Drugs in focus
Alcohol and other drugs:
A guide for parents
Published by
409 King Street
West Melbourne Vic. 3003
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Telephone: 1300 85 85 84
Facsimile: 03 9328 3008
Website: www.adf.org.au
© Australian Drug Foundation 2001
Second edition © 2007
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted, in any form, by any means whatsoever, without the prior permission
of the copyright owner.
Apply in writing to the publishers.
Design and illustration by Linda McLaughlan
Printed in Australia by L&R Print Services, Melbourne
National Library of Australia
Cataloguing-in-Publication data
Parent focus: A guide to alcohol and other drugs.
2nd edn.
Bibliography.
ISBN 978 0 85809 092 7.
1. Teenagers - Drug use - Australia - Prevention. 2. Drug abuse - Australia - Prevention.
3. Teenagers - Alcohol use - Australia - Prevention. 4. Alcoholism - Australia - Prevention.
5. Substance abuse - Australia - Prevention. I. Australian Drug Foundation.
362.29170835
Information contained in this publication is intended as a general guide only. While care has been
taken to ensure that the information is complete and correct, the Australian Drug Foundation
(ADF) makes no representation as to the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of
the information.
The ADF does not offer any information in this publication as a tool for treatment or counselling
and recommends that, prior to making any decision based on any information in this publication,
you should obtain independent professional advice.
Drugs in focus
Alcohol and other drugs:
A guide for parents
Contents
Acknowledgements..................................................................................2
ExxonMobil’s partnership with ADF
2
Using this guide........................................................................................ 3
What is a drug?.........................................................................................
Types of drugs
Depressants
Hallucinogens
Stimulants
3
3
3
4
4
Who uses drugs?...................................................................................... 5
Why do people use drugs?
5
Statistics on drug use
6
Drugs and their effects............................................................................ 7
Things to consider
7
Factors that influence the effects of drugs
7
Social effects
7
Risks associated with method of use
7
Alcohol
8
Amphetamines
9
Analgesics (painkillers)
11
Benzodiazapines
12
Cannabis
14
Cocaine
16
Ecstasy
18
GHB 19
Hallucinogens
20
Heroin
22
Inhalants
23
Ketamine
25
Tobacco
27
Drug laws................................................................................................. 29
Addressing drug-related issues........................................................... 30
What is a drug problem?
30
How can I tell if someone is using drugs?
30
Strategies for parents
31
Support services and further information.......................................... 32
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
1
Using this guide
Acknowledgements
The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) is grateful to
ExxonMobil for its generous sponsorship and support
of this valuable project.
Our thanks also to staff in the DrugInfo Clearinghouse
Resource Centre and library, and in particular Ms Cindy
Van Rooy, for their assistance in the development of
this resource.
ExxonMobil’s partnership with ADF
ExxonMobil actively supports community
projects in areas in which it operates and
has been a corporate partner with the ADF
for more than seven years.
ExxonMobil congratulates the ADF on
developing the Drugs in Focus series of
booklets for parents, which cover the
following topics:
■■ Alcohol and other drugs: A guide
for parents
■■ Parent focus: Dealing with drug
issues for 9 to 14-year-olds (now in
its second edition)
■■ Hosting teenage parties: Managing
alcohol & other drugs
■■ Teenage drinking: The facts
and issues
■■ Young people and drugs: The facts
and issues
■■ Safety first: Helping children to
stay safe
■■ Riding the waves: A guide to building
resilience in 10 to 14-year-olds.
ExxonMobil and the ADF have also worked
together to produce a resource for primary
school teachers, Primary Pathways: An
integrated approach to drug education. This
resource provides good advice for teachers on
how to approach drug and alcohol education
during the primary school years and has lots
of ideas and references for student activities.
Copies of the Drugs in Focus booklets and
Primary Pathways can be obtained by calling
the ADF on tel. 1300 85 85 84, or via the
website on www.bookshop.adf.org.au.
This guide is designed to help parents
identify a range of drugs commonly used
in Australia, to provide information about
those drugs and assist in addressing drugrelated issues. The first section (“What is
a drug?”) provides general information
about drugs. The next section (“Who
uses drugs?”) looks at how many people
use drugs and why. The third section
(“Drugs and their affects”) provides an
overview of alcohol, tobacco, over-thecounter analgesics and some of the more
commonly used illegal drugs. The fourth
section provides information about drugrelated laws and the final section provides
some guidelines on how to address issues
with your children. Details of support
services and further information are also
provided on page 32.
The guide is not intended to be a substitute
for professional assistance. If you have a
personal difficulty related to alcohol and
other drug use, contact the alcohol and
drug service or parentline in your state or
territory. The numbers are at the back of
this booklet.
What is a drug?
drug is any substance—solid,
�� Aliquid
or gas—that brings about
physical and/or psychological
changes. This excludes food
and water, which are required to
maintain normal body functioning.
The drugs of most concern to the community
are those that affect a person’s central nervous
system. They act on the brain and can change
the way a person thinks, feels or behaves.
These are the psychoactive drugs.
Some drugs, such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine
and various prescribed and over-the-counter
medications, are legal. Most legal drugs are
restricted and their availability, quality and price
are strictly controlled.
Other drugs, such as cannabis, ecstasy,
methamphetamines, cocaine and heroin, are
illegal. They are not subject to quality or price
controls. This means that a person can never
be sure of the drugs’ strength and purity.
Types of drugs
The three main types of drugs, classified by
their effects on the central nervous system, are
depressants, hallucinogens and stimulants.
Depressants
drugs slow down the
�� Depressant
functions of the central nervous
system and the messages going
between the brain and body. They
do not necessarily make you feel
depressed.
Depressants affect coordination, concentration
and judgement. In small doses they can
cause a person to feel relaxed and less
inhibited. Some depressants cause euphoria
and a sense of calm and wellbeing. In larger
quantities, depressants can cause drowsiness,
2
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
3
Who uses drugs?
vomiting, decreased breathing and heart rate,
unconsciousness and death.
Depressant drugs include: alcohol,
benzodiazepines, cannabis, GHB (gamma
hydroxybutyrate), opioids (including heroin,
methadone, codeine, morphine and pethidine),
and some inhalants.
Hallucinogens
distort a person’s
�� Hallucinogens
perception of reality.
Hallucinogens change the way a person
perceives or experiences the world. A person
may see or hear things that are not really
there, or what they see may be distorted.
