Drug Effects: Short and Long-Term Impacts
Uploaded by
Ngaire TaylorDrug Effects: Short and Long-Term Impacts
Uploaded by
Ngaire TaylorInformation Supplement: The Effects of Drugs
Substance Alcohol Immediate Effect Alcohol is usually taken to produce feelings of relaxation, wellbeing and happiness. Other immediate effects include: loss of inhibitions; slurred speech; slowed reaction time; dizziness, shakiness; passing out; hangover and headache. Effects due to continued use Long term effects include: poor diet; stomach problems; frequent infections; skin problems; liver damage; brain damage including memory loss/ confusion; damage to reproductive organs; heart and blood disorders; depression; relationship problems; and work problems.
Amphetamine (Speed, crystal meth, base, ice, shabu, clout
Amphetamines are usually taken for their stimulating effects including delaying sleep.
Other immediate effects include: dizziness, shakiness and restlessness; Taken orally, anally irregular breathing; or by snorting. aggression. Lasts 4-8 hours.
Long term effects include: dependency on the drug; violent behaviour; increased illness due to reduced resistance to disease; psychological problems; and relationship, work, money, legal or housing problems.
Overdose may involve psychological problems, heart attack, bleeding blood vessels in the brain and very high fever. Caffeine Lasts 2-4 hours.
Increased alertness. Large doses can delay sleep.
Long term effects of high doses include: restlessness and upset stomach. Long term effects include: increased risk of bronchitis, lung cancer and other breathing problems; decreased motivation; decreased concentration, memory and ability to learn new things; decreased sex drive; psychological effects including anxiety and depression and psychosis; and a reliance on marijuana to function during the day.
Cannabis Cannabis is usually taken to produce feelings (Marijuana, grass, of relaxation. mull, pot, dope Other immediate effects include: and yardi) loss of concentration and memory; Taken orally or by confusion, decreased coordination; smoking. bloodshot eyes; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that dont exist).
Information Supplement
The Effects of Drugs
Substance Cold and flu tablets Ephedrine (Sudafed; Logican) Available over the counter Taken orally. Lasts 4-8 hours.
Immediate Effect Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine is usually taken to treat cold and flu symptoms, but is also taken for its stimulant effects. Other immediate effects include: increased heart rate and increased blood pressure; increased body temperature; and agitation, restlessness, irritability and excitedness. Large doses may cause: psychological problems including paranoia or psychosis; aggression; stomach cramps; and seizures. WARNING: Those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as it increases the risk of heart attack.
Effects due to continued use
Can cause similar effects to speed (see previous page).
MDMA (Ecstasy: E, eccy)
MDMA (Ecstasy) is usually taken to produce feelings of confidence and closeness with others.
Taken orally, anally Other immediate effects include: or by injection. increased blood pressure; Lasts up to 6 floating sensation; hours. psychological effects such as anxiety or paranoia; nausea and vomiting; increased sweating and risk of dehydration; teeth grinding, jaw clenching; and fitting (large doses). After effects include: reduced appetite; sleep problems; and depression.
Long term effects include: psychological problems such as feeling of being watched (paranoia), not sleeping (insomnia) and depression.
Minor tranquilisers Minor tranquilisers are usually taken to relieve (Sedatives such as anxiety and tension. Valium, Serepax) Other immediate effects include: Taken orally, anally drowsiness; or by injection. blurred vision; and Lasts 12-24 hours. reduced muscle coordination High doses can result in: suppression of breathing and coma; reduced concentration; and muscle aches.
Long term effects include: increased risk of depression; lack of muscle and speech coordination. Withdrawal symptoms include: anxiety, insomnia, tremors and convulsions.
Information Supplement
The Effects of Drugs
Substance Opioids (heroin, morphine, codine, pethidine, methadone, opium Taken orally, by injection, smoking and snorting. Lasts 4-24 hours.
Immediate Effect Opioid drugs are prescribed for the management of severe pain and anxiety. They are also used (illegally) to increase feelings of wellbeing.
Effects due to continued use Long term effects include: high risk of overdose; HIV and hepatitis if sharing needles;
Withdrawal symptoms include: anxiety, sweating, cramps, runny nose, vomiting, Other effects include: decreased awareness of the outside world; insomnia, pain. vomiting; and Drowsiness. High doses can cause unconsciousness and death.
Tobacco
Tobacco is usually taken to produce effects of satisfaction and wellbeing.
Tobacco is highly addictive. Long term effects include: heart and blood vessel disease; lung disease; and cancer.
Drug effects will vary depending on: how much you take; how strong it is; how it is taken; your size, weight, height and mood; whether you are mixing drugs e.g. speed with alcohol or prescription drugs; and where you are i.e. driving, at home or socialising. *Psychosis: Psychosis is associated with a number of illnesses that affect the brain. Disorientation, memory problems and visual hallucinations are the most common symptoms. (Marijuana, and speed can cause psychosis.) NB: Taking drugs and driving increases the risk of a dangerous accident. It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. Penalties include losing your licence, losing your job, a fine and/or jail. Using, keeping or giving illicit drugs to someone else is illegal. If you are caught you could get penalties including jail or a substantial fine.
Contacts
ACT 24 hour Alcohol and Drug line (02) 6205 4545 NSW Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) (02) 9661 8000 and toll free 1800 422 599 SA Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) Toll free 1300 131 340 TAS Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) Toll free 1800 811 994 NT Amity community Service QLD
Alcohol & Drug Information (08) 8981 8030 and toll free 1800 Service (ADIS) 629 683 (07) 3236 2414 VIC Direct Line Toll free 1800 888 236 WA Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) (08) 9442 5000 and toll free 1800 198 024
More information is available from Australian Drug Foundation Tel: 1300 85 85 84 [Link]
For more information see [Link]
Information Supplement The Effects of Drugs 3
