Drug Information What Is A Drug?

Drug Information
What is a drug?
A drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body,
alters the body's function either physically and/or psychologically.
Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine and tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine
and heroin).
What is a psychoactive drug?

Psychoactive drugs affect the central nervous system and alter a person's mood, thinking and
behaviour.
Psychoactive drugs may be divided into four categories:
 Depressants: Drugs that decrease alertness by slowing down the activity of the central
nervous system (e.g. heroin, alcohol and analgesics).
 Stimulants: Drugs that increase the body's state of arousal by increasing the activity of
the brain (e.g. caffeine, nicotine and amphetamines).
 Hallucinogens: Drugs that alter perception and can cause hallucinations, such as seeing
or hearing something that is not there (e.g. LSD and 'magic mushrooms'). Other: Some
drugs fall into the 'other' category, as they may have properties of more than one of the
above categories (e.g. cannabis has depressive, hallucinogenic and some stimulant
properties).
Why do people use drugs?

People use drugs for a variety of reasons.
Young people often use drugs for the same reasons that adults do.
Some of these include:
 to have fun
 to relax and forget problems
 to gain confidence
 to socialise
 out of curiosity
 as a form of escapism
 to lessen inhibitions
 to remove personal responsibility for decisions
 to celebrate or commiserate
 to relieve boredom and stress
 self-medication to cope with problems
Friends, parents, older brothers and sisters and the media can also have some influence over a
young person's decision to use drugs.
Hallucinogens


LSD, Acid, Trips, Mushies, Tabs
Description:
Hallucinogens describe a class of drugs that produce hallucinations. A hallucination is an illusion

of seeing or hearing something that is not actually there.
Hallucinogens can be produced naturally or synthetically. The most commonly known

hallucinogen is synthetic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) which is sold as a liquid or an
absorbent tab or small square of paper. Natural hallucinogenic chemicals are found in plants such
as the peyote cactus (mescaline) and some mushrooms (psilocybin).
Certain drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy may produce hallucinogenic effects at high doses or
in other circumstances.
Where Hallucinogens Come From:
Lysergic acid diethylamide is the most commonly used hallucinogen in Australia. LSD was first
produced in 1938 by Albert Hoffman, a Swiss chemist.
The drug is usually sold on small pieces of absorbent paper (tabs) decorated with popular
designs, such as smiley faces and cartoons. It may also be sold on sugar cubes, small squares of
gelatine or in capsule, tablet or liquid form.
Mescaline is native to Mexico and was used by the Mexican Indians in their religious
ceremonies. Mescaline is usually dried and refined into a powder, which varies from white to
brown in colour.
Psilocybin is a chemical found in mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms or golden top
mushrooms, which are commonly found growing in Australia. Psilocybin may be sold as crude
mushroom preparations or whole dried brown mushrooms.
How Hallucinogens are Used:
Lysergic acid diethylamide is usually swallowed. When swallowed, the effects start within 30 to
60 minutes and peak in three to five hours. The effects usually last for up to nine hours, but they
can last for 24 hours.
Mescaline can be chewed or boiled into a liquid and drunk. Its effects last from four to six hours.
Magic mushrooms are either eaten raw, cooked, made into a drink or dried for later consumption.
The effects usually last from four to six hours.
Health Effects of Using Hallucinogens:
The effects of hallucinogens will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
 Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with hallucinogens,
expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other
drugs have been taken.
 Drug – The amount used, its purity, and the way it is taken.
 Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social
setting or at home, at work or before driving.
Short-term effects
 Dilation of pupils
 Increase in heart-rate and blood pressure
 Increase in body temperature and sweating
 Seeing things in a distorted way or seeing things that do not exist
 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Nausea
 Intense sensory experiences – bright colours, sharper sounds
 Impaired coordination and tremors
 Distorted sense of time - minutes can seem like hours
 Varying emotions
 Distorted sense of space and body
 Tension and anxiety leading to panic attacks
Long-term effects
 Flashbacks – a spontaneous and unpredictable recurrence of prior drug experience ('tripping')

