Drink and Drugs | Legal & Illegal Drugs Facts & Information

Find support for drink and drugs

We’re not your parents so we won’t tell you not to drink or do drugs (even the illegal ones), but we can help you to get informed on what you’re putting into your body.

Any alcohol or drug that’s going into your system is going to affect it. This page will give you the good, the bad and the ugly – no holding back. From health problems and withdrawal symptoms to the positives of a really good trip, this is your one-stop shop for all things substance related.

Drugs A-Z: Poppers, 2CB, Magic Mushrooms & more

We know that it’s tricky to access non-judgemental information online about drugs, their effects and drug safety. That’s why we spoke with a bunch of experts and put together our drugs A-Z section. Head here to find out all you need to know about everything from magic mushrooms to poppers, and 2cbs.

UK Drug laws

Drug laws are constantly changing as ministers scramble to react to new research and the pendulum of public opinion. Take a look around our UK drug laws area to keep on top of the latest developments so you know where you stand legally and what could happen if you get caught with class a drugs.

Breaking the stigma around seeking support

Young people have told The Mix that the stigma around drink and drugs would prevent them from asking for support. We want to break down that stigma and make issues such as drug use and addiction ok to talk about. Our support services are always there to listen and to talk about any challenge and we’ll never judge the things you tell us.

If you need support for drugs or alcohol, get in touch with our team today.

Useful resources

Take a look at these helpful resources to find out more about drink and drugs.

Read our 2022 report on young people and substance use

Find out more about the drugs trade

How to know when you’re drinking too much

A young person’s story of drug addiction

Find out more about alcohol

What happens if you’re caught with drugs?

Find free support for addiction through We Are With You

Find support through AI-Anon if you are impacted by someone’s drinking

Coping with a comedown

The high can be so goddamn high that it might make you forget about reality for a while. Unfortunately, that reality is waiting for you as soon as you come down. After a high, a comedown is the last thing you want to experience. But, as Newton said – what goes up, must come down, it’s basic gravity. Don’t worry though, we’ll help you through it.

Watch more of our videos

Find out more

Top articles

A guide to sleeping pills

Should you try sleeping pills to help you nod off? Read our expert guide to which UK sleeping pills are available & what the risks are.

My parents were addicted to drugs

Penelope has written an open letter to talk about her parents' drug use and how their addiction affected her when she was growing up.

Vaping health risks

We explore vaping - what are vaping health risks?

My experience of medical cannabis

What is medical cannabis? Read about a young person's real life experience.

My experience of Valium – ‘mother’s little helper’

What does Valium do and how can you get support for addiction to Valium?

What is chemsex?

What is chemsex, what are the risks and how do you stay safe when using chemsex? Read our expert guide to find out more.

Drugs first aid

Someone needs first aid after taking drugs? Here's what to do.

Going sober: How to have fun without drink & drugs

How to get high on life without drink and drugs

The night I had my drink spiked

24-year-old Molly talks to The Mix about drink spiking and the night her drink got spiked in a club. Read her story to find out more.

My experience of sex on meth

Simon's meth and sex addiction gave him more than he bargained for

What Euphoria taught me about addiction and relationships

Addiction can destroy relationships, including the one you have with your self. Louise talks about Euphoria and what it's taught her about addiction.

Support for drink spiking

Want to know what to do if you've been spiked? We spoke to an expert from The Loop to find our more about spiking.

How I learned about drugs

What factors affect your views on drugs? What happens when you start uni during COVID-19? The Mix gets a young person’s take on substances.

Getting help for addiction

Trying to stop drinking or taking drugs is hard on your own.

What are the different ways to take drugs?

Just taking drugs can be an overwhelming experience. Factor in all the ways to take drugs, and the mind boggles. The Mix is here to take you through all the different methods.

Binge drinking

The Mix explores the effects of binge drinking.

Cocaine

What to know before you get sniffing.

What is ecstasy?

Is it MDMA or PMA?

Cannabis

Cannabis is maybe the most common drug, but what does it do? What is a whitey? Here's all you need to know about the effects of weed.

Am I addicted to drugs?

The warning signs of drug addiction.

Heroin

The effects and risks of the 'Trainspotting' drug.

Ketamine

What does ketamine do to you? And are there any risks?

Am I drinking too much alcohol?

Advice on dealing with a drinking problem.

Being teetotal and sobering up

You don't have to get wasted to have a social life, we explain the alternatives.

Coping with comedowns

What goes up must comedown.

What is our community saying?

Join our community

FAQs

What's addiction?

Addiction is a compulsion to use a substance, or persist with certain behaviour to ensure you feel good – or to avoid feeling crappy. An addiction falls into two categories: physical and psychological. It doesn’t even have to be a serious problem to be classed as an addiction. There are different severities of addiction, which means you can be anywhere on the spectrum; from ‘mild addiction’ to ‘serious addiction’.

Physical addiction

This occurs after you take a substance so much it actually alters your body’s chemistry. This means your body develops a hunger for this drug that you have to keep feeding. If you don’t, your body goes into withdrawal and you get all kinds of nasty symptoms until you feed it again.

Psychological addiction

This is when your brain gets hooked to a particular substance or behaviour that ‘rewards’ it, i.e., makes you feel good. An addicted brain can actually produce physical manifestations of withdrawal, including cravings, irritability, insomnia, and depression. The mind is truly a powerful thing.

When it comes to alcohol, nicotine and illegal drugs, it’s possible to develop either a physical addiction, psychological addiction, or a mixture of both. Find out more here.

What's a drug relapse?

If you have challenges with addiction, getting sober is a journey and a half. There’s bound to be temptation along the way and you may have a drugs relapse. But this isn’t a reason to freak out and brand yourself a failure. Relapsing is very common and something you can learn from.

It’s important to distinguish between a ‘lapse’ and a ‘relapse’, and not give up hope of recovery just because you’ve lapsed once. A lapse is a one-off occasion where you indulge in drink/drugs whereas a relapse is where it becomes a regular thing. Find out more here.

What are the different classes of drugs?

Class A drugs

Cocaine, crack, crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin, LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, mephadone, and any class B drug prepared for injection;
Maximum penalties: seven years in prison and/or a fine for possession. For possession or intent to distribute, it’s life imprisonment and/or a fine.

Class B drugs

Amphetamines (speed), cannabis, codeine.
Maximum penalties: five years in prison and/or a fine for possession, 14 years in prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply.

Class C drugs

Ketamine, some tranquillisers like Temazepam, the supply of anabolic steroids;
Maximum penalties: two years in prison and/or a fine for possession, 14 years prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply.

Find out more here.

How can I drink safely?

Drink plenty of water, especially in between drinks. Pacing yourself is a good way to practice safe drinking. A pint of water before you crash on the couch can also see off any headaches.

Eat well before you drink and your body will be prepped to soak the alcohol up. Go for food that takes a long time to digest, such as bread, cheese, potato and pasta (you’re welcome). These will line your stomach and lessen the pain the next morning.