Narcotics - cannabis and other drugs
Have you come into contact with drugs during your time as a student? You may have been in a situation where you have been curious to try them. In order to easier make informed decisions, it can be useful to know the positive and negative effects of different drugs on your brain, body and well-being. In Sweden, it is illegal to use narcotics and to have narcotics on your person. This also applies to cannabis.
Humans are affected differently by different drugs, but in general they affect judgement and decision-making, motor skills and how we perceive the world around us. The body, the brain, our relationships and our ability to learn are affected in the short and long term.
Different types of drugs includes:
- Cannabis (hashish, marijuana)
- Stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine)
- Opioids (e.g. heroin, tramadol)
- Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, ecstasy)
- Internet drugs/Spice
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), GHB
- Medicinal products, not prescribed by a doctor, that are anxiety-relieving, sleep-inducing or pain-relieving
Cannabis
Cannabis is the most common drug in Sweden. During a cannabis rush, feelings of euphoria, relaxation and increased creativity can occur. Negative effects may include anxiety, confusion and dizziness.
From a study and work perspective, it may be useful to know that cannabis can negatively affect the brain’s cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration and analytical abilities. Such effects may persist for several weeks after use. Regular and prolonged use of cannabis can lead to apathy and depression.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is not classified as a drug but is often used for the purposes of intoxication. Nitrous oxide gives a short-term high that leads to experiences of excitement and relaxation.
What many people don’t know is that the use of nitrous oxide can be harmful to the nervous system and cause mental problems with anxiety and cognitive impairment similar to dementia. When inhaled, there is also a risk of oxygen deficiency and fainting as well as frostbite in the airways.
When should you seek help?
Don’t hesitate to seek support if you are concerned about your drug use. You may notice that you have lost control of your drug consumption or that it negatively affects your health, relationships or studies. There are various forms of help available anonymously, through the telephone helpline droghjälpen.se (in Swedish), your municipality or your region. The student health service can give you information about where to go. If you are under the age of 23, or under 25 in some regions, you can also seek help at the youth guidance centre. 1177.se also provides information on where support can be found.
Are you worried about a friend?
If you are worried about someone’s drug use, it can feel difficult and uncomfortable to talk about it. However, if you feel you want to try to help your friend make a change, you can still talk to them about their drug use. Tell them that you are worried and tell them specifically what it is about their behaviour that concerns you and how it might affect your relationship.
It’s important to remember that there are several steps you can take to help when you are worried and want the best for your friend. At the same time, it’s not your responsibility to get the person to stop or seek help, only they can do that. If you are worried about someone you care about, see droghjälpen.se for more information.