About drug addiction
The recreational use of illicit drugs is widespread in Australia. For most people, occasional drug use doesn’t lead to problems. For others, perhaps you or your loved one, drug taking can cause a spiralling range of issues affecting their relationships, career and health.
Effects of drug addiction
While different drugs have different consequences for your mental and physical health, all drugs can have the following detrimental effects:
- brain damage
- risk of overdose
- impotence
- insomnia
- legal problems
- violence
- relationship problems.
Types of drugs
Many substances are classified as drugs, including legal products such as cigarettes and illegal drugs like marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine and hallucinogens.
Cannabis
The most commonly used illicit drug in Australia is marijuana, the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Most marijuana is smoked in joints or bongs, but it can also be eaten. Prolonged use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, with effects including:
- lack of co-ordination and concentration
- lack of motivation
- lethargy
- cognitive problems
- irrational thoughts
- hallucinations and altered perceptions
- short-term memory loss
- tachycardia and arrhythmias.
- throat and lung cancer
- respiratory problems
- paranoia
- psychosis
- depression
- weight problems.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulants, with colloquial names including speed, whiz, crystal meth and ice. Amphetamines can be smoked, injected or snorted. In the short-term, the use of amphetamines can cause agitation and hyperactivity, insomnia and increased heart rate. Addiction to amphetamines can have a number of effects, including:
- paranoia
- hallucinations
- seizures
- asthma
- violent behaviour
- thrombosis
- vein abscesses, viruses and infections from using needles.
Loss of inhibitions while under the influence of amphetamines can lead to poor judgements and involvement in violence, binge drinking, parenting or driving while affected by drugs, unsafe sex, other drug use and other risk-taking behaviour. Withdrawal from amphetamines can cause depression, suicidal thoughts and problems at work or home.
Benzodiazepines
Tranquillisers, or benzos, are legal medications prescribed as an anti-anxiety or insomnia medication. Benzodiazepines include the highly addictive drugs Temazepam, Serepax, Diazepam (Valium) and Xanax. Most benzodiazepines are taken orally, and taking them in combination with other drugs can be highly dangerous. As these drugs affect the nervous system, detoxification needs to take place under strict medical supervision. The use of benzodiazepines can have a number of effects, including:
- confusion and irritability
- loss of memory
- slurred speech
- poor co-ordination
- fatigue
- headaches
- major withdrawal symptoms including depression, sweating, tremors and anxiety.
- stroke
- damage to internal organs
- infections
- insomnia
- collapsed veins
- poor circulation
- thrombosis.
Heroin
Heroin is an opiate originating from the opium poppy flower. The drug can be injected, inhaled or smoked, and is known as smack, gear or skag. Heroin creates a feeling of drowsiness, and can quickly lead to coma or overdose when heart and breathing rates are slowed down. The effects of heroin include:
- drowsiness
- glazed eyes
- itching and sweating
- clammy skin.
The long-term health consequences of heroin use can include:
- hepatitis C
- HIV
- infertility and risky pregnancy
- lung and heart problems
- nausea and vomiting
- hormonal changes.