without taking the drug. Flashbacks may occur days, weeks or years after the drug was last
taken. They can be triggered by the use of other drugs, stress, fatigue, and physical exercise or
for no apparent reason
 Increased risk of developing severe mental disturbances in those who have a predisposition to
the condition
 Impaired memory and concentration
 Tolerance
 Psychological dependence
Overdose
While there are no reported cases of fatal overdoses directly from hallucinogens there are still
significant risks associated with the use of these drugs. When consuming hallucinogens, such as
LSD, a person's perception is affected, which can lead to people placing themselves in risky
situations.
With magic mushrooms it is often difficult to distinguish between them and poisonous look-
alikes. Some poisonous mushrooms can cause permanent liver damage or death within hours of
being consumed. It is very dangerous to pick and eat wild mushrooms.
Hallucinogens and Other Drugs:
Hallucinogen users sometimes take more than one drug at the same time (polydrug use). Effects
can be unpredictable when two or more different drugs are combined.
Using hallucinogens with other drugs such as alcohol or amphetamines (speed) increases the risk
of complications and side-effects, and can lead to a variety of serious physical and psychological
problems.
Hallucinogens and Mental Health Problems:
Hallucinogen use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who
have a vulnerability to mental health problems.
Watershed acknowledges the traditional custodians of country and their continuing connection to land,
culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
Watershed holds accreditation with the Australian Council on Health Care Standards (ACHS).
Ecstasy


Es, XTC, Eccies, Pills, Bickies

Description:
Ecstasy is the name given to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy is a derivative

of the amphetamine group and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It is sometimes
referred to as a psychedelic amphetamine.
Ecstasy does not always contain just MDMA. Ecstasy pills are often mixed with a variety of
other substances including aspirin, caffeine and ketamine (a veterinary anaesthetic agent).
Sometimes drugs containing no MDMA are sold as ecstasy. This makes it difficult for people to
know what they are taking.
Where Ecstasy Come From:
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine was first synthesised by Merck Pharmaceuticals in 1912. It

was originally developed as an appetite suppressant, although it was never actually used for this
purpose.
In the 1970s, MDMA was used in American therapy classes to enhance communication. Ecstasy
became available in Australia in the mid-1980s, and became an illegal drug in 1987.
How Ecstasy is Used:
Ecstasy tablets or capsules are usually swallowed. When swallowed, the effects become apparent
within 30 minutes and last for up to six hours. The hangover effects may last for up to 24 hours.
Ecstasy may also be taken by suppository, snorting, smoking or injecting crushed tablets. As
ecstasy usually comes in tablet form, it is not designed to be injected. The tablets are bound by a
chalky substance, which if injected, can cause blocked veins or other unpleasant effects such as
abscesses, blood poisoning (septicaemia) and gangrene.
Health Effects of Using Ecstasy:
The effects of ecstasy will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
 Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with ecstasy,
drugs have been taken.
 Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is taken as a suppository, by snorting,
smoking or injecting.
Short-term effects
 Overheating and dehydration, which can cause muscle meltdown

