WHAT DRUG
IS THAT? A GUIDE TO COMMON LEGAL & ILLEGAL DRUGS IN AUSTRALIA
Information provided in this publication is of a general nature and should not be considered a substitute for specific, professional advice
What drug is that?
Drugs and their effects
WHAT IS A DRUG? A drug is a substance, other than food, which is taken to change the way the body and/or mind function.
Australia is a drug-using society. This includes legal drugs such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and various medications. Less commonly used are illegal drugs such as cannabis (marijuana), heroin, ecstasy and amphetamines (speed, ice).
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 the psychoactive drugs.
This guide provides an overview of some drugs used in Australia and their effects: • Alcohol • Heroin • Amphetamines • Ketamine • Benzodiazepines • LSD • Cannabis • Over-the-counter • Cocaine analgesics • Ecstasy • Tobacco • GHB
WHAT ARE THE MAIN DRUG TYPES? There are three main types of psychoactive drugs, which can be classified according to the effect the drug has on the central nervous system: depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens.
DEPRESSANTS
STIMULANTS
HALLUCINOGENS
A depressant drug slows down, or depresses, the central nervous system. It doesn’t necessarily make you feel depressed.
A stimulant drug speeds up, or stimulates, the central nervous system, speeding up the messages to and from the brain.
In small quantities, depressants can cause a person to feel more relaxed and less inhibited. In larger quantities they may cause unconsciousness, vomiting and death. Depressants affect concentration and coordination. They slow down a person’s ability to respond to unexpected situations.
Stimulants can make a person feel more awake, alert or confident. They increase heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, and cause reduced appetite, dilated pupils, talkativeness, agitation and sleep disturbance.
Hallucinogenic drugs distort a person’s perception of reality. People who have taken them may see or hear things that aren’t really there. Or what they see may be distorted in some way.
Depressants include: • alcohol • barbiturates • benzodiazepines (minor tranquillisers) • cannabis • gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) • opiates and opioids including heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, oxycodone and pethidine.
Large quantities of stimulants can cause anxiety, panic, seizures, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Stimulants include: • mild stimulants such as the caffeine in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate bars • ephedrine used in medicines for bronchitis, hay fever and asthma • nicotine • amphetamines (speed, ice) • cocaine • ecstasy (MDMA).
Other effects of hallucinogenic drugs may include dilation of the pupils, loss of appetite, increased activity, talking or laughing, a sense of emotional and psychological euphoria and well being, jaw clenching, sweating, panic, paranoia, loss of contact with reality, irrational or bizarre behaviour, stomach cramps and nausea. Hallucinogens include: • datura • ketamine • LSD • magic mushrooms • mescaline (peyote cactus) • PCP. Cannabis and ecstasy can also have hallucinogenic qualities.
Alcohol
DEPRESSANT
Amphetamines
STIMULANT
Analgesics
DEPRESSANT
Street/common names Grog, booze, liquor
Street/common names Speed, ice, fast, uppers whiz, louey, goey, pep pills, dexies
Street/common names Painkillers, aspirin, codeine, ibuprofen, paracetamol; commercial brand names include Panadol, Disprin, Nurofen
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Liquid, in a range of colours.
A white through to brown powder or crystal. Tablet may be artificially coloured.
Tablets, capsules, suppositories, soluble powders and liquids.
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT IS IT?
Amphetamines are a whole family of stimulants produced in laboratories with different ingredients and recipes.
Analgesics are used to relieve pain. Some analgesics can also be used to reduce fever and cold and ‘flu symptoms.
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
Swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted
Swallowed or injected
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF MISUSE
WHAT IS IT?
Liquid produced by fermentation; the action of yeast on liquids containing sugars and starches. HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
Swallowed IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Relaxation • Loss of inhibition • Reduced coordination and concentration
• Slurred speech • Intense moods • Blackouts
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Regular colds or flu • Difficulty getting an erection (males) • Depression • Poor memory and brain damage • Difficulty having children (males and females)
• Liver disease • Cancer • High blood pressure and heart disease • Needing to drink more to get the same effect • Dependence on alcohol • Financial, work or social problems
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Combining alcohol and other drugs (including over-the-counter and prescription medications) can be unpredictable and dangerous. Mixing alcohol with depressant drugs such as benzodiazepines and heroin can increase their overall effects and can be fatal. LETHALITY
Alcohol poisoning can cause death. Many diseaserelated deaths and accidents are due to excessive alcohol use. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
To avoid damaging your health in the long term, drink no more than two standard drinks on any day. Drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury.
