Glossary

ACE

A term sometimes used by individuals who consider themselves to be asexual or have limited sexual attraction towards others.

Acid

A street name for LSD.

Acute stress

This is the most severe form of stress which demands the body’s immediate reaction to a new challenge, event or demand. It is not always negative. It can even be experienced while on a roller-coaster in the form of fear. Stress suffered as the victim of a crime or life-threatening situation can cause mental health problems like post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder.

Agender

A term used by a person who feels they do not have any gender. They may just identify as a person rather than any other term.

Allosexual

Anyone who experiences sexual attraction - in other words the opposite of people who are asexual.

Amphetamine

Is a Class B drug also known as Speed. It's a powerful stimulant that keeps people alert. Can look like an off-white/pinkish powder/ crystals. Slang names include Whizz, Billy, Base, Paste, Sulph

Anabolic steroids

Substances that some people take to build muscles or improve sports performance. Can be misused and is a Class C substance. Possession (without a prescription) or supply carries a criminal conviction.

Androgynous

A form of self expression that is neither overtly male or female or has aspects of both.

Angel Dust

A slang name for the Class A illegal substance PCP.

Aromantic

Someone who feels little or no romantic / emotional attraction towards others.

Asexual

Someone who feels limited or no sexual attraction towards others.

Bacterial vaginosis

If the control of the normal bacteria in a healthy vagina fails, an overgrowth of certain bacteria can occur with a greyish white, smelly, vaginal discharge.

Base

A slang name for amphetamine.

Bicurious

Someone who does not consider themselves to be entirely homosexual or heterosexual and may also be curious or explore the different genders they are attracted towards.

Billy

A slang name for amphetamine.

Bisexual (Bi)

Feels emotional and/or physical attraction to different genders.

Blow

A slang name for cocaine.

Brown

A street name for heroin.

Brownies

A street name for the illegal substance ecstasy.

Cannabis

Is a Class B illegal substance marijuana. It has various street names including, draw, ganja, grass, skunk, hash, herb and weed.

Charlie

A slang name for cocaine.

Chlamydia

A bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Often shows no symptoms. Can be treated with appropriate anti-biotics. If left untreated it can cause infertility in people with female internal sex organs. It's the most common STI.

Chronic stress

If acute stress prolongs for a longer period of time it becomes chronic stress. This kind of stress is constant and doesn’t easily go away. It results from ongoing problems or perceived problems e.g. financial troubles, unhappy relationships or a dysfunctional family. Chronic stress is harmful to health and can lead to diseases such as heart ailments and depression.

Cis-gender

Someone whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. It avoids the use of the word 'normal' which can be offensive to the LGBTQ+ community.

Class A

The most serious category of illegal drugs. Class A substances include heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, crystal meth. Any Class B drug that has been prepared for injection is also in this category.

Class B

A categorisation of illegal substances seen as harmful. Class B drugs include cannabis (weed) and amphetamine (speed),

Class C

The least serious of illegal drug categorisation, although possession and supply can still carry severe sentences. Common class C substances include anabolic steroids, Gamma Hydroxbutyrate (GHB), ketamine, khat and some painkillers.

Cocaine

A Class A illegal substance usually supplied as white powder. Also known as Blow, Charlie, Crack, Rocks, Snow.

Crack

A form of cocaine. Can be highly addictive.

Crossed/mixed orientation

Someone who experiences a different romantic/emotional attraction to their physical attraction e.g. a boy is sexually attracted to girls but seeks a romantic attachment with boys.

Crystal meth

Methamphetamine is a Class B substance and comes in several different forms – including tablets, powder, or crystals. The tablets are sometimes referred to as yaba and the crystals are often called ice.

Demisexual

A type of asexualism where a person only feels sexual attraction when a deep emotional connection has been established with an individual. Most demisexuals experience sexual attraction rarely compared to the general population, and some have little to no interest in sexual activity.

