Can regular use of non-prescription medicines harm my health?
Non-prescription medicines can be dangerous if they are misused. All medicines contain drugs that can lead to a variety of health problems when they are taken in doses above what is recommended, too often, or for purposes for which they are not suitable. For example, the use of minor analgesics (such as aspirin or paracetamol) over the long term can lead to a variety of health problems, including kidney disorders, anaemia and gastric ulcers.

Is it true that addicts will always be dependent upon drugs?
Addiction can be successfully treated in most individuals, even when it is far advanced. Relapse is common during the course of recovery, however this does not mean the person or treatment has failed. Successful recovery involves trying again, and learning to recognise and avoid 'relapse traps'. Drug use is often associated with a persons' lifestyle and friends, these surrounding factors contribute to the difficulty of stopping use. Dealing with underlying problems is an important part of recovering from a drug dependency.

Are most drugs produced and distributed illegally?
No, most drugs are produced and distributed legally. They are manufactured and distributed by large companies, and also distributed through commercial outlets. For two of the most widely used drugs, alcohol and nicotine, prescriptions are not needed.

Can you tell me the proportion of teenagers that have tried drugs?
The following statistics relate to the percentages of 12 to 17 year-old students that had used particular drugs in WA in 2002:

Analgesics were the most commonly used drugs among students aged 12 to 17 years. Overall, almost all male (95%) and female (97%) students had used analgesics at some time in their life;
Cannabis was the most widely used illegal drug among 12 to 17 year-old students. Approximately three in 10 students reported using cannabis in their lifetime (25% of 12 to 15 year-olds and 49% of 16 and 17 year-olds);
Nearly one-fifth (18%) of all students reported that they had deliberately sniffed inhalants at least once during their lives;
Nearly one-fifth (18%) of all students had ever used tranquillisers (for non-medical reasons) in their lifetime;
The majority of students surveyed in 2002 had never used amphetamines (for non-medical reasons), with 13% reporting any lifetime use of amphetamines;
Overall, 5% of 12 to 17 year-old students reported using ecstasy in their lifetime (4% of 12 to 15 year-olds and 8% of 16 and 17 year-olds);
Overall, 6% of all students reported having used LSD or other hallucinogens in their lifetime, with 2% having taken them in the last month; and
The remaining drugs (heroin, cocaine and steroids) were each used for non-medical reasons or without a doctor's prescription by 1% or less of all students in the last month, with 3% to 4% having ever used these drugs in their lifetime.

SOURCE:

Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) 2004, Drug use among Western Australian school students in 2002, Results from the 2002 Australian School Students Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey, Perth, Western Australia.

This bulletin can be accessed at www.dao.health.wa.gov.au

I want to try and help out young people who are involved in drugs – I reckon my experiences could teach others. I've heard there are organisations that do this, could you point me in the right direction?
You're right, there are a number of services in Perth that have this purpose and there are numerous ways of getting involved. Firstly you may want to become part of a Local Drug Action Group (LDAG). LDAGs can connect you with a vast network of individuals and communities who have all made a commitment to making a difference. There are over 80 of these statewide, with members of a variety of ages. The Perth Inner City LDAG is particularly active with young people and may be a good place to start.

Secondly you might be interested in doing our Youth Leadership Program consisting of a two-day course. On completion of the course you gain access to funding, resources and support to help you do things for young people in your community. If you are interested in being put in touch with a LDAG, or doing the training course contact Grant Akesson at the Drug and Alcohol Office (Grant.Akesson@health.wa.gov.au or 9370 0323).

I want to stop using so many drugs, but it seems I can always come up with some excuse for having them, and then I just regret it the next day. What are some things that can take my mind off using drugs?
There are many alternatives to drug use. By looking at some of the reasons why you might be using drugs, it is possible to identify alternatives.
Reasons and alternatives:

To have fun and relieve boredom – there are many activities, catering for all different interests, that are fun and don't involve the need for drugs. For example, sign up with a social sporting team in your area. This doesn't have to be a huge commitment, and it is not necessary to have excellent sporting skills to get involved. There are always teams needing players and this is a great way to meet new friends (many of whom will be drug-free).
To forget about problems – this is a common reason people take drugs, however this is only a short-term solution as it is more than likely problems will exist after the high, only to be compounded by the come down. Attempting to deal with the problem(s) at hand is generally the best solution; however this is usually the most difficult path to take. There are a number of organisations specifically designed with the purpose of providing useful advice and help to people experiencing problems, whether they are drug-related or otherwise. Call the WA Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (08) 9442 5000 (metro) or 1800 198 024 (regional) for further details.
To relax and socialise – often people think drug use will make social interaction easier. This may be true in the short term, as inhibitions are relaxed often leading people to do or say things they otherwise wouldn't. Personal social skills are necessary in life and take time to develop – using drugs to facilitate this process will only delay the acquisition of these skills independently. You must also keep in mind the numerous negative side effects drugs have on health. For relaxation try alternative therapies such as light exercise and participating in hobbies that you enjoy.
To celebrate – often when a special occasion arises people feel the need to use drugs as part of the celebration process. This behaviour is more readily accepted because these special events only occur every so often. However, even occasional drug use can have lasting effects on health, and can sometime induce a relapse into previous drug-taking patterns. Try and find new (drug-free) interests/friends and participate in rewarding activities that do not involve drugs.

