School Policy on Drugs Education and dealing with Drugs Related Incidents.

Definition - What is a Drug?
For the purposes of this document and in line with the guidance pack issued to all schools by DENI in 1996 a drug can be defined as "any substance which, when taken, has the effect of altering the way a person behaves, feels, sees or thinks".

Ecstacy

As well as everyday substances such as tea and coffee, drugs include:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• "Over the Counter" medicines, such as paracetamol for headaches
• Prescribed drugs, such as antibiotics to treat infections and benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) to control anxiety and treat insomnia
• Volatile substances, such as glues, correcting fluids/thinners, gas lighter fuel, aerosols and petrol and
• Illegal drugs, such as cannabis, LSD, Ecstasy, amphetamine sulphate (speed) and magic mushrooms (processed).