. If symptoms persist get help and call an ambulance as heat exhaustion can develop easily.

If your body gets back to normal temperature try to find dry or warmer clothes or a blanket - don't over chill.

Anxiety

If someone is getting anxious or is hallucinating, take them away from the lights, music and crowds into the chill out room or quieter area. Talk to them, calm them down, give them support. If they do not respond stay with them and send someone to get help.

Different drugs have different effects and serious drug problems can occur from a bad reaction, mixing different drugs or with an overdose.

On the way home

Some people take different drugs to chill out, hoping to come down more gently. Mixing drugs can have serious health implications.

Wherever you are, in public, on a bus, the tube or in a car, if your friend has problems do the same as you would have done in the club. If possible stay with them and send someone else for an ambulance. Put them in the recovery position and try to keep calm. Remember that telling medics what drugs have been taken could save your friends life.

The following day

Many drugs have effects that last well into the following day or even longer. Look on the release website to find out more about these. As a general rule it is wise to relax and give yourself time out the day after taking any drugs. If paranoia or anxiety occurs being with good friends can help.

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