Party drugs

Parties are about having a good time. However, party drugs can impact your mental and physical wellbeing, and many are illegal.

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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.

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Urine tests

Urine tests can be used to diagnose conditions, such as pregnancy, infections, diseases such as diabetes or STIs and monitor drug use.

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Causes of paranoia

Whilst paranoia may be caused by a mental disorder, it can also be triggered by recreational drug use, neurological diseases, severe trauma or stress.

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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 term abuse.

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Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about methadone, how it works and possible side effects.

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Speed and mental health

Speed can increase your confidence and energy, but high doses and long-term use can cause mental health problems similar to paranoid schizophrenia.

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Ice and mental health

Regular use of ice can lead to a condition known 'ice psychosis', making the user paranoid, aggressive and violent. It can be hard helping a friend or loved one cope with an ice addiction - but there is support available.

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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms

There are many Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms including intense mood swings, unstable relationships, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Learn more.

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about buprenorphine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids can enhance sports performance and body image, but they are illegal in Australia unless prescribed by a doctor and can do long-term harm to your body.

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Mental illness

One in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness in any given year. Here is information on causes and symptoms of mental illness, and where to find help.

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Biopsy

A biopsy helps a doctor diagnose a medical condition. Find out more about what they are, about the different types, and about why biopsies are done.

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Amnesia

Amnesia is loss of memory that is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. Learn more about what it is, causes and ways to live with amnesia.

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Prolonged erection

A prolonged erection occurs when blood in the penis becomes trapped and cannot circulate. This condition can be painful and can sometimes be caused by medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction. Learn more about prolonged erection here.

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Ketamine and mental health

Ketamine is a medicine that is used illegally for its hallucinogenic effect. Regular users can develop serious mental health issues such as depression and psychosis.

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Drugs, alcohol and mental health

People from all walks of life take and abuse drugs. Research has revealed that around half of all people with a mental illness also have a substance abuse problem.

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Diagnosis of psychosis

The first step in diagnosing psychosis is to see a doctor or mental health team at a hospital. Psychosis is treatable, so it’s important to seek help.

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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 addiction.

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Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term condition that affects 1 in 50 Australians. Learn more about the causes, how it is diagnosed and the types of seizures.

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Serotonin

Serotonin is a chemical substance that controls wellbeing and happiness. Not having enough serotonin is thought to contribute to depression. Learn more here, including how serotonin levels can be adjusted.

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Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy, which affects people with diabetes, causes pain or numbness in the hands, feet or limbs because the nerves are damaged. Learn more here.

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Loss of male libido

Your libido can rise and fall over time. Relationships, health, work, stress and many other pressures can affect your sexual desire. Learn more about this here.

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Heroin and mental health

Heroin users are likely to develop mental health problems. Heroin is highly addictive, but there are many treatment options available for heroin users trying to kick the habit.

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MDMA (ecstasy) and mental health

There are mental health implications for regular users of MDMA. Coming down on MDMA leaves users feeling depressed and anxious and the hangover effect which includes feelings of severe depression can last for several days.

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GHB and mental health

GHB is a depressant drug that can feel like alcohol intoxication at first. Risk of overdose is very high. Not a lot is known about the long-term effects of GHB yet, but regular use does lead to dependence.

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LSD (acid) and mental health

LSD is a powerful drug, people who take LSD do not know if they are going to have a good trip or a bad one, or how intense the trip will be. This is dependent upon their mood and mental state at the time.

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Cocaine and mental health

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug which can have an adverse affect on the mental health of the user. Long-term use can cause depression, sleep disorder and aggressive behaviour.

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Marijuana and mental health

Long-term marijuana users can become reliant on the drug. If they do try to stop, they may feel anxious, irritable and angry. Marijuana can trigger psychosis in people who are already at risk.

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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 addiction.

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