Dolphin

A street name for the illegal substance ecstasy.

Dots

A slang name for LSD.

Doxing

A form of online abuse where the perpetrator researches an individual or organisation with the intent to post private or sensitive information to cause harm. This can also include withholding certain information to put a particular 'slant' on the content which misrepresents the individual or organisation.

Draw

A slang name for cannabis.

Ecstasy

Also known as MDMA, ecstasy is a recreational Class A illegal substance taken as pills or powder. Street names include, Brownies, Mandy and Dolphins.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can affect women of any age. It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on their life, but there are treatments that can help. Further details can be found on the NS website.

Episodic Acute Stress

Frequent occurrence of acute stress is called episodic acute stress. People who experience it are often anxious, irritable and grumpy. These people have a negative outlook to everything and worry over small insignificant issues. Negative health effects occur in people with episodic acute stress. These individuals accept stress as a part of their every-day life and it is difficult for them to alter their lifestyle.

Flaming

Another term for deliberately abusing someone online.

GAD

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is characterised by excessive or unrealistic anxiety about two or more aspects of life (work, social relationships, financial matters, etc.), often accompanied by symptoms such as racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness. A person feels anxious and worried every day or on most days. This goes on for 6 months or more and interferes with life.

Ganja

A slang name for marijuana.

Gear

A slang term for heroin.

Gender fluid

Someone whose gender is not fixed.

Gender Queer

A term used by some individuals who feel their gender does not fit with 'man' or 'woman'. Use of the word queer can be controversial as it is still used by some as an abusive word to describe members of the LGBTQ+ community.

GHB

GHB is an illegal substance mostly in the form of a clear liquid. It is a Class C drug. It can make people pass out quickly and can be linked to sexual assaults. It's easy to overdose on this substance causing coma and potential death,

Gonorrhoea

A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include discharge, pain urinating, painful sex, pain in lower abdomen. Spread of infection may result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is a cause of sterility (unable to produce viable eggs (ova). Spreading to the testicles and prostrate gland may cause sterility in men (unable to make viable sperm).

Grass

A slang name for marijuana.

Green

A street name for ketamine.

Grey sexual

Is a sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum, referring to those who relate to asexuality, yet feel that there are parts of their experience that aren't fully described by the word asexual.

Hash

A street name for cannabis.

Hepatitis A

A virus usually transmitted via contaminated food. Usually disappears after a few months. Symptoms can be severe, even life threatening but this is rare. Common in countries with poor sanitation. Vaccination is available to protect from hepatitis A. Two doses gives protection for up to 20 years.

Hepatitis B

Common world-wide but rare in the UK. Passed via blood, most commonly from an infected woman to her unborn child, sharing needles or in rare cases via unprotected sex. Adults usually fight off the virus successfully. Children are now routinely vaccinated to offer protection from hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C

Most common type of hepatitis in the UK. Spread via infected blood, in the UK this is mainly through sharing needles and anal sex. There is no vaccine but effective anti-viral medication is available. There are few symptoms and many people are unaware they have Hep C. Around 1 in 4 fight off the virus.

Herb

A term used to refer to cannabis.

Heroin

A Class A drug usually sold in the form of a white or brown powder. Other names for heroin include, gear, brown or smack. This kills more people in the UK from overdose than any other drug.

Herpes

A sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus. Symptoms can include a cluster of small painful blisters, fever, pain in the joints, painful urination. It can be treated but not cured. There can be more break outs if someone is stressed, tired or sick. If it is a recurrent outbreak, there may be a tingling in the area.

Heteroflexible

Someone who sees themselves as straight, but may on occasions be attracted to people of the same gender.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency virus. A virus that stays in body, there is no cure but very effective treatment. Some people may progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune -Deficiency Syndrome). The virus can be transmitted sexually though blood/ bodily fluid contact. Initial symptoms maybe a flu-like illness a few weeks after infection, but not everyone develops this.