 Excessive water consumption can result in a breakdown of cell structure, which can cause cells
to swell, burst and die
 Feeling of wellbeing and exaggerated confidence
 Anxiety
 Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
 Poor concentration
 Insomnia
 Increased pulse rate and blood pressure
 Hot and cold flushes, sweating
 Nausea
Long-term effects
 Depression
 Drowsiness
 Muscle aches
 Loss of appetite
 Insomnia
 Loss of concentration
 Irritability
Research suggests that weekend use of ecstasy may lead to a depressed mood mid-week.
There are also dangerous effects associated with the method of use. Snorting can damage the
fragile mucous membrane in the nasal passages. It produces burns and sores on the membranes
that line the interior of the nose. Injecting ecstasy can result in blocked blood vessels that can
cause major damage to the body’s organs, such as inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood
poisoning, bacterial infections which may damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at
injection site, bruising or more serious injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.
Overdose:
Overdose usually results from the body overheating and becoming dehydrated, which can cause
muscle meltdown and possible death from failure of major organs such as liver or kidneys.
Overdose may also occur from excessive water consumption and retention, leading the body’s
cells to swell which can result in brain damage and death.
The risk of overdose increases with a larger dose.
Ecstasy and other drugs:
Ecstasy users sometimes take other drugs such as minor tranquillisers and alcohol to cope with
some of the undesirable effects experienced after using ecstasy.
They may also use ecstasy in conjunction with other drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines, LSD
or alcohol. Using more than one drug (poly-drug use) increases the risk of complications and
serious side-effects, and can lead to a variety of serious physical and psychological problems.
For example, using ecstasy with other drugs that dehydrate the body, such as speed and alcohol,
can increase the problems associated with dehydration.
Ecstasy and Mental Health Problems
Ecstasy use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have a
vulnerability to mental health problems.
Cocaine


Coke, Freebase, Crack, Charlie, C, Rock
Description:
Cocaine is a stimulant drug which affects the central nervous system by speeding up the activity
of certain chemicals in the brain, producing a feeling of increased alertness and reduced fatigue.
Where Cocaine Comes From:
Cocaine is manufactured from the coca plant, which grows naturally in Peru and Bolivia. For
centuries, the Peruvian Indians chewed coca leaves to lessen fatigue caused by high altitude
living. In 1859, a technique was discovered to extract cocaine hydrochloride from the coca
leaves, which was used as an effective local anaesthetic. Cocaine hydrochloride was also used in
many commercial products and was an ingredient in Coca-Cola until 1903. In the 1920s, cocaine
was banned in most Western countries, except for medical use.
How Cocaine is Used:
Is usually snorted or swallowed, but can be injected or smoked in the form of crack or freebase.
Smoking crack or freebase is uncommon in Australia.
Health Effects of Using Cocaine:
The effects of cocaine will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
 Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with cocaine,
drugs have been taken
 Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is smoked, swallowed, snorted or injected
setting or at home, at work or before driving
Short-term effects
 Increased breathing and pulse-rates

 Increased blood pressure
 High body temperature
 Increased alertness
 Reduced appetite
 Feeling of wellbeing
 Enlarged pupils
 Anxiety, irritability and suspiciousness
 Exaggerated feelings of confidence and energy
 Inability to sleep
Long-term effects
 Tolerance and dependence

 Aggressive or violent behaviour
 Loss of appetite, weight loss and malnutrition
 Irritability or emotional disturbances
 Restlessness
 Paranoia
 Periods of psychosis
 Auditory hallucinations
 Convulsions
 Reduced resistance to infection.
that line the interior of the nose.
Injecting cocaine can result in blocked blood vessels that can cause major damage to the body’s
organs, inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may
damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at injection site, bruising or more serious
injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.
Overdose
Overdose can cause:
 Increased heart-rate
 Seizures
 Hyperventilation
 Heart failure
 Respiratory failure
 Burst blood vessels in the brain
 Death
Cocaine and Other Drugs:
Cocaine users may use other drugs such as minor tranquillisers, cannabis, alcohol, or heroin to
cope with some of the undesirable effects of cocaine and a dependence on several drugs may
develop. For example, users may find themselves needing cocaine to get them going in the day
and tranquillisers each night to go to sleep. This kind of dependence can lead to a variety of very
serious physical and psychological problems.
Using more than one drug on any one occasion (poly-drug use) increases the risk of
complications and serious side effects. An example is the use of cocaine and then another drug,
such as amphetamines, while the cocaine is still active in the body. As street cocaine is rarely
pure, the users cannot be certain which other drugs have been added to the cocaine. This can
result in unplanned poly-drug use and serious side-effects.
Cocaine and Mental Health Problems:
Cocaine use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have a
vulnerability to mental health problems.
Heroin