If you are interested in joining groups of young people who are active in promoting drug free alternatives the following agency may be able to assist you; WA Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) (08) 9442 5000 (metro) 1800 198 024 (regional).

Amphetamines

What is speed psychosis?
One of the greatest problems experienced by amphetamine users is amphetamine-induced psychosis or 'speed psychosis'. This can happen when speed is used over a long period of time or even on rare occasions when a small amount is used irregularly.

Speed psychosis is a very real mental state caused by over-excitement of the brain's fright centres. The symptoms of speed psychosis are similar to those of paranoid schizophrenia, and may include hallucinations, paranoid delusion and uncontrolled violent behaviour. This state usually disappears after the drug has been eliminated from the body, although the user remains vulnerable to further episodes. If the drug is used again, the psychosis may recur. If you are with someone who has a psychotic episode you can help by:

Taking them to a safe place, away from the drug;

Keeping them calm;
Occupying them with another activity; and
Seeking medical help.

Speed psychosis is usually a temporary condition; occasionally however, some people will experience symptoms for up to three months after the incident.

Can speed cause brain damage?
Current research indicates that brain damage can occur from amphetamine use:

Overdosing on speed, or using large amounts increases body temperature which can cause brain damage.
Speed bought on the street often contains other substances, and by-products from the manufacturing process, these can be toxic to the brain.
Regular use of speed can also affect brain functioning. This affects a users ability to concentrate, think, and can also affect mood.
Speed can also cause strokes which occur in the brain. When a stroke occurs blood vessels are blocked and blood flow stops. This can leave tissues starved of oxygen, and cause cells to die.

What are the effects of Dexies and Ritalin® if they are taken by someone who is not prescribed them?
Dexamphetamine and Ritalin use can be effective and safe when prescribed by a doctor. The stimulant effects increases the activity of certain chemicals in the brain. In people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)/ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) this increase improves their ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. In non-prescribed people dexamphetamine or Ritalin use can have numerous negative side effects including dizziness, depression, headaches, insomnia (inability to sleep) and loss of appetite. Non-prescribed individuals sometimes take these medications to aid concentration during stressful periods such as exam time. However, evidence indicates that dexamphetamine and Ritalin have little effect on quality/accuracy of work, and this pattern of behaviour can lead to dependence in non-prescribed people – eventually feeling the need to use these drugs in order to function 'normally'.

Cannabis

I know you can become addicted to nicotine through mixing mull with tobacco, but is mull alone addictive?
Yes, studies have shown the risk of developing a dependence on cannabis is about one in ten (1/10) among those who merely try the drug, and between one in five (1/5) and one in three (1/3) among those who use cannabis more than a few times. Those who become daily users have a probability of approximately one in two (1/2) of becoming addicted.

Just how bad is cannabis for your health?
In the short-term cannabis can impair memory, logical thinking, coordination, and the ability to perform complex tasks. Perception, judgement, balance and reaction times are all adversely affected for up to 10 hours after use. It can be particularly dangerous when people try and perform complex tasks such as driving a motor vehicle while affected by the drug. In the long-term cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of bronchitis, lung cancer and respiratory disease. More recently there has been alarming evidence to indicate that cannabis can lead to lasting psychosis and even schizophrenia in people predisposed to mental illness.

Will regular use of cannabis affect my mood?
Reports from many cannabis users, especially young people, find that prolonged use is associated with a loss of energy, drive and interest in other activities. This can lead to performance problems at school or work and be damaging to relationships with friends and family. The good news is that moods and energy, along with general health, will gradually stabilise/elevate when cannabis use stops.

Don't the majority of people think smoking dope should be legalised?
In 2004 the National Drug Strategy Household survey found that 27% of people in Australia supported the legalisation of personal use of cannabis. Two-thirds of respondents supported 'a change in legislation permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes' and almost three in four supported 'a clinical trial for people to use marijuana to treat medical conditions'.

SOURCE: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2005, 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) First Results, Drug Statistics Serious Number 13, Cat. No. PHE 57, Canberra: AIHW.
This paper can be accessed at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/sdua04/sdua04.pdf

Have the laws on cannabis use changed recently?
Yes, there are now new laws regarding cannabis use in Western Australia. It is still against the law to cultivate, posses, use, sell or supply cannabis. It is also against the law to possess pipes and other implements which have detectable traces of cannabis – however the associated penalties have changed.

