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Drugs and young people
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
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
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
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance Abuse & Addiction Substance misuse is the harmful use of drugs or alcohol for non-medical purposes
Read more on Lifeline 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
Why cant the person using drugs or alcohol see they have a problem?
The influence of alcohol or other drug problems affects the person using the substance, but it can also impact on their family, friends and colleagues
Read more on NSW Health website
Factsheets and Publications
Mental health & drug and alcohol factsheets.
Read more on NSW Health website
Top results
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
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
'Child Aware supervision eLearning course
About the 'Child Aware supervision' eLearning course for professionals. The training is specifically for supervisors to learn about strategies that promote child and family-sensitive practice.
Read more on COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness website
WernickeKorsakoff Syndrome (WKS)
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome refers to the condition where both Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and Korsakoff syndrome (KS) are present in one individual.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Community use of naloxonefor opioid overdose | Issue 4 | Volume 40 | Australian Prescriber | Australian Prescriber
Will training laypeople in the use of naloxone reduce accidental opioid overdose deaths?
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
Use of medication to treat depression in people with opioid dependence | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: There is low evidence, at the present, supporting the clinical use of antidepressants for the treatment of depressed opioid addicts in treatment with opioid agonists
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
Switching and stopping antidepressants | Issue 3 | Volume 39 | Australian Prescriber
Switching people from one antidepressant to another is commonly needed but can cause drug withdrawal symptoms, drug interactions and relapse in depression....
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
The use of medication to treat people with antisocial personality disorder | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: The body of evidence summarised in this review is insufficient to allow any conclusion to be drawn about the use of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of antisocial personality disorder
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
Treatments for depression
A large number of different treatments are available for depression and new treatments (particularly medications) regularly appear.
Read more on Black Dog Institute website
Dealing with drug-seeking behaviour | Issue 3 | Volume 39 | Australian Prescriber
People who misuse prescription drugs most commonly seek prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines. Other...
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