Hammer, H, Smack, Horse, White, Beige

Description:
Heroin is a depressant It affects the body's central nervous system by slowing down the activity
of certain chemicals in the brain This slows down the whole body, including breathing and heart
rate.
Where Heroin Comes From:
Heroin belongs to a group of drugs called narcotic analgesics or opioids. These drugs are very
strong pain relievers. Opioids are derived from a substance produced by the opium poppy which,
when dried is known as opium. Heroin is manufactured from morphine or codeine, which are
chemicals in the juice of the opium poppy head. Heroin is a stronger and more addictive drug
than morphine or codeine.
People have used opium for several thousand years in a variety of cultures. Heroin was first
synthesised in 1898 in a London hospital to treat morphine addiction. The opium poppy grows in
many parts of the world. In Australia, crops are grown legally in Tasmania for medical purposes.
Most of the illegal heroin in Australia comes from Asia and the Middle East.
How Heroin is Used:
Heroin is usually injected, but can also be smoked or snorted.
The effects of heroin usually last from two to four hours.
Health effects of Using Heroin:
The effects of heroin will vary from person to person depending on the characteristics of the:
Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with heroin,
expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other drugs
have been taken
Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is injected, smoked or snorted
Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social
setting or at home, at work or before driving
Short-term effects
Low doses
 Shallow breathing
 Nausea and vomiting
 Constipation
 Sleeplessness
 Loss of balance and coordination
 Loss of concentration
 Feeling of well-being
 Relief from pain
High doses
 Slow breathing
 Pupils narrow to pin points
 Skin cold to touch
 Coma and death
Long-term effects
 Dependence
 Loss of appetite
 Chronic constipation
 Heart, chest and bronchial problems
 Women often experience irregular periods and are susceptible to infertility
 Men can experience impotence
There are also dangerous effects associated with the method of use
Injecting heroin can result in blocked blood vessels that can cause major damage to the body’s
organs, inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may
damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at injection site, bruising or more serious
injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.
Snorting can damage the fragile mucous membrane in the nasal passages, producing burns and
sores on the membranes that line the interior of the nose.
Overdose:
Overdose from heroin occurs as a result of the depressant properties of the drug.
Heroin can slow a person's heart and breathing rates, leading to heart and respiratory failure, and
in turn, to coma and death.
The risk of heroin overdose generally increases with a larger dose.
As the strength and content of street heroin is unknown it can be difficult to judge the dose,
increasing the risk of overdose.
Heroin and Other Drugs
Using more than one drug at a time can have unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Mixing heroin with other drugs increases the risk of harm, for example, mixing heroin with
alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other depressants can be fatal as it increases the risk of heart failure.
Cannabis


Mull, Pot, Weed, Leaf, Gunga, Marijuana
Description:
Cannabis is difficult to classify pharmacologically because it has a variety of effects. It is

primarily a depressant drug, however, it can have hallucinogenic and some stimulant properties.
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This chemical

