Painkillers

For those who use illicit painkillers, the desired feelings are often relaxation, happiness and sleepiness. Negative effects can include confusion, nausea, itchiness and constipation.

Small white tablets or sometimes a syrup. Lean, a codeine-based drink, is usually purple.

A pill that's swallowed, or in a drink.

• They can lower blood pressure and cause abnormal breathing.
• There could be side effects from another drug if the painkiller is part of a combined medicine, such as co-codamol. These include: kidney and liver problems, indigestion or bleeding from the stomach.
• There is increased danger if mixed with other drugs that suppress breathing – such as alcohol, benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), or other opioid drugs.

• If you choose to use a painkiller (recreationally), use it in a safe environment and in the company of someone you trust. Ideally, this person will not have used the substance themselves and will be in a position to get help if things go wrong.
• Take small amounts first to test strength and effects; start low and go slow.
• Be mindful of the strength of the drug you are taking.
• Do not drive while under the influence of painkillers.
• Remember that mixing painkillers with alcohol is extremely risky and will increase the effects of both. It will also greatly increase the likelihood of a memory black-out.