Hallucinogens can also affect a person’s thinking,
sense of time and emotions. The effects of
hallucinogens can include panic, paranoia and
loss of contact with reality. In extreme cases,
this can result in dangerous behaviour, like
walking into traffic or jumping off a roof.
Hallucinogenic drugs include: LSD (lysergic acid
diethylamide), magic mushrooms (psilocybin),
ketamine, mescaline (peyote cactus), datura
and PCP (phencyclidine). Cannabis and ecstasy
can also have hallucinogenic effects.
Stimulants
speed up the
�� Stimulants
central nervous system and the
messages going between the brain
and the body.
Stimulants increase heart rate, body
temperature and blood pressure, and can
make a person feel more awake, alert and
confident. Other effects include reduced
appetite, dilated pupils, talkativeness, agitation
and sleep disturbance. Large quantities of
stimulants can cause anxiety, panic, seizures,
headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and
paranoia. Prolonged or sustained use of strong
stimulants can also cause these effects.
Stimulant drugs include: caffeine, nicotine,
ephedrine, amphetamines (including “speed”
and “ice”), cocaine and ecstasy.
�� People use drugs to
relax, have fun, to be
part of a group, out
of curiosity and to
escape from physical
and/or psychological
pain. Many of the
reasons young people
use drugs are the
same reasons adults
use drugs.
4
Why do people use drugs?
Most people use drugs to change how they
feel because they want to feel better or
different. They use drugs for the perceived
benefits, or the benefits experienced, not for
the potential harm. This applies to both legal
and illegal drugs.
People use drugs to relax, have fun, to be part
of a group, out of curiosity and to escape from
physical and/or psychological pain. Many of the
reasons young people use drugs are the same
reasons adults use drugs.
Dependent use: when a person becomes
dependent on a drug after prolonged or heavy
use over time. They feel a need to take the
drug consistently in order to feel normal, or to
avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
It is not uncommon for people to move
between categories, or their drug use may fall
in more than one category. However, one stage
does not inevitably lead to the next. While
physical or psychological dependence is not
caused immediately or through the single use
of any drug, harm can occur at any level of use.
Drug use can be categorised into five main areas,
with most people who use drugs falling into the
experimental and recreational categories.
Experimental use: when a person tries a drug
once or twice out of curiosity.
Recreational use: when a person chooses
to use a drug for enjoyment, particularly to
enhance a mood or social occasion.
Situational use: when a drug is used to cope
with the demands of particular situations. For
example, a person may use amphetamines to
maintain alertness and to gain energy.
Intensive use: also known as “bingeing”,
when a person consumes a large amount of
drugs over a short period of time, or use is
continuous over a number of days or weeks.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
5
Drugs and their effects
Statistics on drug use
Things to consider
According to the National Drug Strategy
Household Survey,1 of Australians aged
14–19 years, in 2004:
In 2004, the average age at which Australians
first used drugs was approximately:
■■ 73.6 per cent had consumed alcohol at
some stage in their life
■■ 17 years of age for alcohol
1
The effects of any drug depend on many
factors, including:
■■ 16 years of age for tobacco
■■ 16.7 per cent had used tobacco at some
stage in their life
■■ ranging from 19 years of age for cannabis
and inhalants to 25 years of age for
tranquillisers and steroids.
■■ 29.3 per cent had used an illicit drug.
The types of licit and illicit drugs used by Australians aged 14–19 years in 20041 included:
alcohol
73.6%
25.5%
16.7%
cannabis/marijuana
tobacco
amphetamines
6.6%
6.3%
6.2%
(non-medical use)
pharmaceuticals (non-medical use)—
analgesics/painkillers, tranquillisers,
barbiturates, steroids
ecstasy
hallucinogens
inhalants
cocaine
heroin
ketamine
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate)
3.0%
2.4%
1.9%
1.3%
0.7%
0.6%
1 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey:
Detailed findings, Canberra: Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare, 2005
6
Factors that influence the effects of drugs
■■ The type of drug taken and how much of
the drug is taken: this can sometimes be
difficult to judge as drugs that are produced
illegally are not subject to quality or price
controls. This means that a person can
never be sure of the drugs’ strength, purity
or exactly what is in it.
■■ Whether the person is used to taking it:
the first time a person uses a drug, they will
have a very low tolerance—in general, the
more often a drug is used the less intense
the effects will be and the more a person will
need to take to get the desired effects.
■■ How the drug is taken: generally, drugs
that are injected or inhaled act very quickly
and the effects are more intense. Snorting
through the nose is the next fastest-acting
method of administration, while the effects
of drugs eaten or swallowed take longer to
occur but last for longer.
■■ The characteristics of the person taking
the drug: this includes a person’s size,
weight, metabolism, mood and general
health and wellbeing.
■■ The environment in which the
drug is taken: a person is more
likely to enjoy the experience in a
comfortable social atmosphere than in a
threatening environment.
■■ Whether other drugs are also taken:
a person may use more than one drug
(polydrug use) deliberately or inadvertently.
Combining drugs (including alcohol and
prescribed and over-the-counter medicines)
can increase or alter the usual effects, often
in unpredictable ways.
Social effects
All areas of a person’s life can be affected by drug
use. Family and friends may become frustrated
if the person using drugs does not recognise
the consequences of their drug use. Financial
problems may cause conflict if using drugs
means there is not enough money left over for
bills, food and clothing.
Work or school problems may occur if a person
takes increased sick days, misses classes, or
does not complete assignments.
Drug use may also affect a person’s ability to
respond appropriately to a given situation, and
to think clearly and maintain attention. This
increases the risk of an accident.
Legal and health problems can also add to
the strain on personal, financial and work
relationships.
Risks associated with method of use
As well as the specific effects of the drug,
there are also risks associated with the way the
drug is taken. For example:
■■ Snorting: repeated snorting can damage
the nasal lining.
■■ Smoking: can result in respiratory
illnesses.
■■ Injecting: can cause a number of
health problems including inflammation,
abscesses, vein damage and scarring.
Sharing injecting, snorting and smoking
equipment increases the risk of contracting
viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus—the
virus that causes AIDS).