affects a person’s mood and perception. Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil come from the
cannabis plant.
Cannabis is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant. Its colour ranges from greyish-
green to greenish-brown. The texture of cannabis can be fine, like dried herbs, or coarse, like tea.
It is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints or water pipes called bongs.
Hashish (hash) is the dried, compressed resin extract from the flowering tops of the female
plant. Hashish ranges in colour from light brown to nearly black. It is more potent than
marijuana. Hashish is usually smoked through a pipe or cooked in foods and eaten.
Hashish oil is a thick and oily liquid extract from the cannabis plant. It is reddish brown
in colour. The THC is very concentrated and a small amount will produce marked effects.
Hashish oil is usually added to joints or cooked in foods and eaten.
Where Cannabis Comes From:
Cannabis is the short name for the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. It is thought to have originated in
Asia and reached Europe more than a thousand years ago.
How Cannabis is Used:
Cannabis is usually smoked. The THC is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the
walls of the lungs. The intoxicating or high effect is felt when the THC reaches the brain. This
can happen within a few minutes and may last for up to five hours.
When cannabis is eaten, the absorption of THC is much slower, taking up to three hours to enter
the bloodstream. When it is eaten, the amount of food in the stomach, characteristics of the user
(e.g. weight, gender and other drugs used) will determine how quickly a person feels the effects.
Health Effects of Using Cannabis:
The effects of cannabis and the risks will vary from person to person depending on the
characteristics of the:
Individual (user) - Mood, physical size, physical and mental health, gender, previous experience
with cannabis, expectations of the drug and personality.
Drug - The amount used, the content of THC and whether it is smoked or eaten.
Setting (environment) - Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social
Short-term effects
Loss of concentration
Impaired balance
Slower reflexes
Increased appetite
Increased heart-rate
Feeling of well-being
Loss of inhibitions
Confusion
Long-term effects
Bronchitis
Lung cancer
Dependence
Interference with sexual drive and hormone production
Change in motivation
Decreased concentration
Decreased memory and learning abilities
Schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar disorder) in those who have a vulnerability to the
condition.
Overdose
There have been no confirmed deaths directly from cannabis overdose. Over a long period of
time regular use of cannabis can lead to a number of serious negative health consequences.
Combining other drugs, such as alcohol, with cannabis can be very dangerous, particularly if
driving or operating machinery.
Cannabis and Other Drugs:
Using cannabis with other drugs increases risks. If cannabis is used in conjunction with other
depressant drugs the depressant action generally increases. When cannabis is combined with
alcohol it can frequently lead to behaviour which causes injuries. For example, because cannabis
interferes with a person’s motor and coordination skills, vision and perceptions of time and
space, the ability to drive safely and complete tasks that require concentration can be impaired.
This impairment increases substantially when cannabis is used with alcohol.
Cannabis and Mental Health Problems:
The frequent or even occasional use of cannabis can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and
psychosis in those people who have a vulnerability to mental health problems.
Cannabis and the Brain:
Frequent use of cannabis can affect the brain by decreasing the user’s ability to concentrate and
remember things and can also impact on learning ability.
Cannabis and Respiratory Problems:
Frequent use of cannabis can increase the risk of cancer and respiratory disorders such as asthma,
bronchitis and emphysema.
Amphetamines and Other Drugs



Amphetamine users may use other drugs such as minor tranquillisers, cannabis, alcohol or heroin
to cope with some of the undesirable effects of amphetamines. These users may develop a
rollercoaster dependence on several drugs. For example, some people may need amphetamines
each day to get them going and minor tranquillisers each night to get them to sleep. This type of
dependence can lead to a variety of very serious physical and psychological problems. Using
more than one drug (poly-drug use) increases the harm associated with drug use.
If amphetamines are combined with alcohol, users may not feel the effects associated with
alcohol straightaway. However, blood alcohol concentration still goes up and their motor skills
(such as coordination and reflexes) are still impaired.
Combining amphetamines with other stimulants such as ecstasy or cocaine can greatly influence
the immediate effects. The result can be unpredictable and the effects may be similar to taking a
very large dose of amphetamines.
Amphetamines and Mental Health Problems:
Amphetamine use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who
have vulnerability to mental health problems.
Amphetamines


Amphetamines are a group of drugs commonly known as Speed, Whizz, Ice, Uppers
Includes:
 Amphetamine Sulphate
 Dexamphetamine
 Methamphetamine - chrystal, meth, or rock.
Description:
 Stimulant drugs that speed up certain chemicals in the brain.

