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Further to requests for a ‘Question & Answer’ forum, you can now email us with your questions and we will publish them here on the web. If we don’t know the answer we should be able to find out for you. (We won’t publish names or email addresses. It will be anonymous) If you want a personal response, put ‘PRIVATE’ in the subject box of the email.

To start us off are some questions we have recently received for this site.

"If something is a Class A drug, does that mean it’s the best quality?"

NO. We can understand why you might think that. After all, at school, ‘A’ is the best grade and is followed by B and C, which, whilst very good, are slightly lower grades.

The most commonly used act (although there are other acts) to control drugs in the Isle of Man is the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1976. This classes different types of drugs into three categories according to the penalties associated with their perceived danger. The categories are A, B and C. With ‘A’ being perceived as the most dangerous and the penalties for possession and supply are the most serious also.

Class A Drugs include: Heroin, Ecstasy, LSD, Cocaine, Crack, Magic Mushrooms & Methadone.

Maximum penalty for possession of a class A drug is 7 years imprisonment and or unlimited fine.

Maximum penalty for supplying a class A drug is LIFE IMPRISONMENT and or unlimited fine.

Class B Drugs include: Cannabis, Amphetamine, Dihydrocodeine (DF118’s).

Maximum penalty for possession of a class B drug is 5 years imprisonment and or unlimited fine.

Maximum penalty for supply of a class B drug is 14 years imprisonment and or fine.

(Any class B drug prepared for injection is treated as a class ‘A’ drug.)

Class C Drugs include: Cannabis**, Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids, Tranquillisers (such as Temazepam, Diazepam, Rohypnol)

Maximum sentence for possession of a class C drug is 2 years imprisonment and or unlimited fine.

Maximum sentence for supply of a class C drug is 5 years imprisonment and or unlimited fine.

"What’s METHADONE?"

Methadone is a synthetic opiate and used as a heroin substitute. It is usually prescribed for people dependent on heroin who either want to stop or reduce the amount of heroin they take. It can also be used as a ‘maintenance’ (long term use) although that would need to be discussed with your drug worker. On the Island it comes in a linctus preparation rather than injectable or tablet form.

The benefit of it is that although you are still taking an opiate, it’s less dangerous in the sense that it doesn’t contain the nasties that are added to street heroin to bulk it up, and it’s legal. However, you can still overdose. You also need to be careful as methadone is a depressant and mixing it with other depressants like alcohol or tranquillisers could lead to a fatal overdose.

Whilst Methadone isn’t a magic cure, with your effort and some support, it can help you with changes you want to make in your life and take control.

If you would like further information on Methadone or Subutex or about stopping drug use, EMAIL or call and we’ll send them to you.

"I think my child is sniffing solvents – is it really that dangerous?"

Yes it is. At least one person a WEEK dies from sniffing solvents and gasses so it can be a highly dangerous activity. (See drug info)

It is important that your child is aware of the dangers, especially of sniffing on their own. It’s not something that can be ignored and talking to your child about it in a calm, informed manner can be a first step in helping them. Keep in mind that it may just be experimentation; to see what it was like, but even so, don’t ignore it as it needs to be discussed.

Have a read of the drug info page or parent’s page and contact us to send you some further information on solvents or call 615622 for a chat.

"Where are the ‘Needle Exchanges?"

There are a number of pharmacies on the Island who provide the needle exchange service for injecting drug users. Email or call 615622 for a list.

"I’m a drug user and I’ve found out I’m pregnant. Are there any services specifically for pregnant drug users?"

YES there are. Email us or call 615622 for details of service providers on the Isle of Man.