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
7
Alcohol
■■ blurred vision
Amphetamines
Effects of amphetamines
Street/common names
“grog”, “booze”, “piss”
■■ nausea and vomiting
Street/common names
“speed”, “fast”, “whiz”, “up”, “uppers”,
“louee”, “goey”, “crystal meth”, “crystal”,
“ice”, “shabu”, “meth”, “glass”
Immediate effects
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs. Some of
their immediate effects include:
■■ sleep
■■ blackouts.
Large amounts and overdose
Alcohol overdose is characterised by nausea,
vomiting, coma, slow and shallow breathing,
pale skin and urinary incontinence (wetting
themselves). Acute alcohol poisoning may lead
to death.
■■ sweating
■■ dry mouth
■■ dilated pupils
■■ headaches
Long-term effects
Drinking heavily over a long period of time can
cause damage to many parts of the body. This
can include:
■■ increased energy and alertness, talkative,
restless, feeling excited
■■ increased confidence and a heightened
sense of wellbeing
■■ dependence
What is alcohol?
Alcohol is produced by fermentation—the
action of yeast on liquids containing sugars
and starches.
Pure alcohol is a colourless liquid that has no
taste. Alcoholic drinks vary in colour and taste
because of other ingredients that are added
to them.
Alcohol is usually swallowed.
Effects of alcohol
Immediate effects
Alcohol is a depressant drug. Some of its
immediate effects include:
■■ feeling relaxed and having reduced
concentration and coordination and
slower reflexes
■■ brain injury, loss of memory, confusion,
hallucinations
■■ high blood pressure, irregular pulse,
enlarged heart
■■ greater chance of lung infections, including
tuberculosis
■■ severe liver swelling and pain, hepatitis,
cirrhosis, liver cancer
■■ flushing of the skin, sweating, bruising
■■ changes in red blood cells
■■ inflamed lining of the stomach and
intestines, bleeding, ulcers
■■ weakness, loss of muscle tissue
■■ inflamed pancreas causing pain
■■ lowered inhibitions and increased
confidence
■■ males may experience impotence, shrinking
of testicles and damaged/fewer sperm
■■ slurred speech
■■ females have increased risk of
gynaecological problems and damage to
the foetus if pregnant.
■■ intense moods
■■ confusion
8
■■ tingling and loss of sensation in hands
and feet
■■ increased heart rate, breathing and blood
pressure
■■ difficulty sleeping
What are amphetamines?
Amphetamines are a family of related drugs—
each with its own recipe. They can be in the
form of a powder, tablets, capsules, crystals, or
a red liquid.
Amphetamines have a strong smell and bitter
taste, and in powder form can range in colour
from white through to brown. Sometimes they
can be orange or dark purple in colour.
Crystal methamphetamine (also known as
“ice”), is a potent form of amphetamine. It
appears in a crystalline form that can range
from large, clear-coloured, “sheet-like” crystals
through to a crystalline powder. Crystal
methamphetamine can also appear in a range
of colours.
Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected,
smoked and snorted.
■■ reduced appetite
■■ anxiety, irritability, hostility, aggression.
Large amounts and overdose
Large amounts of amphetamines can increase
some of the effects listed above. People who
have taken large amounts may also experience
dizziness, blurred vision, tremors, irregular
heartbeat, stomach cramps, irregular breathing
and loss of coordination, and they may collapse.
Large amounts and frequent use of
amphetamines can also result in an
“amphetamine psychosis”, characterised
by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and
bizarre, aggressive or violent behaviour. These
symptoms usually disappear a few days after
the person stops using amphetamines.
An amphetamine overdose may result in
stroke, heart failure, seizure, high body
temperature and death.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
9
Long-term effects
Regular use of amphetamines may result in a
number of health problems, including:
Analgesics (painkillers)
Misusing “over-the-counter” analgesics
increases the risk of side effects and overdose,
and can damage your health. The negative side
effects of these analgesics will vary depending
on the type of analgesic taken, but some of the
general unwanted effects include:
■■ dependence
■■ sleeping problems
■■ anxiety, tension and increased violence and
aggression
■■ high blood pressure and a rapid and
irregular heartbeat
■■ dizziness
■■ reduced resistance to infections and
malnutrition, as a result of people being
less likely to eat and sleep properly
■■ blurred vision
■■ brain damage—there is some evidence
that brain cells can be damaged, resulting
in possible reduced memory function and
other impairments in thinking
■■ psychosis.
�� Coming down
As the effects of
amphetamines wear
off, a person may
experience a range of
symptoms including
uncontrolled violence,
tension, radical mood
swings, depression and
total exhaustion.
10
colds and the ‘flu, reduce inflammation, control
diarrhoea and as a cough suppressant.
■■ drowsiness and fatigue
■■ sweating
What are analgesics?
Analgesics, also known as “painkillers”,
are used medically to relieve pain. When
taken as prescribed or instructed by your
doctor or pharmacist, in conjunction with the
manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging,
analgesics are relatively safe to use. However,
some people may misuse analgesics, in error
or deliberately.
Analgesics are available in many forms,
including tablets, capsules, suppositories,
soluble powders and liquids.
Some of the more common analgesics that
can be purchased “over-the-counter” from
a supermarket or pharmacy include aspirin,
codeine, ibuprofen and paracetamol. These
analgesics are often combined with other
medicines to make preparations such as cold
and ‘flu medicines.
Effects of analgesics
Immediate effects
Analgesics are primarily used to relieve pain.
Some analgesics can also be used to help
relieve fever, help to relieve the symptoms of
■■ abdominal discomfort or bloating, nausea
and vomiting (may vomit blood that looks
like coffee grounds)
■■ peptic ulcer, inflamed stomach lining,
stomach bleeding
■■ constipation or diarrhoea (bowel motions
may look like black-tar)
■■ easily bruised or abnormal bleeding
■■ an allergic reaction ranging from mild to
more severe with wheezy breathing and a
tightness in the chest, hives, or swelling of
the face, lips, tongue or around the eyes
■■ impairment of kidney and liver function.
Large amounts and overdose
High doses of over-the-counter analgesics
can result in overdose. Some of the signs
of overdose include dizziness, drowsiness,
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures
and coma.
If someone has taken too much of an analgesic
it is important that they receive emergency
care immediately.