 Dexamphetamine is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
How Amphetamines are Used:
Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected, smoked or inhaled (snorted). The effects of

amphetamines can last from four to eight hours.
Sometimes a person may experience a hangover effect that can last up to three days.
Health Effects of Using Amphetamines:
The effects of amphetamines will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
 Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with
amphetamines, expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and
whether other drugs have been taken.
 Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is smoked, swallowed, snorted or injected.
 Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own,
in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.
Short-term effects
 Hyperactivity
 Increased blood pressure, breathing and pulse-rates
 Anxiety, irritability, suspiciousness, panic attacks and a threatening manner
 Increased energy, alertness, confidence and talkativeness
 Reduced appetite, inability to sleep and enlarged pupils.
Long-term effects
 Malnutrition
 Reduced resistance
 Infection
 Violent behaviour
 Emotional disturbances
 Periods of psychosis
 Tolerance
As methamphetamine is more potent than dexamphetamine, users are likely to experience more
severe side-effects.
The effects of methamphetamine include anxiety, depression, paranoia, aggression and psychotic
symptoms. Methamphetamine also increases the risk of mental health problems, so people with
an existing mental health condition should be even more cautious about using this drug.
that line the interior of the nose. Injecting amphetamines can result in blocked blood vessels that
can cause major damage to the body’s organs, such as inflamed blood vessels and abscesses,
blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection
at injection site, bruising or more serious injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.
Overdose
Overdose can cause:
 Strokes
 Heart failure
 Seizures
 Death
TAKING CARE


Medications should be used as prescribed by a doctor and only by the person for whom they are
prescribed. It is safer not to use illegal drugs. For those who choose to use illegal drugs, the
following should be remembered:
 As using illegal drugs can have harmful and unpredictable effects, a person may find
themselves in a dangerous situation. If noticeably affected, they should not be left alone.
 If you suspect bad effects, call an ambulance immediately. Don't delay, you could save a
life. The ambulance officers are there to help you. Be sure to describe what drug the
person has taken. If the person is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the
recovery position and ensure the airway is clear. If they have stopped breathing, provide
Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR). The police are not required to attend unless a death
has occurred or the ambulance officers are threatened.
It is safer not to inject drugs. If someone does inject, they should always use clean equipment
(syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water) and should not share equipment.
Fitpacks®, which contain clean syringes are available from:
 most pharmacies;
 some regional hospitals, health centres and nursing posts; and
 needle and syringe exchange programs.
 Used injecting equipment should be disposed of responsibly e.g. disposing used

equipment into a sharp safe container.
 Don't drive or operate machinery. These activities can be dangerous while under the
influence of drugs.
 If drugs like ecstasy are being used, keep cool while dancing or doing other physical
activities. Take regular breaks and wear light, absorbent clothing. Beware of hats as they
trap body heat. Drink water, but regulate intake so that not too much is consumed.
DRUG USE AND PREGNANCY



Drugs can affect an unborn child. It is safer not to use any drugs during pregnancy unless under
medical supervision. Psychoactive drugs cross the placenta (the barrier between the mother's and
the baby's blood) so a baby is exposed to the same chemicals as the mother. These chemicals can
affect the growth and development of the baby and cause miscarriage, premature birth and birth
defects.
It is recommended that women check with their doctor (or other health professional) if they are
using or planning to use drugs including prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, while
pregnant or breastfeeding.
RELATIONSHIPS


Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and affect relationships with family and
friends. Drugs affect people in different ways. Some people may become depressed, angry,
aggressive, sleepy, unmotivated, paranoid, anxious or talkative.
These reactions will affect how they relate to other people, such as friends, parents and siblings
and may have negative effects on these relationships.
TOLERANCE, DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL



With regular use, tolerance to and dependence on drugs can develop. Withdrawal symptoms may
also be experienced if the drug is reduced or stopped.
Tolerance: A person needs more of a drug in order to achieve the same effects they felt
previously with smaller amounts.
Dependence: Use of the drug becomes central to a person's life, and they may experience
withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug.
Withdrawal: Describes a series of symptoms that may appear when a drug on which a user is
physically dependent is stopped or significantly reduced. The withdrawal symptoms vary
depending on a range of factors including the drug type and tend to be opposite to the effects
produced by the drug. The body is always trying to maintain a state of balance. When the body
has become accustomed to the drug for normal function and use is ceased, the body will try to
counterbalance for the change producing withdrawal symptoms.
EFFECTS OF DRUGS


