Drug abuse

Drug abuse can affect health, relationships, job and education. Learn about Australia’s drug laws, drug addiction and where to get help.

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Drug and alcohol rehabilitation

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation helps people get off or reduce their use of drugs and alcohol. Learn more about rehab services and where to go for help.

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Drugs and alcohol

Learn more about alcohol and a range of drugs including marijuana, ice (crystal meth) and MDMA (ecstasy).

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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 who is misusing drugs or alcohol

Supporting a friend or family member who's struggling with drug or alcohol misuse is not easy. These tips and resources may help.

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Drugs in sport

Using drugs to give you an edge in sports performance can also affect your health. Find out about what damage drugs can do to your health by reading our page.

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Medicines

Learn more about a range of medicines, such as pain relief medicines, antidepressants and medicines for children.

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Drug overdose

Links to our information partners' articles about drug overdose.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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 posed by MDMA use.

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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 effects and the risks associated to cocaine use.

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Kava

Kava is a drug made from the roots of a plant in the pepper family. It has traditionally been cultivated by Pacific Islanders for use as a ceremonial drink.

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Over-the-counter medicines

There are some medicines you don't need a prescription for. These are called over-the-counter medicines.

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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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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.

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Substance abuse

Substance use disorders involve using too much alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, and are also known as substance abuse, substance dependence or addictions.

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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.

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Alcohol

Alcohol is a legal but mood-changing drug. Read more about alcohol’s effects on the body, about safe drinking, 'standard drinks', and more.

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HIV and AIDS medication (antiretrovirals)

HIV medications (called 'antiretrovirals') fight to stop the virus multiplying while helping to protect the immune system from damage caused by HIV.

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Prescription addiction can happen to anyone

Prescription medicines are responsible for more than 2 in 3 accidental drug-related deaths. Here's what you need to know about prescription addiction.

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Cellulitis treatment

Treating cellulitis with antibiotics and rest.

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Safe use of sleeping pills

Sleeping pills are drugs designed to help you fall asleep or stay asleep, such as in the treatment of insomnia. Learn more about the types and associated risks.

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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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Young adults' health

Becoming a young adult means new responsibilities, including taking charge of your own health. Learn about things like contraception, sexually transmitted infections and the effects of drugs and alcohol.

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Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can cause dependence and addiction. Learn which ones are associated with these risks and how to avoid dependence or addiction when taking them.

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Better access to an overdose-reversing medication could save lives

A nasal spray has been added to the PBS, meaning many Australians could be saved from overdosing on prescription and illicit opioids.

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What is addiction?

This article describes the types, causes and signs of addiction, and where to get help.

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