Long-term effects
Long-term use of over-the-counter analgesics can
increase the risk of the side effects listed above.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
11
Benzodiazepines
Effects of benzodiazepines
Street/common names
“benzos”, “tranx”, “downers”, “sleepers”,
“pills”, “serras” (Serepax), “moggies”
(Mogadon), “normies” (Normison)
Immediate effects
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs. Some
of their immediate effects include:
Some of the various chemical (“generic”)
and brand names of benzodiazepines
include diazepam (Ducene, Valium),
oxazepam (Alepam, Murelax, Serepax),
nitrazepam (Alodorm, Mogadon),
temazepam (Euhypnos, Normison, Temaze).
■■ feeling relaxed, calm and having reduced
tension and anxiety
■■ drowsiness and fatigue
■■ lack of motivation
■■ dizziness, vertigo, nausea and vomiting
■■ confusion and impaired thinking
and memory
■■ constipation or diarrhoea
■■ blurred vision
■■ affected speech
■■ poor coordination
■■ tremors
■■ depression.
Large amounts and overdose
Large quantities of benzodiazepines
may produce an effect similar to alcohol
intoxication. This can include oversedation
and sleep, confusion and impaired judgement,
mood swings and aggressive outbursts
Benzodiazepines are also known as “minor
tranquillisers”. They are most commonly
prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and
anxiety and to help people sleep. Some people
use benzodiazepines illegally to become
intoxicated and to enhance or counteract the
effects of other drugs.
■■ dependence
■■ drowsiness, tiredness and lethargy
■■ impaired thinking and memory
What are benzodiazepines?
Long-term effects
Using benzodiazepines without the supervision
of a doctor can result in a number of problems.
These include:
Very high doses of benzodiazepines can cause
respiratory depression, unconsciousness
or coma, and death. This risk of overdose is
increased when benzodiazepines are mixed
with other drugs.
■■ changes in personality and
emotional responses
■■ anxiety, irritability, aggression
■■ depression
■■ sleeping difficulties
�� Coming down
Feelings of
jitteriness and
excitability
often become
evident as the
effects of using
large amounts of
benzodiazepines
wear off.
■■ nausea
■■ headaches
■■ skin rashes
■■ menstrual irregularities and problems
■■ sexual problems
■■ weight change
■■ muscle weakness.
Benzodiazepines usually come in tablet form
and sometimes as capsules. They come in a
range of colours and designs and are generally
stamped with their name or logo and milligram
quantity.
Benzodiazepines are generally swallowed or
(when misused) injected.
12
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
13
Cannabis
Effects of cannabis
Street/common names
“grass”, “pot”, “mull”, “dope”, “hash”
(hashish), “weed”, “skunk”, “hydro”, “herb”,
“joint”, “stick”, “cones”, “hooch”, “smoke”,
yarndi, ganga
Immediate effects
Cannabis is a depressant drug which, taken
in higher quantities, can have hallucinogenic
effects. Some of its immediate effects include:
■■ feeling sleepy
■■ increased appetite
■■ reduced motivation and energy
■■ changes in visual, auditory, time and
space perception
■■ impaired concentration, memory and
learning ability
■■ reduced coordination
■■ reduced sex drive, irregular menstrual
cycle and lowered sperm count
■■ paranoia
■■ increased heart rate and low
blood pressure
■■ reddened eyes.
Cannabis is a drug that comes from the
cannabis sativa plant. The main active
chemical in cannabis is THC (Delta-9
tetrahydrocannabinol). There are three main
forms of cannabis: marijuana, hashish and
hash oil.
■■ dependence
■■ increased risk of developing a respiratory
illness such as asthma, bronchitis and
lung cancer
■■ relaxation and loss of inhibition
■■ confusion and impaired thinking
and memory
What is cannabis?
Long-term effects
Possible long-term effects from regular
cannabis use include:
Large amounts
Very large quantities of cannabis can
produce confusion, restlessness, feelings of
excitement, hallucinations, anxiety or panic,
detachment from reality, decreased reaction
time and paranoia.
■■ psychotic symptoms—there is some
evidence that regular cannabis use
increases the likelihood of psychotic
symptoms occurring in an individual who
is vulnerable to mental illness due to a
personal or family history of mental illness.
�� Cannabis psychosis
It is believed
that cannabis use,
especially if heavy
and regular, may be
linked to a condition
known as “cannabis
psychosis” that can
last up to a few days.
These episodes are
often characterised
by hallucinations,
delusions, memory loss
and confusion.
Marijuana is the most common and least
powerful form of cannabis, consisting of the
dried leaves and flowers of the plant.
Hashish is small blocks of dried cannabis resin,
ranging in colour from light brown to nearly
black. THC in hashish is higher than marijuana,
producing stronger effects.
Hash oil is a thick, oily golden-brown to black
liquid extracted from hashish. Hash oil is the
most powerful form of cannabis.
Cannabis is usually smoked or eaten.
14
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
15
Cocaine
Effects of cocaine
Street/common names
Cocaine hydrochloride is sometimes called
“coke”, “C”, “flake”, “snow”, “nose candy”,
“white lady”, “toot”, “Charlie”, “blow”,
“white dust” or “star dust”.
Immediate effects
Cocaine is a stimulant drug. Some of its
immediate effects include:
Freebase is also known as “base”, while
crack is sometimes referred to as “rock”
or “wash”.
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the
coca bush (Erythroxylum coca). The coca leaf
extract is then processed to create cocaine
hydrochloride, freebase and crack.
Cocaine hydrochloride comes in the form of
a white odourless powder that has a bitter,
numbing taste. Freebase also appears as a
white powder. Crack generally comes in the
form of crystals that range in colour from a
white or creamy colour to transparent with a
pink or yellow hue.
■■ increased body temperature
■■ increased heart rate, blood pressure and
breathing rate
Large quantities and frequent long-term
use of cocaine may also lead to “cocaine
psychosis”. This may be characterised by
paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre,
aggressive or violent behaviour. These
symptoms generally stop after a few days.
■■ heart palpitations
Long-term effects
Regular use of cocaine can result in a number
of health problems. These can include:
■■ dilated pupils
■■ dependence
■■ sexual arousal
■■ insomnia and exhaustion
■■ feelings of intense pleasure, exhilaration
and wellbeing
■■ weight loss
■■ decreased hunger
■■ hypertension and an irregular heart beat
■■ agitation, anxiety, panic, paranoia
■■ anxiety, paranoia and psychosis
■■ poor concentration and judgement
■■ feeling more awake and alert and a reduced
need for sleep
■■ hallucinations—some people experience
sensations of insects crawling under
the skin
■■ indifference to pain and fatigue, feelings of
great physical strength and mental capacity
■■ depression and inability to experience
pleasure
■■ unpredictable, violent, aggressive
behaviour.
