Drugs Information
Cannabis
Cannabis also known as weed, hash, pot, skunk, or edibles is the most commonly used controlled drug in Ireland. It comes from the cannabis plant, which contains compounds called cannabinoids.
The main psychoactive compound is THC, responsible for the “high,” while CBD is non-psychoactive and may reduce anxiety. Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, or eaten, and comes in forms such as herbal cannabis, resin (hash), oils, edibles, and concentrates (shatter).
Short-term effects include relaxation, hunger, and altered perception; long-term or heavy use can lead to mental health issues, dependence, and lung damage.
Cocaine
Cocaine also known as coke, charlie, snow, or white is a powerful, short-acting stimulant drug. It usually appears as a white powder that’s snorted, smoked, or injected.
Cocaine quickly increases energy, alertness, and confidence but also raises heart rate and blood pressure. Short-term effects include hyperactivity, dilated pupils, and loss of appetite; higher doses can cause anxiety or panic.
Long-term use can lead to insomnia, depression, weight loss, heart and kidney problems, and damage to the nose. Cocaine is highly addictive and withdrawal can cause exhaustion and strong cravings.
Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine also known as freebase, rocks, or stones is a smokeable and more potent form of cocaine. It comes as small crystals or rocks that produce a crackling sound when heated. Crack is usually smoked in a pipe or foil, though it can also be injected.
The effects are intense and fast, causing a powerful euphoria that peaks within minutes and fades quickly, often leading to strong cravings.
Short-term risks include paranoia, aggression, and rapid heartbeat, while long-term use can cause lung damage, anxiety, weight loss, and addiction.
MDMA / Ecstasy
Ecstasy, also known as E, pills, or MDMA, is a stimulant and mild hallucinogen that increases energy, empathy, and sensory awareness. It usually comes as colourful pills, capsules, or crystals and is swallowed or snorted.
Effects begin after 20–70 minutes and last up to 6 hours, often causing euphoria, warmth, and connection with others.
Risks include dehydration, overheating, anxiety, and a low mood or “comedown” after use. High-strength pills and unknown contents increase dangers, including heart, liver, and serotonin-related issues. Frequent use can affect mood and sleep.
Ketamine
Ketamine also known as K, Ket, or Special K is a dissociative and psychedelic drug that can make users feel detached from their body and surroundings.
It’s a medical anaesthetic but used recreationally for its relaxing, euphoric, and hallucinogenic effects. Usually sold as an off-white powder, ketamine is snorted, swallowed, or occasionally injected (which is high risk).
Effects vary by dose, from calmness to vivid hallucinations. Long-term or frequent use can lead to low mood, dependency, and serious bladder or urinary problems. Mixing with other drugs increases risks.
New Benzodiazepines/Street Tablets
Benzodiazepines known as benzos, Xanax, D5s, or street tablets are prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and depression.
New benzos are often sold illegally by dealers or online and may look like genuine medication, but they can contain unknown, highly potent, or mixed substances. This makes overdose, unpredictable reactions, and dependency more likely.
Using fake or high-dose tablets increases the risks of confusion, breathing problems, and even death. Stopping regular use suddenly can also be dangerous without medical help. Always seek professional support if concerned.
Prescription Tablets: Pregabalin
Pregabalin is a prescription medication used for epilepsy, neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorder. It comes in oral capsules (25–300 mg) and is sold medically as Lyrica but also appears illicitly as “gabbies”, “Budweisers” or counterfeit tablets.
Misuse has risen it’s taken orally, snorted, injected or “plugged” to produce sedative, euphoric or alcohol-like effects and to potentiate opiates.
Dangers include rapid tolerance, dependence, withdrawal (insomnia, nausea, tremor, seizures), respiratory depression especially when mixed with other depressants, and an increasing number of pregabalin related deaths. If prescribed, take only as directed; stopping should be medically supervised.
Prescription Tablets: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines also known as benzos, sleepers, Xanax, or D10s are prescription drugs used short-term to treat anxiety and insomnia.
They slow the nervous system, producing calmness and sleep but can cause drowsiness, confusion, and memory problems.
Long-term use can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, or seizures if stopped suddenly.
Mixing benzos with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants greatly increases the risk of overdose and breathing difficulties. Use only as prescribed and reduce doses gradually under medical supervision.
Heroin
Heroin is a powerful opioid that comes as a brown or white powder. It can be injected, smoked, or sniffed. It produces strong sedative and painkilling effects, making users feel warm, relaxed, and euphoric.
Short-term effects include slowed breathing, nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. Long-term use leads to tolerance, requiring higher doses, and increases risks like overdose, vein damage, and infections from injecting.
Using heroin during pregnancy risks miscarriage, premature birth, and withdrawal in newborns. Withdrawal symptoms can start 8–12 hours after last use and include sweating, chills, muscle aches, and yawning.
Other Opioids
Other Opioids including prescription medicines like fentanyl, oxycontin, and morphine are powerful painkillers used for managing severe or chronic pain, and in end-of-life care.
They are prescription-only due to their high risk of dependence and overdose. Opioids come as tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, sprays, or skin patches.
Short-term effects include pain relief, drowsiness, and slowed breathing; long-term use can cause constipation, dependency, and tolerance. Mixing opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other depressants greatly increases the risk of fatal overdose. Always take as prescribed and seek medical help before stopping.
HHC Products
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a synthetic cannabinoid that first appeared on European and Irish markets in 2022. Initially sold legally, it was made illegal in Ireland in July 2025 and is now classified as a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Developed from CBD, HHC mimics the effects of cannabis by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. Reported short-term effects include relaxation, euphoria, confusion, and, in some cases, unconsciousness or depression. Long-term effects remain unclear, but emerging evidence links HHC use to psychosis and other serious mental health issues.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids, also known as roids, juice, or sustanon, are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone and are classed as Performance and Image Enhancing Substances. They can be taken as tablets, capsules, or injections, sometimes prescribed medically but often misused by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass, energy, and recovery.
Short-term effects may include greater strength and confidence, while long-term use can cause aggression (“roid rage”), high blood pressure, liver damage, heart attack, or stroke. Men may experience impotence and breast growth, while women may develop deeper voices or excess hair. Steroids can cause dependence and serious health risks.