Homoflexible

Someone who sees themselves as gay/lesbian but may on occasions be attracted to people of another gender.

Hormone

A chemical produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. Examples include insulin, testosterone and oestrogen.

HPV

Human Papilloma Virus causes genital warts which look like a raised lump with a 'cauliflower' type surface. Warts can be pink, white, brown or grey, and can appear on vulva, cervix and anus. Everyone can be vaccinated against the 2 types of HPV which reduces risk of a range of some cancers. Two vaccines given 6-24 months apart.

Ice

A street name for methamphetamine, a Class B substance.

Intersex

A general term used to refer to individuals born with, or who develop naturally in puberty, biological sex characteristics which are not typically male or female. A person with an intersex condition is born with sex chromosomes, external genitalia, or an internal reproductive system that is not considered typical for a male or female.

IUD

An Intrauterine Device is a form of contraception. It's a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that's put into the (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. It releases copper to stop someone from getting pregnant. An IUD can protect against pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years. It's sometimes called a "coil" or "copper coil".

IUS

An Intrauterine System is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into someone's uterus by a doctor or nurse as a form of contraception. It releases the hormone progestogen to stop pregnancy and lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on the brand.

Ket

A slang name for ketamine.

Ketamine

Is a Class B illegal substance that looks like cocaine. However it has very different effects on the body including pain numbing, so people can injure themselves unknowingly. Other names for ketamine include, green, ket, vitamin K.

LARC

Long lasting, reversible contraceptive (LARC) - nexplanon is a small rod inserted into the upper arm under local anaesthetic. It is almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and lasts for 3 years. It only contains progesterone (most pills contain oestrogen). It can cause side effects similar to the pill i.e. nausea, headaches, mood swings. Often periods stop or occur less frequently.

LGBTQ+

An umbrella term used to refer to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community. The Q can stand for Queer or Questioning. The + refers to other genders or sexual orientations that do not fit with LGBT.

LSD

LSD is a Class A illegal substance. It's usually sold in tiny amounts on paper, as a liquid, or a pellet/micro-dot. Other names for LSD include, acid, dots, Lucy and smilies.

Lucy

A slang name for LSD.

Mandy

A street name for the illegal substance ecstasy.

MDMA

The name for the powdered form of ecstasy an illegal Class A substance.

Menstruation

Also known as a period. The process in a person with internal female sex organs of discharging blood from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one month. Menstruation starts from puberty and ends with the menopause, except during pregnancy. It is the result of an ovum (egg) not being fertiised.

Neutrois

Used by some individuals to express they are without gender

Non-binary

An umbrella term some people use to describe their gender that does not sit comfortably with 'man' or 'woman'.

OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is when someone has ongoing, intrusive thoughts as a result of their anxiety. They know the thoughts aren't rational but often develop rituals and repeated behaviours to help relieve their anxiety. An example of this is a fear of bacteria/germs leading to repeated cleaning of hands, clothes, surfaces or all three.

Panic disorder

Panic attacks i.e. shortness of breath, dizziness, extreme anxiety, that are ongoing and frequent.

Pansexual

Feeling emotionally and physically attracted to people of any gender or sexual orientation.

Paste

A slang name for amphetamine.

PCP

Is a Class A substance. It's also called Angel Dust and can be supplied as an oil, powder, crystals, liquid or pill. It's an anesthetic and can cause hallucinations.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

An infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that can cause infertility. Symptoms may include; pain during sex, sore abdomen or back, heavy, irregular or painful periods, high temperature, feeling sick. Can be treated with antibiotics.

Phobia

Extreme fear of a specific object or situation. A person will go to great lengths to avoid it. Lots of examples including, injections, flying, snakes, rats. Can be associated with panic attacks.

Physical stress

Physical stress can occur from trauma due to injury, infection or any kind of surgery, intense physical labor, environmental pollution, inadequate oxygen supply, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, dehydration, substance abuse, dental problems among others. The body will experience physical changes and when the stressor is removed return to normal.

PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a health problem that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more serious. PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before someone starts their period.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them to miss periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.

Polysexual

Someone who is emotionally and physically attracted to some genders, but not all.

Poppers

Can be sold legally, in small bottles to be sniffed. Swallowing the liquid can be fatal. Sniffing the liquid can be dangerous for anyone with underlying health conditions involving the heart, glaucoma (eye) or anaemia.

PSHE

An abbreviation for a national curriculum subject for all English schools meaning Personal, Social, Health, Education

PSHE&C

An abbreviation of PSHE used by schools who include Citizenship within their PSHE taught programme.

PSHEE

A variation of PSHE used by some schools. The additional E refers to Economic education.

Psychological stress

This type of stress includes; emotional stress from fears, frustration, sadness, anger and grief and cognitive stress from jealousy, attachments, anxiety, or self-criticism. This type of stress can sometimes lead to panic attacks. It refers to the emotional and physiological reactions experienced when an individual is in a situation they perceive as stressful.

Psychosocial stress

This type of stress generally is as a result of relationship difficulties. It could be a relationship of an employee-employer, siblings or family. Lack of social support, loss of employment, loss of loved ones and isolation can lead to this kind of stress.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This can happen after someone has experienced a traumatic event. This may lead to them finding it hard to relax, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, nightmares etc. They may go to extreme lengths to avoid things that trigger memories of the traumatic event. Individuals suffering from PTSD usually need support to overcome and manage this condition.

Puberty

The process of physical maturity in a person that takes place in adolescence.

Pubic lice

An infestation not an infection. Tiny insects that live on hair. Pubic lice are not common and treatment is straightforward from pharmacy products. If untreated there is a risk of infection from scratching the affected area.

Questioning

A person who is unsure about their sexual orientation and/or gender.

Rocks

A slang name for cocaine.

Scabies

An infestation of tiny mites that burrow under the skin. Barrow marks can be found between the fingers and other parts of the skin. Treatment is easy and quick. All bedding, towels, clothes must also be treated.

Skunk

Another name for cannabis.

Smack

A street name for heroin.

Smilies

A slang name for LSD.

Snow

A slang name for cocaine.

Social anxiety disorder

An intense fear of being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated while doing every day things e.g. public speaking, making small talk, eating in public.

Spice

A form of synthetic cannabinoid.

STI

Sexually Transmitted Infection

Synthetic cannabinoids

Chemicals designed to act like the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis. They are classed as psychoactive substances and are illegal to give away or sell. Spice is a commonly known drug in this category. Health effects are still being investigated as they are relatively new substances. They carry the same risks as cannabis and are potentially more harmful due to their potency.

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include painless sores, rash, flu like symptoms (fever, headache, sore throat). Can be treated with antibiotics. Even without treatment, symptoms will disappear, but the disease can return after many years, it can cause severe damage to organs such as the heart, liver, brain and eyes if left untreated.

Trans

An umbrella term for people who have a gender that is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transitioning

The steps a trans person may take to live in the gender with which they identify. Each person’s transition will involve different things. For some this involves medical intervention, such as hormone therapy and surgeries, but not all trans people want or are able to have this. Transitioning also might involve things such as telling friends and family, dressing differently and changing official documents.

Trichomoniasis

A parasitic sexually transmitted infection. Women may have no symptoms, but there can be a yellowy, green, frothy vaginal discharge. Men usually have no symptoms but pain on urination and discharge from the penis might be indicative. Can be treated with antibiotics.

Two-spirit

A term some individuals use to describe a non-binary identity with both a female and male internal spirit (origins of the term come from Native Americans).

Vitamin K

Used a street name for ketamine, and illegal Class B substance.

Weed

A commonly used term for cannabis.

Whizz

A slang name for amphetamine.

Yaba

A slang name for the Class B substance methamphetamine.