A drug is a substance that when taken alters the body physically and or physiologically.
The word 'drug' often invokes undesirable thoughts and images which come from stereotypical and stigma laden messages received through a range of media sources. However many of us use substances that are categorised as drugs on a regular basis. Think about alcohol, coffee, pain medication, cigarettes.
The Southern Forest Alcohol and other Drug Committee (SFAODC) share information about the negative impacts of the misuse of alcohol and other drugs. The negative impacts can include a range of short and long-term physical effects, mental health issues, and social and emotional problems that impact relationships with family and friends.
SFAODC advocate for the community to reflect on their own, and their family members drug taking behaviours and to consider any negative impacts they might be having.
Psychoactive drugs which fall into 4 categories include:
- Depressants:
- Drugs that decrease alertness by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system (e.g. heroin, alcohol and pain medication).
- Stimulants:
- Drugs that increase the body's state of arousal by increasing the activity of the brain (e.g. caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine).
- Hallucinogens:
- Drugs that alter perception and can cause hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing something that is not there (e.g. LSD and 'magic mushrooms').
- Other:
- Some drugs fall into the 'other' category, as they may have properties of more than one of the above categories (e.g. cannabis has depressive, hallucinogenic and some stimulant properties).
"In 2016, 14.8% of Western Australian young people aged 14 to 19 years had used an illegal drug in the past 12 months. This increased to 29.8% of 20 to 29 year olds." (WA Mental Health Commission, Drug Aware Campaign)
If you are unsure about a drug and the effects it might have, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation have a great way to help you get true and factual information by texting the name of a drug and receiving the information via SMS. It provides information about the effects of drugs in a confidential and accessible way, any location, any time. The number is 0439 tell me, or (0439 835 563).
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty due to drug use and would like support, the Alcohol and Drug Support Line provides free counselling and advice 24 hours a day. The service is confidential and can provide information, counselling, referral and advice on alcohol and other drugs. They can also provide a free call back service to socially and geographically isolated clients. You can contact the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 198 024.