Possession of small amounts of cannabis can now be dealt with by issuing a Cannabis Infringement Notice (CIN). If a person receives a CIN and pays the financial penalty (in 28 days) or attends a Cannabis Education Session (CES) the person will not be required to appear in court and will not incur a criminal record. For more detailed information concerning the CIN Scheme or how to access support services in your area contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (08) 9442 5000 (metro) or 1800 198 024 (regional).

What's the difference between cannabis legalisation and decriminalisation?
Decriminalisation refers to changes to the law which either allow possession of specified amounts of cannabis for personal consumption or reduce the penalties for possession to minor fines involving no criminal record. If an offence is decriminalised, it does not mean that it is legal. Legalisation refers to changes to the law which make it legal to cultivate, use or possess cannabis. Legalisation of cannabis would mean that cannabis would no longer be an illicit drug, but would be a legal drug like alcohol and tobacco. The legalisation of cannabis is a topic of heated debate all over the world.

In 2004 Western Australia decriminalised the use of cannabis in a bid to reduce the police and courts workload and divert more users to counselling. For detailed information concerning the law regarding cannabis use contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (08) 9442 5000 (metro) or 1800 198 024 (regional).

How long before cannabis leaves your system and is no longer detectable in a blood or urine test?
It takes between 18 hours and 5 days before a single joint is no longer detectable in urine, and 20-36 hours until it is no longer detectable in blood. Heavy cannabis use can take 60-90 days until no longer detectable in urine, and 20-36 hours until it is no longer detectable in blood.

NOTE: These figures are based on averages in the population, so use as a guide only. Factors such as the strength of the cannabis used and the person's physical make-up can affect the time a drug will take to leave the body.

If you require more information, you can refer to the Australian Drug Foundation's website (www.adf.org.au), and follow the link to the "Somazone" pages, which include factsheets on drug testing.

Heroin

Can you become addicted to heroin after trying it once?
Research does not suggest that people can become instantly addicted to heroin. Whether or not a person becomes addicted to a particular drug depends as much on the person and the circumstances or pattern of use, as it does on the drug. That said, heroin addiction can occur very quickly when use is frequent. This is due to the fact that tolerance develops upon repeated use of the drug. Users suddenly find that they require more and more heroin to achieve the same high that they originally felt. The addictive nature of heroin is characterised by this tolerance as well the constant cravings users reported to have.

How would I know if my friend was using heroin? I don't want to outright accuse her without evidence.
This is a difficult situation, your friend is lucky to have someone demonstrating concern. Many people use heroin for some years before showing obvious physical signs. This often depends on the user's access to money to support their habit - those with less money are more likely to exhibit signs of malnutrition or poverty. Not all users have visible needle marks and bruises on their arms either. For further confidential information and advice contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (08) 9442 5000 (metro) or 1800 198 024 (regional).

Someone recently told me that it was once legal to use heroin – is this true?
Yes. Heroin was initially developed for use in cough mixtures. The word 'heroin' was once a brand name for the drug when it was synthesised from morphine. Heroin became a prohibited drug in 1953 in Australia. At present in most countries it is illegal to possess or use heroin.

Is it true that combining heroin with downers increases the dangerous effects of the heroin?
Using more than one drug at a time can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. Combining benzodiazepines (downers) with heroin increases the sedative (slowing down of voluntary and involuntary bodily functions) effects of the heroin. This combination can be very dangerous as the risk of overdosing from heroin increases. This occurs as the combination causes the users' heart and breathing rate to slow down and they may fall into a coma and stop breathing.

Cocaine

Does cocaine have serious health effects?
Cocaine is regarded by some as a chic, glamorous and the party drug of the rich. It has an undeserved reputation for being safe. It is not legally available, and is extremely expensive as well as being very addictive. Regular users find the initial euphoria and heightened alertness produced by cocaine gradually gives way to restlessness, insomnia and suspicion. Many also suffer damage to the mucous membrane of the nose. In high doses, cocaine will make the user feel extremely agitated, paranoid and aggressive. The consequences of overdose include seizures, brain haemorrhage, kidney failure, heart attack or stroke.

Steroids

How do steroids cause males to develop breasts?
One of the effects that anabolic androgenic steroids have on the body is to increase male sexual characteristics. This occurs due to the drug mimicking the effects of the male sex hormone testosterone. Using too much steroids can also cause the body to stop producing testosterone, and to convert any available testosterone to the female hormone oestrogen. This can cause the body to distribute fat to the thighs, chest, hips and stomach. In males, breast development can occur. In the long term steroids can produce a number of other unpleasant and often permanent side effects, including:

Damage to the gonads (testicles or ovaries);
Liver diseases;
Malfunctions of the kidneys or heart;
'Roid rage', which is characterised by uncontrollable outbursts of psychotic aggression;
Paranoia;
Mood swings, including deep depression;
Severe acne;
High blood cholesterol levels;
High blood pressure;
Trembling and muscle tremors; and
Stunted bone growth in adolescents.