The experience that a person has when using alcohol or other drugs will be affected by the:
 Individual: Mood, physical size, gender, personality, expectations of the drug, whether
the person has food in his/her stomach and whether other drugs have been taken.
 Drug: The amount used, how it is used and the strength and purity of the drug.
 Environment: Whether the person is using it with friends, on his/her own, in a social
setting or at home, at work, before or while driving.
POLY DRUG USE



Poly drug use occurs when two or more drugs are used at, or near, the same time. Mixing drugs
can also occur when a manufacturer combines different drugs to achieve a specific effect or to
save money by mixing in cheaper chemicals. This can result in a person combining drugs
unintentionally.
The risk of harm is increased if more than one drug is used at a time, especially when drugs of
unknown content and purity are combined. This includes mixing over-the-counter drugs,
prescription drugs and illegal drugs.
Poly drug use increases the risk of the following symptoms and effects:
 heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature may be exaggerated, which can increase
the chance of serious problems occurring;
 overdose; and severe emotional and mental disturbances such as panic attacks and
paranoia.

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Drug Information What Is A Drug?

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Drug Information

What is a psychoactive drug?

Psychoactive drugs may be divided into four categories:

Why do people use drugs?

Some of these include:

LSD, Acid, Trips, Mushies, Tabs

Hallucinogens describe a class of drugs that produce hallucinations. A hallucination is an illusion

Hallucinogens can be produced naturally or synthetically. The most commonly known

Where Hallucinogens Come From:

How Hallucinogens are Used:

Health Effects of Using Hallucinogens:

 Flashbacks – a spontaneous and unpredictable recurrence of prior drug experience ('tripping')

Hallucinogens and Other Drugs:

Hallucinogens and Mental Health Problems:

Es, XTC, Eccies, Pills, Bickies

Ecstasy is the name given to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy is a derivative

Where Ecstasy Come From:

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine was first synthesised by Merck Pharmaceuticals in 1912. It

How Ecstasy is Used:

Health Effects of Using Ecstasy:

 Overheating and dehydration, which can cause muscle meltdown

The risk of overdose increases with a larger dose.

Ecstasy and other drugs:

Ecstasy and Mental Health Problems

Coke, Freebase, Crack, Charlie, C, Rock

Where Cocaine Comes From:

How Cocaine is Used:

 Increased breathing and pulse-rates

 Tolerance and dependence

Overdose can cause:

Cocaine and Other Drugs:

Cocaine and Mental Health Problems:

Hammer, H, Smack, Horse, White, Beige

Where Heroin Comes From:

How Heroin is Used:

Heroin is usually injected, but can also be smoked or snorted.

The effects of heroin usually last from two to four hours.

Health effects of Using Heroin:

The risk of heroin overdose generally increases with a larger dose.

Heroin and Other Drugs

Mull, Pot, Weed, Leaf, Gunga, Marijuana

Cannabis is difficult to classify pharmacologically because it has a variety of effects. It is

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This chemical

Where Cannabis Comes From:

How Cannabis is Used:

Health Effects of Using Cannabis:

Interference with sexual drive and hormone production

Decreased memory and learning abilities

Cannabis and Other Drugs:

Cannabis and the Brain:

Cannabis and Respiratory Problems:

Amphetamines and Other Drugs

Amphetamines and Mental Health Problems:

 Stimulant drugs that speed up certain chemicals in the brain.

How Amphetamines are Used:

Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected, smoked or inhaled (snorted). The effects of

Health Effects of Using Amphetamines:

Overdose can cause: