Danny's story
A former dope smoker who suffers from depression says puffing the drug made his symptoms much worse.
Until recently Danny used to regularly smoke cannabis and drink with his mates. He found that using both substances made his depression spiral out of control.
"Weed affects me more than it should. I have no control over emotions or feelings. It’s just horrible. I suffer from depression anyway, so getting stoned didn't help. I think the best way to handle any problem is with a clear head."
He says binge drinking is common amongst his peers and can frequently lead to violence and vandalism.
The Cambridge student, 18, gave up cannabis and alcohol after getting paralytically drunk on his last birthday.
During the course of the evening he drank seven pints of beer, three bourbons, a double vodka and Red Bull, half a bottle of champagne and two sour apple shots, he says.
"I couldn’t feel a single limb in my body. It completely took control of me. I was arguing with people in the pub, trying to start fights. I left the pub completely disoriented. I fell out of the taxi. The next day I woke up and thought, 'that’s it – I’m never going to get in that state again'."
Since then Danny’s stayed off booze and cannabis – and he doesn’t regret his decision.
"Not drinking has lightened my moods. It’s made me feel a lot more confident. I hardly ever get depressed now."