What makes drugs dangerous

Territories for mental and substance use disorders. Ellos escuchan. They Hear You. Solr Mobile Search. Share Buttons. Banners Landing Banners. Main page content. All drug use comes with risk. Know the facts before letting drugs take their toll on you and your family. Download the audio and video files. Learn more about the science, risks and treatment of addiction. Mental Health It is not uncommon for someone with a substance use disorder to also experience a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

Drug Overdoses in Youth How many young people die from drug overdoses? Find data by drug type. Commonly Used Drugs Charts Provides information on the short- and long-term effects of commonly used illegal drugs and treatment options. How Do Drugs Affect the Brain Briefly describes how more than 15 different types of drugs affect the teen brain. Alcohol Teen drinking can put teens' health and safety at risk. Male drug users who are parents are not usually seen in the same sort of way.

Sexism can also affect the experience of drug use and drug risks. The place where drugs are used and what people are doing at the time can influence how dangerous it is. For example, some young people take drugs in out-of-the-way places that are particularly dangerous like canal banks, near motorways, in derelict buildings etc.

Accidents are much more likely in these places, especially if the user is intoxicated. Also if anything does go wrong, it is unlikely help will be at hand or that an ambulance could easily be called. Even if the setting is not in itself inherently dangerous there may be other types of risks associated with the place of use. Using or taking drugs into school has led to substantial numbers of young people being expelled from school with drastic effects on their future careers.

Driving a car or riding a bicycle or operating machinery while on drugs, will greatly increase the risks of accidents. Drug use can lower inhibitions, increasing the likelihood of sexual encounters. Safer sex — eg by using condoms — will be much more difficult if the person concerned is intoxicated. The risks of unwanted pregnancy, HIV the virus that leads to AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections could be increased if people have sex while high on alcohol or drugs.

Another setting danger is that of people over-exerting themselves when using ecstasy. Ecstasy gives a buzz of energy and is often used in clubs while dancing non-stop for long periods. In some situations people have danced for hours without a break in hot, crowded environments.

They run the risk of becoming dehydrated and getting heat exhaustion. In some cases this can be very dangerous and it has led to a number of deaths. There are many possible risks and dangers involved when using drugs. To fully understand potential risks and dangers you will need to think about drug, set and setting. DrugWise infographic on drug dangers PDF Some people think everyone who takes drugs will end up dead.

The truth is somewhere in between… Drug use can never be per cent safe but it is not always as dangerous as people think. The drug Drugs are not all the same.

Different drugs have different dangers associated with them. The dangers of drug use will also depend on: How much is taken. The more that is taken the greater the danger. Taking too much of a sedative drug can lead to a fatal overdose. Taking a large dose of a stimulant drug can lead to panic attacks,heart problems or in extreme cases, psychotic behaviour where all sense of reality is lost.

The length of time before the onset of withdrawal and the time taken to withdraw is dependent on the type of drug the person has been using. The person may experience some of the following symptoms, depending on the type of drug they have been using:.

ADIS is a confidential helpline for anyone, of any age. It's there for you and you can remain anonymous. The people on the other end of the phone are trained counsellors and will listen to what you have to say.

They are used to hearing about problems to do with drug use. You can talk to them about whatever you want, whether it's to do with your own drug use or that of someone else. ADIS can also refer you to treatment services, send you resources, or direct you to where to find other information, resources and support. SA Health offers a range of public health services for people with drug-related problems and their family and friends.

Community-based residential inpatient and non residential treatment services are available. Community-based non residential treatment services are also available in country areas. There are also a number of non-government drug-related health services available. Telephone ADIS on 13 for details. Introduction to the section on harmful drug use, including an outline of the purpose of the section and links to all pages related to harmful drug use.

The individual characteristics of commonly misused substances and harmful drug use - drug types. Includes common names used. Is it really an emergency? Consider the best health care option for you before visiting an Emergency Department.

Information about the Virtual Support Network of services and other resources to support the mental health of the South Australian community.