Drugs & alcohol

What is substance misuse?

Substance misuse is defined as the continued abuse of any mind-altering substance that severely affects a person’s physical and mental health. This can be caused by illegal or legal substances.

Drug classification

Class	Drug	Possession	Supply and production
A	Crack Cocaine Cocaine Ecstasy (MDMA) Heroin LSD Magic Mushrooms Methadone Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)	Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both	Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both
B	Cannabis Codeine Ketamine Speed Amphetamine Mephedrone	Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both	Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
C	Anabolic Steroids Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Diazepam) Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL) Piperazines (BZP) Khat	Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both	Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Psycho-active Substance	Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Legal Highs	Depends on the substance	Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Legal	Caffeine Nicotine Alcohol Paracetamol etc

Alcohol & the law

It is illegal to sell alcohol to someone under 18 anywhere, or for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 18.

If you are under 18 it is illegal to buy alcohol, attempt to buy alcohol or to be sold alcohol.

There is an exception: if you are 16 or 17 years old and accompanied by an adult, it is legal for you to have an alcoholic drink with a meal in a licensed premises, such as a pub or a restaurant, as long as it is purchased by an adult.

If you are under 18 and suspected of drinking alcohol in a public place, the police have the power to confiscate it. Sometimes you might face a fine.

Crime types explained