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Drugs and alcohol
How alcohol affects your health
Many of us drink alcohol to relax, but drinking too much can affect your health. Learn more here about the effects of alcohol on your body.
Drug abuse
Drug abuse can affect health, relationships, job and education. Learn about Australia’s drug laws, drug addiction and where to get help.
How to help someone with a drug problem
This article will provide you with some information and advice on caring for someone with a drug problem.
Cocaine
Cocaine, or 'Coke' as it is commonly known, is a highly addictive drug associated with health issues and other problems. Learn more about its physical...
GHB
GHB is a party drug. It has been linked to date rape and sexual assault. Find out more about the physical effects and consequences of using GHB.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive drug with many serious side effects. Find out more about heroin's effects and the dangers of long term abuse and addictio...
Ice (crystal meth)
Ice, also known as crystal meth, is a very addictive illegal drug. Find out more about ice including what it is and the dangers of abuse.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a drug used by doctors and vets, however it can be used illegally to get high. Find out more about ketamine effects and the danger of long...
LSD (acid)
LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that can change the user’s perception of reality. Here’s how LSD works, its physical effects and the health risks of LSD ...
Marijuana (cannabis)
Marijuana (cannabis) is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in Australia. You can find out more about marijuana and how it impacts users here.
MDMA (ecstasy)
MDMA (ecstasy) is an illicit drug which can give a euphoric rush, but which has dangerous side effects. Learn about its physical effects and risks pos...
Speed
Speed is a drug that can become addictive and lead to health, social and financial problems. Find out about its effects and associated risks.
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Drug Facts - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Easy to find information about categories, the effects of drugs and specific drugs. Includes description, short and long-term alcohol and drug effects and measures to reduce harms.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
Drug Wheel - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
The Drug Wheel is a classification model that groups different types of drugs based on the effect they have on the body. The updated version of the Drug Wheel has seven categories.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
Drug and alcohol safety | Health
Everyone likes to occasionally unwind, celebrate and have a good time. However, consuming alcohol and drugs can hurt your body and have negative social consequences.
Read more on ACT Health website
Are there drug and alcohol services specifically for young people?
Yes, there are specialist detox, rehab, counselling and other services for young people.
Read more on NSW Health website
Alcohol and drug use - Beyond Blue
Many people with depression or anxiety use drugs and alcohol to try and cope.
Read more on Beyond Blue website
Roadside drug testing - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Roadside drug testing of Victorian drivers and the steps you can take to stay safe.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
I have specific cultural beliefs and values where can I go for support for my alcohol and drug use?
There are many culturally-specific services that can help you, such as drug and alcohol services run by Aboriginal Corporations, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) services.
Read more on NSW Health website
If I decide I need help with my alcohol/drug use, what options are available?
If you're trying to stop or reduce your use of substances, seeking professional help can be a good idea, particularly if you've been coping with your drug or alcohol issue for a long time.
Read more on NSW Health website
Drugs and Alcohol | Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline
Read more on Kids Helpline website
Pregnancy - medication, drugs and alcohol - Better Health Channel
Most women take a drug of some kind during pregnancy, sometimes without realising the potential for harm.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Top results
Fentanyl in the Australian illicit drug market - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Fentanyl is commonly used for pain management in clinical settings. It is now showing up, however, in some illicit drugs, including other opioids, around the world - in particular North America and Canada, where it has been found in samples of drugs, such as heroin.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
Alcohol withdrawal management | SA Health
Alcohol withdrawal management - appropriate processes for the management of alcohol withdrawal.
Read more on SA Health website
Medicine Interactions | Ausmed
A medication interaction is defined as a measurable modification (in magnitude and/or duration) of the action of one medicine, by prior or concomitant administration of another substance, including prescription, non-prescription medicines, food, alcohol, cigarette smoking or diagnostic tests.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Educating GPs on the over-prescription of pharmaceuticals - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
The rescheduling of pharmaceuticals that include codeine will tighten access to these drugs from 1 February. This makes now a timely moment to consider some of the wider measures that GPs can take to improve patient outcomes and avoid the over-prescription of some medications.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
Educating GPs on the over-prescription of pharmaceuticals - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
The rescheduling of pharmaceuticals that include codeine will tighten access to these drugs from 1 February. This makes now a timely moment to consider some of the wider measures that GPs can take to improve patient outcomes and avoid the over-prescription of some medications.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
Brief interventions for alcohol andother drug use | Australian Prescriber
Brief interventions essentially include screening and assessment of all patients about their alcoholor other drug...
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
National guidelines for medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence | Australian Government Department of Health
These guidelines for health professionals outline medications available for treating opioid dependence in Australia. They are intended for use by those not experienced in the treatment of alcohol and other drug problems.
Read more on Department of Health website
Accessing pharmacotherapy (opioid replacement therapy) during COVID-19 - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Pharmacotherapy, in the form of opioid replacement therapy (ORT), is the replacement of a drug of dependence, such as heroin, codeine and OxyContin, with a legally prescribed substitute.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website
Long-term drug treatment of patients with alcohol dependence | Issue 2 | Volume 38 | Australian Prescriber
Drug therapy for alcohol dependence should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan. Naltrexone and acamprosate have well established...
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
Alcohol and substance use - Orygen, Revolution in Mind
Orygen is the world’s leading research and knowledge translation organisation focusing on mental ill-health in young people.
Read more on Orygen website