• Increased heart rate, breathing and blood pressure • Elevated confidence or sense of invincibility • Sweating
• Dry mouth • Headaches • Panic • Reduced appetite • Irritability
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Reduced appetite & extreme weight loss • Restless sleep • Regular colds or flu • Anxiety, paranoia & violence • Depression • Heart & kidney problems
• Increased risk of stroke • Needing to use more to get the same effect • Dependence on amphetamines • Financial, work or social problems
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Mixing amphetamines with other drugs is dangerous. The effects may appear to “cancel each other out” when really the strain on the body is multiplied. LETHALITY
High doses of amphetamine can cause seizures, heart failure and, rarely, death. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Using a depressant drug to help with the `come down’ effects may result in a cycle of dependence on both types of drugs.
Aspirin—stomach irritation, allergic reactions, liver and kidney damage (if used in large doses). Codeine—nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, reduced physical coordination. Paracetamol—skin rash, sweating and liver damage (if used in large doses). Ibuprofen—constipation, diarrhoea, gas or bloating, dizziness, nervousness, impairment of liver or kidney function. Combination analgesics (i.e. ibuprofen and codeine, paracetamol and codeine)—nausea, vomiting, dizziness, kidney damage. INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Mixing amphetamines with other drugs (including prescribed medications) can be unpredictable and dangerous. It can place an enormous strain on the heart and other parts of the body, which can lead to an overdose or stroke. LETHALITY
Paracetamol is the most common cause of intentional self-harm and acute liver failure. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Carefully follow the directions of your health professional or on the packaging of the analgesic and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Benzodiazepines
DEPRESSANT
DEPRESSANT HALLUCINOGEN
Cannabis
Cocaine
STIMULANT
Street/common names Benzos, tranx, sleepers and downers; commercial brand names include Mogadon, Valium, Xanax
Street/common names Spliff, grass, pot, mull, hash, dope, skunk, hydro, yarndi, ganga, Kronic (synthetic form)
Street/common names Coke, C, snow, Charlie, blow, white dust, crack, rock, freebase, nose candy, White Bull (synthetic form), White Trance (synthetic form)
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Tablets and capsules in various colours and shapes.
There are three main forms of cannabis: marijuana, hashish and hash oil. Marijuana is the dried leaves or flowers of the plant. Hashish is dried cannabis resin that comes in small blocks. Hash oil is a thick, oily liquid.
White crystalline powder.
WHAT IS IT?
Benzodiazepines are prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and anxiety.
WHAT IS IT?
Processed and treated leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine can also come in synthetic form.
WHAT IS IT? HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
Swallowed or injected IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Relaxation • Drowsiness • Vertigo • Blurred vision
• Slurred speech • Mild impairment of memory
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Dependence • Drowsiness • Lack of motivation • Difficulty in thinking
• Depression • Personality change • Aggression • Weight gain
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Combining benzodiazepines with other drugs is dangerous because the effects are unpredictable. Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol or heroin greatly increases the risk of overdose. LETHALITY
Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or other drugs can lead to a potentially fatal overdose. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
To reduce the risk of becoming dependent, follow the advice of your health professional. Avoid using benzodiazepines when coming down from other drug use.
Dried leaves or substances derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabis can also come in synthetic form, which may be more harmful than real cannabis.
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
• Intense pleasure • Elevated sexual arousal • Self-confidence • Increased alertness • Chest pain
Smoked or eaten IMMEDIATE EFFECTS • Relaxation • Altered perception • Increased heart rate • Low blood pressure
• Paranoia • Increased appetite • Trouble concentrating • Slower reflexes
LONG-TERM EFFECTS • Damage to • Dependence short-term memory • Increased risk of respiratory illness such as lung cancer • Lowered immune system • Frequent heavy use may and chronic bronchitis lead to drug induced • Decreased sex drive psychosis • Mood swings INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Combining cannabis with tobacco (i.e. in a joint) means the cannabis will reach the lungs at a much hotter temperature than if just cannabis was smoked. This increases the risk of cancer of the lungs, throat, mouth or tongue. Mixing cannabis with alcohol can increase and alter the effects of both. LETHALITY
No deaths have been reported directly from cannabis use. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Those with a family history of mental illness are more likely to also experience anxiety, depression and psychotic symptoms after using cannabis.
