Definition of a drug
A drug is any substance, solid, liquid or gas that brings about physical and/or psychological changes in the body.
The drugs of most concern to the community are those that affect the central nervous system. They act on the brain and can change the way a person thinks, feels or behaves. These are psychoactive drugs.
Where do drugs come from?
Drugs are derived from a range of sources. Many are found in plants, for example nicotine in tobacco, caffeine in coffee and cocaine from the coca plant. Morphine and codeine are derived from the opium poppy, while heroin is made from morphine or codeine. Marijuana is the leaf, buds and seed heads of the cannabis plant and hashish and hash oil are the plant's resin.
The deal on drugs
Drugs can alter the way your body functions and the way you feel. Alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, heroin, inhalants, marijuana, steroids and speed are among the many drugs around these days. There are no controls on what illegal drugs contain - you never really know what you're getting.
People take drugs for many reasons with varying effects. A range of reactions can be unexpected, unwelcome and in some cases, fatal. The effects can depend on many factors such as how much you've eaten, your body type or what drug or drugs you have taken.
No drug is completely safe
You can reduce the risks of some drugs. Check out the Drug Info Clearing House fact sheet on club drugs (new window) and our Party safe page for tips about a sensible and safe approach to clubbing and partying.
Never mix drugs or share needles. You can use the Better Health Channel Service Directory (new window) to search for local needle exchange programs in your area.
Legal stuff
It's no news that getting caught using, carrying or selling illegal drugs can have serious consequences including heavy fines or a gaol term. Check out the facts at Legal Online (new window).
Each state has laws governing the manufacture, possession, distribution and use of drugs, both legal and illegal.
Drug laws (new window) in Australia distinguish between those who use drugs and those who supply or traffic drugs. The four main types of offences related to illegal drugs are use, possession, cultivation, and trafficking.
How do I sort the facts from the myths?
For detailed fact sheets about particular drugs and their effects, visit the Victorian Government's drug information site (new window).
You'll also find information at Reach Out (new window), the Better Health Channel (new window), and the Drug Info Clearing House (new window), where you can do a search for facts about specific drugs ranging from alcohol through to methadone.
Finding information, advice or help
If you think you have a problem with drugs or know someone that you think may have a problem, the first step to getting help is talking to a counsellor or health professional. They have worked with lots of young people and can be trusted to be completely confidential.
Counsellors and health professionals provide confidential advice and can refer you to a drug service that is right for you.
You can take this first step by:
- Phoning Directline on 1800 888 236, a 24 hour telephone counselling, information and referral service.
- Contacting a drug referral and counselling service (new window) in your area
- Visiting a doctor or local health service
Helping a friend or family member
If you have a friend or family member with a drug problem, counsellors, doctors and health professionals can also give you advice on how to help the person in need. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone who doesn't know the person directly.
Links
Victorian Government Drug Information Site
Information about drugs and their effects, answers to frequently asked questions and contact details for counselling services, treatments and professional agencies who can provide proper advice and completely confidential services.
Victorian Legal Aid - Drug Use and The Law
A range of facts about drugs and the law including arrest, bail, being questioned, overdoses and safer injecting.
Better Health Channel - Drugs
Contains articles about young people and drugs.
Drug Info Clearinghouse
Drug and alcohol information especially for young people.
Reach Out!
Information for young people on topics including chroming, drink spiking, safer drug use and what to do if your friend has taken drugs or hurt themselves.