Speed

Taking them to a safe place, away from the drug;
Keeping them calm;
Occupying them with another activity; and
Seeking medical help.

Speed psychosis is usually a temporary condition; occasionally however, some people will experience symptoms for up to three months after the incident.

Can speed cause brain damage?
Current research indicates that brain damage can occur from amphetamine use:

Overdosing on speed, or using large amounts increases body temperature which can cause brain damage.
Speed bought on the street often contains other substances, and by-products from the manufacturing process, these can be toxic to the brain.
Regular use of speed can also affect brain functioning. This affects a users ability to concentrate, think, and can also affect mood.
Speed can also cause strokes which occur in the brain. When a stroke occurs blood vessels are blocked and blood flow stops. This can leave tissues starved of oxygen, and cause cells to die.

Hallucinogens

What happens when someone experiences a bad trip?
During a bad trip the effects of hallucinogens such as LSD may become so intense that they overwhelm the user's ability to cope. Sometimes the user feels they are losing control and 'going crazy'. Examples of bad trip experiences include spiders crawling on the skin, ropes turning into snakes, and believing one is deformed. When a bad trip occurs the user needs to be taken to a quiet place where they feel comfortable and can be reassured until the immediate effects have passed, this may take several hours. If the user becomes uncontrollable or hysterical call for medical assistance.

If someone has an allergy to penicillin will this mean that they will have an allergy to magic mushrooms also?
A person who has an allergy to penicillin will not necessarily also be allergic to magic mushrooms. However the potential for any person to experience an allergic reaction to magic mushrooms is relatively high. There are certain varieties of mushrooms that are poisonous, some of which closely resemble the 'magic' type. Extreme caution must be taken if use is to occur.

Ecstasy

I've heard it is important to drink water while E'ing, isn't there a danger of drinking too much also though? How do I know what's safe?
Ecstasy affects the brain's ability to determine when a person has had enough to drink. Excessive water intake can result in a breakdown of cell structure, which causes cells to burst and die. Many vital organs such as the liver, heart, lungs and brain are particularly susceptible to this breakdown in cell structure.

Ecstasy users should regularly sip water to replace lost fluids. To avoid drinking too much water, users should drink about 250 mL (if inactive) or 500 mL (if active) each hour. Users should also make sure they take time to cool down including taking regular breaks from dancing.

Designer Drugs

What is PCP?
PCP refers to phencyclidine or 'Angel Dust'. This drug has both hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. The dissociative effects of PCP leaves users feeling removed from their body and their environment. PCP also has strong anaesthetic effects which can result in amnesia (memory loss) and analgesia (numbness to pain).

PCP depresses brain function, and users often become confused and disoriented shortly after taking the drug. They may not know where they are, who they are, or what day it is. Salivation, sweating, blood pressure, and heart rate also increase. High doses can cause hallucinations, seizures, a life-threatening high fever (hyperthermia), coma and possibly death. Long-term PCP use may damage the brain, kidneys and muscles.

Drink Spiking

How would I know if someone spiked my drink? How can I avoid it happening?

Drink spiking occurs when a drug is covertly placed in a person's drink in order to sedate or incapacitate them. Young women are often the targets of drink spiking and the harms resulting include sexual assault, robbery and unsafe sex.

The effects of drink spiking will vary depending on the characteristics of the individual (e.g. physical size, gender and whether other drugs have been taken) and the drug (e.g. type, amount used and purity)

Common effects include:

Nausea;
Loss of memory (amnesia);
Dizziness;
Loss of consciousness;
Conscious but paralysed;
Muscle relaxation;
Euphoria; and
Sedation

Drink spiking can happen. To avoid this happening to you:

Always buy your own drink and watch it being poured;
Don't accept drinks from strangers;
Never leave your drink unattended while you dance or go to the toilet;
Don't drink or taste anyone else's drink;
Dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd; and
Look out for your friends. If your friend seems drunk, or is acting out of character and you know they haven't had too much to drink, they may have been drugged. Stay with them and take them to a safe place. Consider reporting the incident to the police and if a sexual assault has occurred contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (08) 9340 1820 or (08) 9340 1828 (crisis line).

FAQs

General Cannabis Heroin Cocaine Steriods Amphetamines Hallucinogens Ecstasy Designer Drugs Drink Spiking

General

Cannabis

Heroin

Cocaine

Steriods

Amphetamines

Hallucinogens

Ecstasy

Designer Drugs

Drink Spiking