Snorted, swallowed, injected, smoked or rubbed into gums of the mouth IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Heightened body temperature • Nausea • Reduced concentration • Indifference to pain
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Collapsed veins • Insomnia & exhaustion (if injecting) • Hypertension & irregular heart beat • Anxiety, paranoia • Damage to lining of the and psychosis nose and nasal passages • Eating disorders and weight loss (if snorting) INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Mixing cocaine with other stimulant-type drugs places enormous pressure on your heart and can lead to heart attack or stroke regardless of age or health. LETHALITY
Although uncommon, deaths have occurred from seizures, heart attack, brain haemorrhage, kidney failure and stroke. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Using alcohol or other drugs such as benzodiazepines to help with the symptoms of the ‘comedown’ after cocaine use can lead to a cycle of dependence on both drugs.
STIMULANT HALLUCINOGEN
Ecstasy (MDMA)
GHB
DEPRESSANT
Heroin
DEPRESSANT
(Gammahydroxybutyrate)
Street/common names Eckies, E, XTC, pills, pingers, bikkies, flippers
Street/common names GBH, fantasy, liquid ecstasy, Georgia Home Boy, blue nitro, G
Street/common names Smack, skag, dope, H, junk, hammer, gear, harry, horse
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Vials of transparent liquid, either clear or coloured blue. Occasionally sold as a crystal powder.
White to off-white powder, granules or small rocks.
WHAT IS IT?
Originally extracted from opium, heroin is made from morphine or codeine by chemical process.
Various coloured tablets in a range of shapes, often with logos from popular culture. WHAT IS IT?
MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a type of amphetamine that also produces hallucinogenic effects. However, some drugs sold as ecstasy do not contain any MDMA; they can be a mix of amphetamine, paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), ketamine, NBOMe, methylone or other substances.
Anaesthetic drug formerly used as a sedative prior to surgery. Commonly produced by illegal chemical laboratories. Often has a salty or chemical taste. HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
Swallowed
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
Swallowed
• Euphoria • Nausea & vomiting • Lowered inhibitions • Irregular or shallow breathing • Drowsiness • Increased sexual desire • Blackouts & memory • Diarrhoea & urinary loss incontinence
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Euphoria • Sense of well being • Confidence • Jaw clenching
• Nausea • Sweating • Loss of inhibition • Teeth grinding
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Colds or flu • Depression • Needing to use more to get the same effect
• Dependence on ecstasy • Financial, work & social problems
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Mixing ecstasy with other drugs such as amphetamines, alcohol or prescribed medications causes a wide range of unpredictable effects and can be dangerous.
Little is known about the long-term effects of GHB use. However, it is known that regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence. Mixing GHB with any other drugs, particularly alcohol, is very dangerous and increases the risk of overdose.
Usually injected, although it can be snorted or smoked (chasing the dragon) IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Intense pleasure • Relief from pain • Decreased appetite • Slower breathing • Vomiting
• Dry mouth • Small pupils • Trouble concentrating • Falling asleep (‘going on the nod’)
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Dependence • Loss of sex drive • Constipation • Irregular periods & difficulty having children (females)
• Collapsed veins for injecting users • Risk of HIV, hepatitis or other blood-borne virus for people who inject
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Mixing heroin with any other drug (particularly depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines) greatly increase the risk of overdose.
LETHALITY
Ecstasy has been linked to several deaths through heart attack, brain haemorrhage, over-heating, or swelling of the brain due to drinking too much water. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Avoid using ecstasy when on any prescribed medication, or if you have high blood pressure. Some ecstasy tablets contain little or no MDMA. PMA is particularly toxic.
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Using GHB carries a high risk of overdose, due to the small difference between the amount required to produce a “high” and overdose. Not knowing the strength of GHB increases the risk of overdose. Overdose can lead to seizures and death.
LETHALITY
WHAT IS IT?
Do not mix GHB with alcohol as it is likely to cause serious adverse reactions and increase the risk of overdose. Due to the different dilutions available overdose is more common with GHB than some other drugs.
