Kids and Drugs

DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO - GENERAL

Drugs, drugs, drugs! In most cultures we are surrounded by substances that alter our mind or our body functions. Some of these are legal and accepted; others are illegal and not accepted. Some drugs can make people feel ill, and others may kill them. This article looks at drug and alcohol use in a general way. It covers things like: why people use them, how much they are used, the effects they have on health and some tips for people who want to change their drug use. Both young people and research have guided this article.

Why do kids use drugs?

Young people say they turn to alcohol and other drugs for one or more of the following reasons:

To do what their friends are doing
To escape pain in their lives
To fit in
Boredom
For fun
Curiosity
To take risks

TYPES OF DRUGS

A drug is any chemical that is not food and that affects your body. Drugs can be medicines such as antibiotics and painkillers. However when young people talk about drugs they are usually thinking of things that affect the mind rather than the body and this topic is about the kind of drugs that people take for relaxation or to affect their minds.

Drugs are talked about in many ways. Some people may say they are terrible, bad, evil or not acceptable. Others say they are fun, open-minded, spiritual or acceptable! Most people are probably in the middle and would say it depends what the drug is, how it is used and what it does. It is rare to find someone who does not have an opinion about drugs.

Drugs are also described in different ways. People call them things like soft, hard, upper, downer, psychedelic or potent. Grouping them can help make sense of what they do to us. All drugs, legal or illegal, usually fit into one of these groups.

Stimulant (upper) - Speeds up your brain and central nervous system. Eg. Caffeine ( in coffee, tea) nicotine (in cigarettes), amphetamines (in speed, dexamphetamine, diet pills) amyl nitrate, cocaine, nitrous oxide, ecstasy.
Depressant (downer) - Slows down your brain and central nervous system. Eg. alcohol (Beer, Wine, Vodka, Gin etc), marijuana/cannabis (dope, grass, weed etc), fantasy, heroin, analgesics, glue, butane, and anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills..
Hallucinogen (psychedelic) - Alter the user''s state of consciousness. Eg. trips/lsd,, ecstasy, PCP, magic mushrooms, datura, marijuana/cannabis.

The most commonly used drugs in many countries, including Australia, are alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs. Alcohol and tobacco are also the biggest killers. Marijuana (dope) is the most used illegal drug.

DRUGS AND HEALTH

People use drugs for different reasons and at different levels. So why don''t people get stoned, off their nut or use drugs to their hearts content? It is usually because they see that drugs or alcohol can harm their health. Here are some general harms.

Injury/Accidents - Lots of people who go to emergency at hospitals have had a drug (especially alcohol). And this has caused things like fights, falling over, losing an arm at work, dying in a car crash, falling off their skateboard (whoopsie!).
Damage to body organs - That poor old liver, brain, lungs, throat, stomach…
Risk of infectious disease - Share needles and you might share diseases like Hepatitis C or B or HIV (blood to blood transmission). You can also catch other infections from sharing things like pipes or bongs.
Psychosis - And other mental illness can be triggered by some drug use.
Depression - Feeling low coming off a drug (including alcohol) or because of things that happened while using. People sometimes use more when they are depressed. Getting drunk or stoned won''t make the things you are upset about go away, sometimes it can make you feel worse! (see Shona''s Story About Drugs)
Stress - Being stressed out from covering up and feeling guilty, ashamed, or worried. Using drugs as a stress relief doesn''t make what you are stressed about go away.
Relationship problems, conflict, or family breakdown - People won''t hang around if they''re called names, embarrassed, or hurt.
Violence - "Smacking someone out" or "just a push or shove". Drugs and alcohol are related to, but do not cause violence. Violence is illegal and is a choice just like drugs or alcohol.
Safety - Getting drunk and out of control can make you less safe. The risks people take to get a drug may increase if you think you need it to get along with life.
Job loss - Not able to do a job properly because of being drunk, "out of it" or hung-over. (see UNEMPLOYMENT)

Financial Pressures - Alcohol and other drugs can be a costly business!
Homelessness - Can''t keep paying rent or getting "kicked out" (evicted). (see Housing/Homelessness).
Legal issues - Court, jail or hefty fines (see Crime/Police/Courts).

WHY PEOPLE USE THEM

Drugs have been used for thousands of years in different cultures and ways Drugs are a part of everyday life. What you need to be clear about is what effect the different drugs have on your health.

So, why do people take drugs or use alcohol if they know it will ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

Financial Pressures - Alcohol and other drugs can be a costly business!
Homelessness - Can''t keep paying rent or getting "kicked out" (evicted). (see Housing/Homelessness).
Legal issues - Court, jail or hefty fines (see Crime/Police/Courts).

WHY PEOPLE USE THEM

Drugs have been used for thousands of years in different cultures and ways Drugs are a part of everyday life. What you need to be clear about is what effect the different drugs have on your health.

So, why do people take drugs or use alcohol if they know it will harm them?
13 year old student.

People choose to use a drug (including coffee, smokes, beers etc) for lots of reasons. Here is what some young people have said.

I wanted to try it out.
I wanted to rebel against what I was told not to do.
I wanted to show my parents they couldn''t stop me.
I use it to relax or escape reality for a while.
I wanted to block out things that happened in my life.
I felt I could show people I was tough and I can hack it.
I was "just there" and drugs were offered to me so I thought "why not?"
If I don''t have it I start to get withdrawals or feel irritable.

NOT EVERYONE IS AN ADDICT!

Many people are scared or worried that someone who uses drugs will become, or is already, a "drug addict" or a "junkie". Drug dependency is a reality for some, and is often for mixed reasons.

Use of drugs may be experimental (just trying it out), social (every now and then), regular, or dependency (where you need to keep taking the drug).

Most people fit into the experimental or social levels of drug use, whether their drug is illegal or legal. It is a myth that all people who try a drug become "addicted", but some do and for those who do the consequences are often devastating.

SAFETY FIRST!

Of course the safest drug use is to not do it! But this is not going to happen for everyone all of the time. If you choose to use a drug you can cut down the harms of that drug by safer use. Here are some general tips to keep safe.

It is your choice not someone else''s! This is your life!
Find out about it first. Research and know what you are taking and what the effects are likely to be (see our Drug topics).
Injecting drugs is always a health risk. Make sure you use clean needles if you inject.
Take time to ask yourself your reason for using. What other things might you do to get the same effect?

These are just some general tips they will only minimise risks associated with drug use, there is always a health risk from using drugs.

NOT FOR ME THANKS!

Here are some things people have done if they don''t want to do drugs or alcohol.

Stayed away from places where they know people will be using.
Understood their right to make their own choices. See Assertiveness.
Said things like :
"Cheers, but not for me thanks"
"I''m cutting back"
"I can''t tonight, I''m driving"
Got into things that give them a natural good feeling.
Made themselves aware of the health risks of using drugs or alcohol.

IF DRUGS TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE.

Sometimes people notice drug use starts to take over their life. Here''s some tips to help take it back.

List all the things you do in your life. Some areas to think about are social, economic, relationships and legal. Eg work, school, money, plans to travel, best mate, girlfriend/boyfriend, footy, tennis, mum, dad, dog, car, house etc.
Next to them make a list of how your drug use has an effect on these areas.