■■ cerebral atrophy and impaired thinking
Large amounts and overdose
Large amounts of cocaine can increase some
of the effects listed above. People who have
taken large amounts of cocaine may also
experience hallucinations, dizziness, nausea
and vomiting, tremors, loss of coordination,
loss of interest in sex, loss of ambition
and motivation, heart pain, heart attack,
hyperthermia, seizures and stroke.
��
A cocaine overdose can
result in seizures,
heart attack, brain
haemorrhage, kidney
failure, stroke,
repeated convulsions
and death.
■■ sexual dysfunction
■■ damage to the nasal lining and the
structure separating the nostrils from
repeated snorting
■■ breathing difficulties, a chronic cough and
respiratory illness from smoking crack.
Cocaine hydrochloride is most commonly
snorted, but can also be injected, swallowed or
rubbed into the gums. Freebase and crack are
usually smoked.
16
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
17
Ecstasy
■■ dilated pupils
Street/common names
“E”, “XTC”, “eccy”, “the love drug”, “pills”
■■ jaw clenching, teeth grinding
■■ heightened sensations (sight, hearing, touch)
■■ increased confidence, loss of inhibition
■■ feelings of wellbeing, euphoria, and feelings
of closeness to others
■■ poor motor control, unsteadiness, muscle
aches and stiffness
GHB
Effects of GHB
Street/common names
“Grievous Bodily Harm”, “GBH”, “fantasy”,
“liquid ecstasy”, “G”, “liquid E”, “liquid X”,
“salty water”, “Georgia Home Boy”, “soap”,
“scoop”, “organic Quaalude”, “cherry
meth”, “blue nitro”
Immediate effects
GHB is a depressant drug. The effects of GHB
may start to be felt within 15–20 minutes
and may last for about 3 hours. Some of its
immediate effects include:
■■ drowsiness
■■ nausea, loss of appetite
■■ nausea, dizziness, headache
■■ anxiety, paranoia, aggression, psychosis.
■■ tremors
Large amounts and overdose
Increased quantities do not appear to enhance
the desirable effects and may cause convulsions
(fits), vomiting, floating sensations, irrational or
bizarre behaviour, and hallucinations.
What is ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a street term for a range of
drugs that are similar in structure to
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a tablet.
These tablets can appear in a range of colours
and shapes and are often imprinted with a logo
or image from popular culture.
Manufacturers may substitute a wide range of
substances when making ecstasy, therefore
it is possible that what is sold as ecstasy may
actually contain little or no MDMA.
Ecstasy is most commonly swallowed.
Effects of ecstasy
Immediate effects
Ecstasy is similar in structure and effect
to amphetamines (a stimulant drug) and
hallucinogens. Some of the immediate effects of
ecstasy include:
■■ increased heart rate, body temperature and
blood pressure
■■ sweating
18
Overdose from ecstasy is usually characterised
by very high body temperature and blood
pressure, hallucinations and an elevated
heartbeat. These can lead to death due to heart
attack, brain haemorrhage, blood clotting, kidney
failure, overheating or dilutional hyponatremia
(drinking too much water).
Coming down
Once the initial effects of ecstasy wear off,
a person may feel physically exhausted,
depressed and irritable. They may also
experience insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, and
have difficulty concentrating. These effects
usually begin the day after taking ecstasy and
can last for several days.
Long-term effects
There is currently little conclusive information
about the long-term effects of ecstasy use, but
there is limited evidence to indicate that regular
use of ecstasy may:
■■ result in dependence
■■ cause damage to some parts of the brain,
which could lead to depression and anxiety,
sleep disturbances, and memory and
cognitive impairment.
■■ euphoria, increased libido, lowered
inhibitions
■■ decreased body temperature, blood
pressure and heart rate
■■ diarrhoea and urinary incontinence.
What is GHB?
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an
anaesthetic drug with sedative properties. It
has been used as an anaesthetic in several
countries but has been withdrawn from use
in most of these due to the unwanted side
effects.
GHB generally appears as a colourless,
odourless liquid, usually sold in small bottles.
Occasionally it may appear as a coloured liquid
or in powder and capsule form.
GHB is generally swallowed.
Large amounts and overdose
There is a small difference between the
amount of GHB required to produce a
“high” and that which causes an overdose.
High doses of GHB can result in vomiting,
tunnel vision, confusion, agitation, loss of
coordination, hallucinations, blackouts and
memory lapses, seizures, unconsciousness/
coma, respiratory arrest and death.
Long-term effects
There is currently little information available
about the long-term effects of GHB but there
is some evidence that people develop a
dependence on it.
�� We know little about
the long-term effects
of ecstasy and GHB, but
some evidence suggests
that their use can
result in dependence.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
19
Hallucinogens
Street/common names
“acid”, “trips”, “tabs”, “microdots”
and “dots”.
Street/common names
“shrooms”, “mushies” or “magics”.
Effects of hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that change
the way a person perceives the world. They
can be manufactured from chemicals, such as
PCP (phencyclidine), ketamine and ecstasy,
or they can be derived from plant material
and fungus such as LSD, magic mushrooms,
mescaline, datura, morning glory seeds
and cannabis.
Immediate effects
The effects of hallucinogens can vary
considerably depending on the type of
hallucinogen taken and environmental factors
such as the mood of the person taking it. Some
typical effects of hallucinogens include:
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) usually
comes in the form of squares of gelatine or
blotting paper, but may also appear in liquid,
tablet or capsule form. It is swallowed, sniffed,
injected or snorted.
LSD
Magic mushrooms
What are hallucinogens?
Magic mushrooms (psilocybin) come in
several varieties. Some of the types found
in Australia that contain psilocybin include
“golden tops’, “blue meanies” and “liberty
caps”. They look like ordinary dried mushrooms
or they may appear as a powdered material in
capsules. They are usually eaten fresh, brewed
into a “tea”, or occasionally mixed with tobacco
or cannabis and smoked.
Mescaline comes from the peyote cactus,
Lophophora williamsii but can also be produced
synthetically. Pure mescaline sulphate is a
white crystalline powder. It may also appear
as a powder in various colours and dried,
ground peyote buttons are usually in capsule
form. Mescaline is generally swallowed, but
the buttons are sometimes chewed, or ground
and smoked.