LETHALITY
Heroin overdose can cause death. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Once drug treatment has begun (often methadone or naltrexone maintenance), tolerance to heroin drops quickly.
Ketamine
HALLUCINOGEN
LSD
HALLUCINOGEN
Tobacco
STIMULANT
Street/common names Special K, K, ket, kitkat, super K
Street/common names Acid, trips, tabs, dots, microdots, NBOMe (synthetic form), N-bomb (synthetic form)
Street/common names Fags, butts, darts, cigs, cancer sticks, smokes, ciggies, rollies
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
A white odourless powder that is sometimes sold as a liquid, tablet or capsule, or squares of gelatine or blotting paper that have been dipped in LSD.
Dried yellow–brown and curly leaves.
Mostly white tablets or white crystalline powder with strong odour. Can be a clear liquid. WHAT IS IT?
Pharmaceutically produced, short-acting general anaesthetic commonly used in veterinary medicine. HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
Swallowed, snorted or injected IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Euphoria • Feeling detached from body • Hallucinations • Confusion • Reduced sensitivity to pain
• Slurred speech • Agitation, paranoia & feelings of panic • Drowsiness • Irregular heartbeat
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Headaches • Flashbacks • Loss of sense of smell (due to snorting) • Reduced memory & impaired thinking & concentration • Personality & mood changes • Depression • Incontinence & ketamine bladder syndrome INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
When mixed with alcohol, ketamine can cause vomiting, and this can lead to choking. Mixed with other stimulant drugs, it can accelerate the heart and cause extreme distress.
WHAT IS IT?
Due to dissociative factors, ketamine can cause death, mostly through injury or choking.
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
HOW IS IT USUALLY TAKEN?
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
Eaten or swallowed
• Raised blood pressure • Increased heart rate • Decreased blood flow to fingers and toes • Dizziness
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
• Vivid perceptual distortions • Poor coordination • Distorted sense of time and space
• Increased body temperature and/or chills • Anxiety and distress • Vomiting • Numbness
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Flashbacks • Financial, work and social problems
• Psychological dependence on hallucinogens
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Mixing LSD with other drugs can be dangerous as the effects are unpredictable. Hallucinogens and stimulants can place a strain on the heart and body, which can lead to stroke. Hallucinogens and depressants can increase clumsiness and risk of vomiting. Deaths linked to LSD have generally occurred through accident or injury. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Reactions to ketamine vary widely from person to person. Some people have experienced very extreme reactions.
Leaves of the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica), which contain nicotine.
LSD is produced by processing a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye. LSD can also come in synthetic form.
LETHALITY LETHALITY
WHAT IS IT?
Sometimes a `bad trip’ may be experienced, involving a disturbing hallucination. This can lead to panic and risky behaviour, like running across a road or attempting suicide.
Generally smoked. May also chewed or sniffed.
• Nausea • Reduced appetite • Bad breath • Weakened senses of taste and smell
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• Dependence • Lowered immune system • Shortness of breath • Impotence • Coughing
• Facial wrinkles • Emphysema • Heart disease & heart attack • Various cancers • Stomach ulcers
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Nicotine can affect the way the body processes many different drugs. For example combination of taking the contraceptive pill and smoking increases the risk of blot clots forming. LETHALITY
Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia today. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Contact Quitline on 137 848 to discuss reducing and quitting your tobacco use.
What drug is that?
For information, counselling or other assistance, contact the alcohol and other drug service in your state or territory. ACT
(02) 6207 9977 All areas
NSW
(02) 9361 8000 Sydney 1800 422 599 Regional
NT
1800 131 350
All areas
Qld
1800 177 833
All areas
SA
1300 131 340
All areas
Tas.
1800 811 994
All areas
Vic.
1300 858 584 1800 888 236
Information Counselling
WA
(08) 9442 5000 Perth 1800 198 024 Regional
Celebrating more than 50 years of service to the community, the Australian Drug Foundation is Australia’s leading body committed to preventing alcohol and other drug problems in communities around the nation. www.adf.org.au For further copies of this pamphlet: Post: PO Box 818, North Melbourne, VIC 3051 Street: Level 12, 607 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Email: druginfo@adf.org.au Web: www.shop.adf.org.au For further alcohol and drug information: DrugInfo website: www.druginfo.adf.org.au ISBN 0 85809 086 4 Š Australian Drug Foundation 2014