What are the reasons you use? What do you get out of using your drug? What are the not so good things about using? How might you life look if you continue in this way?
List the advantages for your life and your future if you made some changes.
Think about what changes you would like to make. What options do you have? What''s the most realistic - quitting, cold turkey, cutting back?
Make a plan. What are you trying to achieve? How are you going to achieve it? Who or what might help? What steps will you take (one step at a time can help make sure things don''t get too much!) How will you know when you have achieved what you set out to do?
Ask yourself the steps you might take to regain control of your life. What things might you stop or get rid of? What new projects might you begin? What are alternatives do you have for your use? Eg one guy gave up smoking by eating an apple when he felt like a fag. Some have taken up a new interest or tried to get fit!
Make a commitment to yourself. Set a date. Tell people what you are planning to do. Try to find people who are supportive of your changes.
Stick to your plan and celebrate when you achieve your goals. Buy something special with the money you''ve saved or do something you wanted to do for ages!
Don''t give yourself a hard time if it doesn''t work out the first time. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. It is pretty rare for someone to succeed at something new first time. Relax and keep in mind what you have achieved.
Speak to your local drug and alcohol counsellor or community health worker for support or further information.
If you experience withdrawals from your drug or you think you are dependent you may require detoxification. Speak to your doctor or drug service for information.

These are just a few general hints. They may or may not work for you. If you find you''re having trouble or you want help, contact one of the resources below.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR BUDDY?

Someone you know is using drugs. You are worried about them. It can be a very stressful or upsetting thing to see your friends or family using drugs.

Below are a few tips that might help you with your friend''s drug use. If you are feeling pressured or stressed about it, talk to someone you trust or can help you.

Accept you can''t change someone else''s behaviour. They are the only ones who can decide to change.
Keep yourself safe. Tell someone you trust what is going on and how you feel about it. Talk to someone you think who might be able to help you.
Find out about the drug they are using. Perhaps you could give them some facts and information about what their drug is and how it can affect them.
Try not to make judgements about what they do. Try and separate what they do with who they are as a people. Tell them what you like about them.
Tell them what you are worried about. Try not to blame or put them or other people down. Stick to the facts.
Inform them of the things they can do to try to keep as safe as possible.
Be true to yourself. Make your own choices and make sure you can continue your life in a positive way you want!

Don't Lose a Friend to Drugs

Has a friend become moody, short-tempered, and hostile? Does he seem spaced out? Is she suddenly failing courses and hanging out with kids you don't trust?

Stop and think about it. Your friend may have an alcohol or other drug problem.

Here are some additional signs of drug or alcohol abuse:

Increased interest in alcohol or other drugs--talking about them, talking about buying them
Owning drug paraphernalia such as pipes, hypodermic needles, or rolling papers
Having large amounts of cash or always being low on cash
Drastic increase or decrease in weight
Slurred or incoherent speech
Withdrawal from others, frequent lying, depression, paranoia
Dropping out of school activities

If your friend acts this way, it is not a guarantee that he or she has an alcohol or other drug problem. You need to compare behavior now to behavior in the past. But it's better to say something and be wrong than to say nothing, and find out later that you were right to be worried.

How To Talk to a Friend Who's in Trouble

Plan ahead what you want to say and how you want to say it
Pick a quiet and private time to talk
Don't try to talk about the problem when your friend is drunk or high
Use a calm voice and don't get into an argument
Let your friend know that you care
Ask if there is anything you can do to help--find out about local hotlines and drug abuse counseling and offer to go with him or her
Don't expect your friend to like what you're saying. But stick with it -- the more people who express concern, the better the chances of your friend getting help.
Remember -- it's not your job to get people to stop using drugs. Only they can decide to stop.
Look for help. Talk about the situation with someone who knows about drug abuse and helping abusers.

Take Control of Your Life and Decide Not To Use Drugs

Skip parties where you know there will be alcohol or other drugs
Hang out with friends who don't need alcohol or other drugs to have fun
Get involved in drug-free activities. Ask your friends to join.
Remind friends that buying or possessing illegal drugs is against the law. Penalties for drug-related offenses are harsh, and can include loss of benefits like student loans.
Remind friends that using intravenous drugs places them at risk of getting AIDS.

FANTASY

WHAT IS FANTASY?