PCP (phencyclidine) is a white crystalline
powder in its pure state but is usually found
in the form of pills, capsules or powders of
various colours. PCP is usually swallowed,
sniffed or injected. Some people sprinkle it on
tobacco or cannabis and smoke it.
■■ increased breathing rate, heart rate and
blood pressure
■■ dizziness
�� “Flashbacks” (the
recurrence of
hallucinations) can
occur days, weeks
or months after a
person has used
an hallucinogen.
■■ impaired coordination
■■ nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort
■■ increased body temperature and sweating
that may alternate with chills and shivering
■■ numbness
■■ a sense of relaxation, a feeling of
wellbeing, euphoria
■■ hallucinations and distorted sensory
perception, including visual, auditory, body,
time and space perception
■■ disorganised thoughts, confusion and
difficulty concentrating, thinking or
maintaining attention
■■ anxiety, agitation, paranoia and feelings of
panic (sometimes called a “bad trip”).
Large amounts and overdose
Higher doses of hallucinogens can increase
some of the unpleasant effects listed above.
Some people may experience a “druginduced” psychosis that is characterised by
hallucinations, delusions, bizarre behaviour,
aggression, paranoia and violent or suicidal
behaviour. These episodes may last several
hours or longer for some people.
Deaths from hallucinogens are rare, but a
severe overdose of some hallucinogens such
as PCP or ketamine, can result in respiratory
depression, coma, convulsions, seizures and
death due to respiratory arrest. Deaths from
hallucinogens generally occur due to suicide,
accidents and dangerous behaviour, or due
to inadvertently consuming poisonous plant
material.
Long-term effects
Long-term, frequent use of some hallucinogens
may result in:
■■ impairment of some aspects of memory
and cognitive function
■■ personality and mood changes.
Street/common names for PCP include “angel
dust” and “peace pill”.
20
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
21
Heroin
Street/common names
“H”, “smack”, “skag”, “junk”, “gear”,
“horse”, “dope”, “hammer”, “slow”, “harry”,
“big harry”, “black tar”, “china white”,
“Chinese H”, “white dynamite”, “dragon”,
“elephant”, “homebake”, “poison”
■■ feelings of pain, hunger and sexual urges
are diminished
■■ breathing, blood pressure and heart rate
become slower
Heroin is one of a group of drugs known
as “opioids”. Other opioids include opium,
morphine, codeine, pethidine, oxycodone,
buprenorphine and methadone. Heroin is made
from morphine or codeine, which are produced
from the refined sticky resin (opium) extracted
from the seedpod of the opium poppy.
Heroin can range from a fine white powder to
off-white granules or brown pieces of “rock”. It
has a bitter taste but no smell.
Heroin is most commonly injected, but it is
sometimes also smoked or snorted.
Effects of heroin
Immediate effects
Heroin is a depressant drug. Some of its
immediate effects include:
■■ feelings of intense pleasure and a strong
feeling of wellbeing
22
Effects of inhalants
Street/common names
“glue”, “gas”, “sniff”, “huff”, “chroming”,
“poppers”
Immediate effects
Inhalants are depressants. Some of their
immediate effects include:
■■ pupils constrict (get smaller)
■■ dry mouth
■■ feeling excited, euphoric, less inhibited,
reckless behaviour
■■ slurred and slow speech
■■ agitation, confusion and disorientation
■■ reduced coordination
■■ slurred speech
■■ drowsiness
■■ drowsiness
■■ nausea and vomiting.
■■ ‘flu-like symptoms such as sneezing,
coughing, glazed eyes or runny nose
Large amounts and overdose
Large amounts of heroin can intensify some of
the immediate effects. People who have taken
large amounts of heroin may also experience
difficulty concentrating, they may fall asleep
(“on the nod”), breathing becomes slower and
more shallow, and they may have in increase in
sweating, itching and urinary output.
What is heroin?
Inhalants
Signs of a heroin overdose include breathing
becoming very slow, body temperature
dropping, and heartbeat becoming irregular.
Pinpoint pupils, blue lips and fingernails,
cold skin, convulsions and snoring are also
common. It is possible to die of a heroin
overdose.
Long-term effects
Regular use of heroin may result in a number of
health problems, including:
■■ dependence
■■ constipation
■■ menstrual irregularity and infertility in
women and loss of sex drive in men
■■ malnutrition and increased susceptibility to
infections, as a result of reduced spending
on housing and food, combined with
reduced appetite.
■■ nausea
■■ diarrhoea
■■ headaches
■■ unpleasant breath
What are inhalants?
■■ nosebleeds
Inhalants are a range of products that can
cause intoxication or feeling “high” when
vaporised and inhaled. The types of inhalants
can be divided into a number of different
groups, such as general volatile substances,
nitrites and anaesthetics, depending on their
effects and chemical structure.
■■ bloodshot eyes
General volatile substances include glue,
aerosol spray cans, gas from lighters or
barbecues (butane), cleaning fluid, felttipped pens, correction fluid (liquid paper),
paint or paint thinner, chrome-based paint
(“chroming”) and petrol.
Nitrites include amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and
isobutyl nitrite.
Anaesthetics include chemicals such as ether
and nitrous oxide.
Inhalants are often sprayed into a plastic
bag, poured into a bottle, or soaked onto a
cloth or a sleeve before being inhaled. Some
substances are inhaled directly from the
container, or sprayed into the mouth or nose.
■■ chest pain and irregular heart beat
■■ poor coordination
■■ hallucinations and delusions.
Large amounts and other risks
Using large amounts of inhalants can increase
the chances of feeling disoriented and
experiencing visual distortions, and can further
decrease coordination. Very high amounts
may also cause someone to black out, or even
cause convulsions or a coma.
The main danger from using inhalants
comes from accidents when intoxicated.
This includes suffocation caused by using
plastic bags to inhale, choking on vomit when
unconscious, and accidents while behaving
recklessly. Inhalants are also highly flammable,
so there is also a risk of severe burns if the
inhalants ignite.
There is a small risk of “sudden sniffing
death” associated with using some inhalants
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
23
such as aerosol sprays, cleaning and correction
fluids, and model aeroplane cement. It is
believed that chemicals used in these products
may cause heart failure, particularly if the
person is stressed or does heavy exercise
after inhaling.
