There are a number of factors which influence the experience that an individual will have when taking drugs, therefore not everybody who takes a substance will have the same experience.

Drug factors

The effects of drugs will depend on a number of factors including which substance is taken, whether it is a stimulant, depressant or a hallucinogenic drug, as well as the amount of each drug taken. The purity of illicit drugs is unknown, and so the user will never know how much of the active ingredient is in what they are taking. The overall effect of each substance will also vary according to what other drugs it is taken with, both illicit drugs and prescribed drugs. The method of use and the period of time over which the substance is used will also impact on the effects of the drugs on the individual.

Individual factors

Individual factors will also influence the effects of the drugs. These included their state of mind when they take drugs (how the user is feeling), their state of health and their expectation regarding what will happen. If the individual is low in mood and feeling unwell they are less likely to have a positive experience when taking substances than if they are in a positive state of mind and feel physically well. In addition, if the individual thinks they have taken one substance, but have actually taken another substance then they will not experience the effect that they are expecting. For example, with Ecstasy users may expect to experience the effects of taking a stimulant drugs, but if the tablet actually contains a depressant, such as ketamine, they will experience a different effect. Knowledge and experience will also have an effect – somebody who has taken the substance before will know what to expect. Other issues include weight, sex and age, which can impact on the size of the drug effect on the individual.

Situational factors

Situational factors will also have an impact on the drug experience. Where the person is when they take the drugs and who they are with can be important. If a person takes a drug at a party with friends they may have a positive experience, however, if they then lose their friends and the party gets raided by the police, for example, then they are much more likely to experience negative effects, such as paranoia and anxiety. What the individual has to do next is also important – if they are able to go home and relax then they are less likely to experience any negative effects than say for example, they had to go to work or to a family gathering. Atmosphere and situation are therefore important factors in the drug experience. How often the user uses the drug is also important, as frequent use can have an impact on the user’s physical health, such as weakening the immune system and leaving them feeling run down, which may make the drug use more difficult to tolerate. Regular use can also leave the user feeling tired, depressed or anxious as a result of regular ‘come downs’ which may mean the individual is not able to recover fully before they use again, thereby increasing the chance of a negative experience.