Fantasy is colourless and odourless, and is usually in liquid form. It can also be in powder or capsule form. It has a bitter or salty flavour similar to the taste of baking soda. Fantasy is a depressant that slows down the activity of the brain. It is usually taken orally (although it is also sometimes used by injection.) Recent reports state that fantasy can be coloured blue, known as ''blue nitro'' which simply has had food colouring added. Other colours might be added or it can still be un-coloured.

OTHER NAMES FOR FANTASY

Fantasy may also be known as Gamma-Hydroxy-Butyrate, GBH, Grievous Bodily Harm, Scoop, Somalomax, Liquid E, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, G, Georgia Home Boy.

HISTORY OF FANTASY

Fantasy was first synthesised (made) in 1960 by a French researcher who was studying the chemicals in the human body. Gamma hydroxybutyrate is found in every cell of the human body and is considered a nutrient (food). It was tried for many purposes including as a general anaesthetic, a treatment for insomnia (not being able to get to sleep) and narcolepsy (falling to sleep suddenly during the day), as well as for pain relief in childbirth, and in trials for treatment of withdrawal from alcohol and opiates (eg heroin).

It was widely available during the 1980''s over the counter at health food stores as a dietary supplement and body building agent, however, in 1990 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers to stop using the substance after cases of acute poisoning were reported. In 1999 the FDA reissued their warning that gamma hydroxybutyrate has never been approved for use in the United States.

WHO USES FANTASY?

The current users of fantasy are:

bodybuilders because it stimulates the release of a growth hormone
party goers at dance parties and raves trying to get a ''high'' from the drug.

A ''DATE RAPE'' DRUG

Like the drug Rohypnol, Fantasy has also been described as a date rape drug. This is because it can be added to a drink and not be visible or obvious in the drink. It is important to never leave a drink unattended when you are out as this leaves you vulnerable to someone spiking your drink. People have been sexually assaulted when such substances have been used to lower their ability to fight off an assault.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF FANTASY

The short-term effects are dependent on:

how much of the drug has been taken (as with most drugs)
how it is taken (eg. injected or swallowed)
whether it was taken with any other drugs like alcohol
the health of the person using the drug.

Because there are so many factors, it is difficult to predict the effects for each person using. An average or moderate dose of this drug is 5ml-15ml and it can take anywhere between 5 to 20 minutes after it is taken for the person to feel any effect. Again it is difficult to know how long the feelings from the drug will last, but with a moderate dose they usually last between 1½ to 3 hours.

One of the most dangerous aspects of using GHB is the small difference between the amount needed for the desired effect and the amount which can cause an overdose.

Some of the feelings from using fantasy include:

feeling relaxed
feeling calm.
feeling drowsy
feeling dizzy
having less inhibitions about your actions or what you say
feeling sexually aroused
feeling more sensitive to touch.

High doses of fantasy (depending on the person) can have the following effects:

severe drowsiness, which can come on quite fast
impaired mobility
distorted speech
disorientation, confusion and hallucinations
convulsions
muscle spasms
nausea and vomiting
some loss of vision
coma.

If someone has any of these symptoms it is important to get medical help quickly. If you suspect a friend has taken fantasy, tell the medical or emergency staff this, as this information can enable them to best help your friend.

LONG TERM EFFECTS OF FANTASY

There is not much research evidence yet about the long term effects of fantasy, however because of its sedative effects, it is likely that some of its long term effects are similar to other sedatives, such as dependence both physically and psychologically. More of the drug might be needed to get the same wanted effects, increasing the risk of overdose. There can be withdrawal effects when the person stops using fantasy.

WARNINGS

Like any drug (legal or illegal) it is important to be aware of the potential consequences. Here are some very important warnings associated with using fantasy.

Combining fantasy with other depressant drugs like alcohol, drugs such as ecstasy or some prescription medications can slow down the body''s central nervous system and be dangerous.
Do not drive or operate any machinery while under the influence of fantasy.
Designer drugs are often made by "backyard" chemists and can be extremely dangerous, usually more dangerous than the drug they have originated from. The dosage may be much more, or less, than usual and the effects quite unpredictable.