Long-term effects
Regular heavy use of inhalants can result
in a number of health problems. Some of
these include:
Ketamine
Street/common names
“K”, “special K”, “ket”, “kitkat”, “super K”
■■ pale appearance
■■ feeling detached from the body
(dissociation)
■■ hallucinations and distorted sensory
perception, including visual, auditory, body,
time and space perception
■■ some inhalants affect the production of
blood, which may result in problems such
as anaemia
■■ reduced sensitivity to pain and numbness
in the extremities
■■ sores around the nose and mouth
■■ dizziness
■■ tremors
■■ slurred speech
■■ weight loss
■■ constricted pupils (smaller)
■■ tiredness
■■ impaired motor coordination
■■ feeling unusually thirsty
■■ increased heart rate and blood pressure
■■ irregular heart beat and damage to the
heart muscle
■■ faster, but shallow, breathing
■■ forgetfulness, memory impairment,
inattention and decreased ability to think
clearly and logically
■■ irritability, hostility, depression, or feeling
persecuted
■■ irritation of the stomach lining and
intestines
■■ motor impairment
■■ breathing difficulties
■■ damage to the brain, nervous system,
kidneys and liver
■■ eye problems, such as burst blood vessels,
which make the eyes completely red and
can lead to blindness (particularly related to
using chrome-based paints).
Most long-term effects are not permanent and
can be reversed if use is stopped. However,
some inhalants such as cleaning products,
correction fluid, aerosol cans and petrol can
cause permanent damage.
■■ blurred vision
What is ketamine?
Ketamine hydrochloride is a short-acting,
dissociative anaesthetic. It is sometimes used
in medical and veterinary settings, but some
people use it illegally for its hallucinogenic
effects.
■■ nausea and vomiting
■■ sweating.
Ketamine comes as a white crystalline powder
with a characteristic odour. It can be made into
tablets, pills or dissolved in a liquid.
Ketamine can be swallowed, snorted
or injected.
Effects of ketamine
Immediate effects
Ketamine is an hallucinogenic drug. Some of its
immediate effects include:
■■ euphoria and relaxation
■■ confusion, disorganised thoughts, and
difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly and
maintaining attention
��
Some people
experience very
extreme adverse
reactions to
ketamine. These are
sometimes referred
to as “bad trips”.
■■ anxiety, agitation, paranoia and feelings
of panic
24
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
25
Large amounts and overdose
High doses of ketamine can intensify some
of the immediate effects listed here. Large
quantities of ketamine may also cause
drowsiness, muscle rigidity, erratic, hostile
and bizarre behaviour, depression, amnesia,
hypersalivation, increased body temperature or
fever, convulsions, cardiac arrest and coma.
Ketamine overdose may result in seizures,
respiratory depression, coma and death.
Long-term effects
There is currently little information available
about the long-term effects of ketamine
but there is some evidence that long-term,
frequent use may result in:
Tobacco
Effects of tobacco
Street/common names
“cigs”, “fags”, “butts”, “smokes”, “darts”,
“cancer sticks”, “ciggies”, “rollies’
Immediate effects
Tobacco is a stimulant drug. Some of its
immediate effects include:
■■ initial stimulation, then reduction in activity
of the brain and nervous system
■■ dependence
■■ impairment of some aspects of memory
and a reduced ability to concentrate
■■ increase in blood pressure and heart rate
■■ mild euphoria and feelings of relaxation
■■ personality and mood changes
■■ enhanced alertness and concentration
■■ depression.
■■ decreased blood flow to the extremities
(fingers and toes)
■■ decreased skin temperature
■■ bad breath
■■ reduced appetite
What is tobacco?
�� It has also been
reported that some
people experience
“flashbacks” from when
they used the drug.
Flashbacks can occur
days, weeks or months
after a person has
used ketamine.
26
Tobacco contains nicotine and comes from
the leaves of the tobacco plant (Nicotiana
tobacum and Nicotiana rustica). The leaf of the
tobacco plant is dried, cured and aged before
having other ingredients added to make a range
of tobacco-based products. These include
cigarettes (including some herbal cigarettes),
cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and
wet and dry snuff.
Tobacco is most commonly smoked. People
smoke tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and hookahs (water pipes). Tobacco can also
be chewed (chewing tobacco or wet snuff) or
sniffed (dry snuff).
■■ nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and
diarrhoea
■■ dizziness and headaches
■■ bad breath
■■ coughing due to smoke irritation.
Large amounts and overdose
Very large doses of nicotine can result in an
increase in the unpleasant effects, including
feelings of faintness and confusion, and a rapid
decrease in blood pressure and breathing rate.
Overdose is rare but in some cases very large
amounts of nicotine can lead to convulsions
and death from respiratory failure.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
27
Drug laws
Long-term effects
Long-term use of tobacco can cause damage
to many parts of the body. This can include:
■■ dependence
■■ loss of sense of taste and smell and
possible hearing loss
■■ eye cataracts, macular degeneration, and
yellowing of the whites of the eyes
■■ yellowed teeth, tooth decay and bad breath
■■ decreased appetite
■■ lowered immune system and slower
healing of wounds
■■ facial wrinkles, and skin has grey
appearance and may be stained yellowishbrown by tar
■■ shortness of breath, coughing, chronic
bronchitis, trigger for asthma, emphysema
■■ contributes to osteoporosis
■■ stomach ulcers
■■ high blood pressure, heart disease,
heart attack
■■ increased risk of stroke and brain damage
28
■■ damage to the blood vessel walls in the
arms, hands, legs and feet which can
lead to atherosclerotic peripheral vascular
disease (PVD) that can result in gangrene
and amputation
■■ nose, lip, tongue, mouth, laryngeal,
pharyngeal, lung, oesophageal, stomach
and bladder cancer and myeloid leukemia
■■ males—impotence, and damaged and
reduced sperm
■■ females—lower fertility and increased
risk of miscarriage, irregular periods and
early menopause.
Each Australian state and territory has laws
governing the manufacture, possession,
distribution and use of drugs, both legal and
illegal. Drug laws in Australia distinguish
between those who use drugs and those who
supply or traffic drugs.
The main types of offences related to illegal
drugs are:
It is also illegal to drive under the influence
of any drug. Some states in Australia have
introduced random roadside drug testing
for some illicit drugs, including cannabis
and amphetamines.
Penalties for drug-related offences can
include fines and /or imprisonment,
depending on the offence.
