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Drugs |
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in Australia and when consumed in moderation, does not harm most people. However, excessive drinking of alcohol can lead to a range of health, personal and social problems.
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Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a group of drugs commonly known as speed, but sometimes called gooey. Other names include uppers, ups, wake ups, dexies, black beauties or jollies.
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Caffeine
Caffeine is the world's most popular drug, with consumption estimated to be around 70mg per person per day. Fifty four per cent of caffeine is consumed in coffee, 43 per cent in tea and 3 per cent in other forms like cola or medications.
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Cannabis
Cannabis is also known as marijuana, pot, grass, dope, yarndi and mull. It is primarily a depressant, however it may have hallucinogenic effects. Cannabis comes from the dried leaves and flowers on the cannabis plant.
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Cocaine
Cocaine is classed as a stimulant as it speeds up the nervous system. It is an addictive drug which come from coca leaves or it is made synthetically and comes in the form of a white powder.
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Ecstasy
Ecstasy (also known as 'adam', 'e', 'm&m' or 'xtc') is a stimulant because it speeds up the functions of the central nervous system. In Australia ecstasy is often mixed with a variety of different drugs, often making it difficult for users to know what they are taking.
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Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a group of drugs which can change a person's perception, making them see or hear things that don't exist. They can also produce changes in thought, sense of time and mood.
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Needle Syringe Program
If you inject drugs it is important that you use your own injecting equipment and not share needles, syringes, tourniquets, spoons, water or filters with other people. Using your own equipment and not sharing will reduce your risk of hepatitis C and HIV transmission. Most community health centres and hospitals in NSW provide a needle syringe program service.
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Heroin
Heroin belongs to a group of drugs called opioids. Opioids are strong pain killers and are classed as depressants because they slow down the functions of the central nervous system. It can be inject, snorted or smoked.
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Steroids
Steroids are becoming an increasingly bigger problem among same sex attracted youth. Problems with body image, the need for more energy to party on the scene, have created excess pressure on young people who have turned to steroids as a solution.
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Tobacco
Tobacco is usually smoked in cigarettes, pipes or cigars. In NSW cigarettes, cigars and tobacco are not legally available to people under the age of 18 years. Retailers must legally ask for proof of age before selling tobacco products.
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Tranquillisers
Most tranquillisers belong to a group of drugs known as 'benzodiazepines' (often called 'benzos'). There are over 30 specific drugs within this group. Tranquillisers are prescribed by doctors usually in a tablet or capsule form, and sometimes in liquid form for injections.
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© 2005: Authorised: Melanie Dowling (Legal
stuff)
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