Drug use and abuse is a wide-spread problem in modern society. One of the biggest concerns that many parents have is that their kids may start to experiment with illegal things. Adolescents are especially vulnerable as it is an age when many will begin to try out these substances. Having the ability to spot the indications of drug use and also being aware of some of the effects they can have is a big help. However dependable facts are often hard to come by.
Thankfully there are a number of good sources of information that you can turn to if you think that someone you know is abusing drugs. The best place to look is of course online. There are a number of sites that you can use to get concise and clear advice without the hyperbole that frequently surrounds drug use. You should use these sources to get a much deeper understanding of the most widespread drugs and the unwanted effects they might have. Here is a few examples of the most widely used and abused drugs and unlawful substances.
Alcohol
Alcohol is really a drug the same as any other. Even though it is a legal drug it will have a number of health and social implications particularly if it is used by young people. As alcohol is so widely available it is among the first drugs that lots of young people will experiment with. Teenage and binge drinking has become a lot more widespread in recent times and the number of young people hospitalised because of drinking reached record numbers in 2010. Alcohol can have both long term and short term effects on health when it is not used sensibly.
Marijuana
This is the next most common drug among teenagers. Even though it is often seen as being relatively harmless it can result in serious health issues. It can have a number of long-term implications for both physical and mental wellbeing. Prolonged use of the drug can lead to disorders such as paranoia, schizophrenia and may also hinder the correct functioning of the immune system.
Amphetamines
Often known as speed or ice it is normally available as a powder that is snorted or smoked. The effects of the substance can differ from person to person but in most cases it creates a feeling of euphoria, exhilaration and energy. Using amphetamines puts the body under a considerable degree of stress. In the short term it leads to elevated heart rate and high blood pressure levels. Long term effects may include stroke, heart failure, paranoia and depressive disorder.
These are simply some of the drugs that are available in Australia. If you’re concerned about drug use of someone you know it pays to be informed. Drug effects help and advice from ADF Info.