FRANK drugs advice
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Find out about FRANK, the drugs advice and information campaign, how to get in contact if you need to talk.
Frankly speaking
FRANK offers a confidential, non-judgmental drugs advice, information and support about legal and illegal substances. The helpline is open to people of all ages, but in recent years it has mainly been 16 to 25 year olds that have called for advice.
This year FRANK is five years old. Since its launch, the helpline has received 2 million calls and there have been 22 million visits to the website - www.talktofrank.com.
You can now text FRANK anytime with a drugs-related question. It's completely confidential and you'll receive a reply from a trained expert. Text your question to 82111.
There are some common questions that the FRANK helpline deals with all the time. Cannabis and cocaine are the most asked about drugs to the FRANK helplines. So what are the facts?
Cannabis
- Hash – blacky brown lump made of resin
- Grass or weed – the dried, chopped leaves. Often called ‘herbal’
- Skunk – a type of herbal cannabis, Can be 2-3 times stronger than other varieties
Cannabis is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked as a spliff or joint. Smoking a spliff makes a lot of people feel happy and relaxed and the effects can last a few hours However, some people throw up, especially if they’ve been drinking. Some people get paranoid and anxious. It has been linked with mental health problems and long term use can affect memory and concentration levels.
FRANK has recently launched a new online self-help application that aims to help you quit cannabis. By tracking how much cannabis you take and when you get cravings, it'll help you control the situation. It is recommended that you take the course for at least four weeks. Find out more here.
Fact or fiction
Is smoking cannabis better than smoking tobacco?
No, because smoking cannabis can give you heart problems, bronchitis and even cancer. Of course when you smoke it with tobacco, you’ve also got more chances of being hooked on nicotine as well and even more chances of developing those diseases.
It’s ok to smoke cannabis because it’s natural?
Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it won’t harm you.
Cannabis is not really a drug.
Cannabis is a drug - and it's now a class B drug so it's illegal to have, sell or giveaway. This sends a strong message that cannabis poses a real threat to the health of those who use it. The maximum penalty for possession is up to 5 years in prison and a maximum of 14 years for dealing.
Cocaine
A white powder. It’s usually cut into lines on a smooth surface and snorted up the nose. It can also be smoked or made into a liquid and injected.
Cocaine makes you feel wide awake, cool and confident. It can give your ego a real, so you might end up thinking you’re the world’s greatest flirt, dancer or comedian. But cocaine is addictive and a habit can be really expensive. Snorting it can destroy your nose and cause seizures or heart attacks, even if you’re perfectly healthy.
Think everyone takes drugs?
Most people don’t. And many talk up what they’ve really done. So how do you know whats fact and what’s fiction?
Problems often come about when you’re unsure what, or who, to believe, so don’t take anyone’s word for anything – it’s always best to be fully informed yourself.
Get help
Worried about drugs or want some info? You can call FRANK confidentially and for free from a landline, 24 hours a day on 0800 77 66 00, or visit www.talktofrank.com. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also use FRANK’s textphone number - 0800 917 8765.