■■ Use: includes smoking, inhaling fumes,
injecting, ingesting or otherwise
introducing a drug of dependence,
into a person’s body (including another
person’s body).
■■ Possession: means having control or
custody of a drug. Possession applies to
both the drugs found on the person and on
their property, if it is proven that the drugs
belong to that person.
■■ Cultivation: is the act of sowing, planting,
growing, tending, nurturing or harvesting a
narcotic plant.
■■ Trafficking: includes manufacturing a drug
of dependence, or selling, exchanging,
agreeing to sell, or offering for sale, or
having in possession for sale, a drug of
dependence.
�� In Victoria and some
other states, the
police and courts have
introduced a number of
schemes in relation to
drug offences. These
divert people from
the criminal justice
system into education,
treatment or other
support services.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
29
Addressing drug-related issues
Drug issues are a community concern, not just
an individual’s or family’s. Effective responses
to drug use and drug problems come from
informed decision making. Information and
assistance is available for family, friends,
people who use drugs and others. There is no
need to deal with drug issues alone.
What is a drug problem?
Strategies for parents
It is difficult to define what a “drug problem”
is. What one person perceives as a problem
may not be seen as a problem by another.
Many experts agree that a drug problem is
not measured by how much, how many or
what drug a person uses, but by how the
drug affects their life and the lives of those
around them.
Some helpful strategies for parents when
communicating with children about drugs:
How can I tell if someone is
using drugs?
There are no specific physical signs or
personality changes that can indicate with
any certainty that someone is using drugs.
Behaviour that is uncharacteristic of a person
may indicate drug use, but could also indicate
an issue that is not drug-related. It is important
to differentiate between these.
Signs that are uncharacteristic of a person
that may require your attention, regardless of
whether drug use is involved, include:
■■ mood swings, explosive outbursts
■■ trouble with the police
■■ frequent absences from work or school,
or declining work or school performance
■■ unexplained need for money, or
disappearing money and valuables
■■ decrease in extra-curricular activities,
withdrawing socially and minimal
interaction with family
■■ sudden changes of friends
■■ tiredness or changes in sleeping patterns
■■ changes in eating patterns
■■ impaired memory and poor concentration.
30
■■ Make sure you set an example. You may
not be taken seriously if you talk about
having a healthy approach to drugs while
at the same time smoking cigarettes or
drink-driving.
■■ Provide consistent and fair rules and
guidelines. It is useful to establish some
agreements about acceptable behaviour in
relation to alcohol and drugs.
■■ Have open and honest discussions
about drugs. Make sure they know
the facts.
■■ Respect a person’s privacy. Think about
consequences before acting. For example,
is it worth searching someone’s room if it
means potentially losing their trust?
■■ Support and encourage positive
behaviour. Avoid focusing only on
the negatives.
■■ Be informed about drugs. Do some
research and homework to make sure
you are informed. If you do not know the
answers to the questions you are asked,
find out. Do not make up information
or exaggerate.
■■ Choose an appropriate time to talk. If
your child is caught at a time when they
are not able to give their full attention, they
may be more inclined to react defensively.
Try to remove any distractions, such as the
telephone. Avoid talking when a person is
under the influence of drugs.
■■ Use open questions and listen carefully.
Explore thoughts and feelings without
sounding like it is an interrogation. For
example, ask your child how he or she feels
and allow him or her to examine whether
there are any problems or potential risks.
Allow and encourage your child to speak in
full sentences and to finish what he or she
has to say without interruption.
��
Communication is
a two-way process.
Your child needs to
know that he or she
will be listened to
and that you are
open to hearing what
he or she has to
say. Communication
involves listening;
not giving lectures
or judging.
Alcohol and other drugs
A guide for parents
31
Support services and further information
Support services
The contact details for parent lines and
alcohol and other drug services in your state
or territory are listed on the back cover of
this booklet.
Where can I get more
information?
The telephone book: check under alcohol and
drugs for services in your area.
Written information: self-help guides, school
drug education materials and general drug
information are available through the DrugInfo
Clearinghouse (tel. 1300 85 85 84,
email druginfo@adf.org.au). For individual
advice and information, contact your local drug
and alcohol service (see back cover).
Teachers and schools: the local school may
run information evenings on drug issues or
parenting skills.
Your local doctor, community health
centre or hospital: ask what services are
available in your area.
Local government: can assist with
information on parenting programs.
Legal aid and community legal services:
can provide free or low-cost help in
many situations.
The Internet: the Australian Drug Information
Network (ADIN), at www.adin.com.au,
is a central point of access to quality
Internet-based alcohol and drug information
provided by prominent organisations in
Australia and internationally.
DrugInfo Clearinghouse, at
www.druginfo.adf.org.au, provides
reliable information about alcohol and
other drugs.
32
Family Drug Help, at www.familydrughelp.
sharc.org.au, provides 24-hour support for
family members, treatment programs, referral
and self-help groups.
Self-help groups and courses: sharing
can help a person feel that they are not
alone, and can provide them with practical
and emotional support. Support groups are
available for people who use drugs and
their family and friends.
33
Alcohol and drug services and parent
lines in your state or territory
For information, counselling, advice and other assistance, contact:
Australia-wide
South Australia
Family Drug Support
1300 368 186 (toll-free)
Alcohol and drugs:
1300 131 340 (toll-free)
Australian Capital Territory
Parent advice:
1300 364 100 (toll-free)
Alcohol and drugs:
(02) 6207 9977
Tasmania
Parent advice:
(02) 6287 3833
Alcohol and drugs:
1800 811 994 (toll-free)
New South Wales
Parent advice:
1300 808 178 (toll-free)
Alcohol and drugs:
(02) 9361 8000
Victoria
1800 422 599 (toll-free outside Sydney) Alcohol and drugs:
1300 85 85 84 (information, toll-free)
Parent advice:
13 20 55 (toll-free)
1800 888 236 (counselling, toll-free)
Northern Territory
Family Drug Help: 1300 660 068 (toll-free)
Alcohol and drugs:
1800 131 350 (toll-free)
Parent advice:
1300 301 300
Queensland
Alcohol and drugs:
1800 177 833 (toll-free)
Parent advice:
1300 301 300
Western Australia
Alcohol and drugs:
(08) 9442 5000
1800 198 024 (toll-free outside Perth)
Parent advice:
1800 654 432 (toll-free)