Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is a rite of passage for many, but the health effects are no party.
Trying to find an Australian adult who has never used drugs to relax, stay awake or enhance the fun of a party would be no easy task. Whether it's alcohol, tobacco or a recreational drug, what may have started out as a harmless lark can easily create problems ranging from psychological dependence to sudden death.
Here, we look at some of the health effects of drug and alcohol use and how to prevent them.
Alcohol
There's no doubt about it, we're a nation of drinkers and while most of us wouldn't see alcohol as a drug, it is definitely an addictive substance that can lead to trouble in both the short and long term.
The latest government guidelines tell us we should all be consuming no more than two standard drinks on any day, and never more …show more content…
Brain swelling.
Kidney failure.
Heart attack.
Blood clots.
Brain haemorrhage.
Severe liver damage.
What you can do: It's not a great idea to drink loads of water in one go if you're overheating on ecstasy. Drinking copious amounts can lead to water intoxication – a potentially deadly condition leading to brain swelling. Instead, take small sips and regular breaks from dancing. The best way to prevent damaging your health is to stop using ecstasy. When you do stop taking it, your body should resume its natural hormone production and even most cases of liver damage are reversed over time.
Speed
Speed usually comes in the form of a powder and can be smoked, swallowed, injected, snorted or taken rectally. Pseudoephedrine, a major ingredient of some cold and flu tablets, can also be used to make speed, which is why pharmacies across Australia have restricted the sale of over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine.
What it does: This is an amphetamine, a kind of stimulant that sends your central nervous system into overdrive. It triggers euphoria, increases energy and reduces
Trying to find an Australian adult who has never used drugs to relax, stay awake or enhance the fun of a party would be no easy task. Whether it's alcohol, tobacco or a recreational drug, what may have started out as a harmless lark can easily create problems ranging from psychological dependence to sudden death.
Here, we look at some of the health effects of drug and alcohol use and how to prevent them.
Alcohol
There's no doubt about it, we're a nation of drinkers and while most of us wouldn't see alcohol as a drug, it is definitely an addictive substance that can lead to trouble in both the short and long term.
The latest government guidelines tell us we should all be consuming no more than two standard drinks on any day, and never more …show more content…
Brain swelling.
Kidney failure.
Heart attack.
Blood clots.
Brain haemorrhage.
Severe liver damage.
What you can do: It's not a great idea to drink loads of water in one go if you're overheating on ecstasy. Drinking copious amounts can lead to water intoxication – a potentially deadly condition leading to brain swelling. Instead, take small sips and regular breaks from dancing. The best way to prevent damaging your health is to stop using ecstasy. When you do stop taking it, your body should resume its natural hormone production and even most cases of liver damage are reversed over time.
Speed
Speed usually comes in the form of a powder and can be smoked, swallowed, injected, snorted or taken rectally. Pseudoephedrine, a major ingredient of some cold and flu tablets, can also be used to make speed, which is why pharmacies across Australia have restricted the sale of over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine.
What it does: This is an amphetamine, a kind of stimulant that sends your central nervous system into overdrive. It triggers euphoria, increases energy and reduces