Teacher Notes added since1996. in2014 conducted The mostrecent survey since1984,with additionaldrugrelatedcollected questions attitudes to alcoholandotherdruguse. hasbeen This survey abouthow use, much they asked how useandtheir they , andotherillicitlicitdrugs. Studentsare also consumealcohol,Students areabouthow they often asked (ASSAD). StudentsAlcoholandDrugSurvey School to findoutabouttheirdrugusein the Australian surveyed 3years, schoolstudentsin Every Western Australia are Australian Students School Survey andDrug content ofthesesubstancesisunknown. locationand underregulations. sanitary isthe The concern are pillsthatthey produced looklike that becausethey ina with otherdrugssuchasmethamphetamine. believe Some oroverdose ofaddiction risk andare compared harmless younger drugusersbelieve thesedrugshave arelatively low ingestingorinjecting.are byMany , usuallytaken which hasencouragedsomeyoung peopleto usethem. They 25I-NBOMe. These drugsare cheapto usuallyextremely buy are and madeusingsubstancessuchas25B-NBOMe MDMA, LSDandmethamphetamine, are alsosynthetic. These substances’ isconfusingsincemany traditionaldrugssuchas The term ‘synthetic drugs’ and ‘emerging psychoactive New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) • • • • Psychoactive drugsmay bedividedinto four categories: (CNS) andalter aperson’s andbehaviour. mood, thinking Psychoactive System drugsaffect the Central Nervous What isapsychoactive ? illegal (eg , ecstasy, cocaineandheroin). Drugs may belegal(eg alcohol, and tobacco) or O (WH water, whichchanges theway thebodyormindfunctions A drugisany substance, withthe exception offood and What isadrug? ondrugusingbehaviour.issues thatmay impact behaviour, ofthe thecomplexity aswell asacknowledge forunderstanding ofdruguseandthecontext drugusing This information aims to increase teachers’ and knowledge inthisresource. ofactivities thedelivery help to support for teachers andprovides information aboutdrugsthatwill The hasbeencompiled information contained inthissection INTR and somestimulantproperties). (egcategories cannabishasdepressive, hallucinogenic may ofmore have thanoneoftheabove properties asthey drugsfallinto Some thiscategory Multi-action: that isnotthere (eg LSDand ‘magic mushrooms’). cause hallucinations, something suchasseeingorhearing : Drugsthatalter perception andcan andamphetamines). arousal ofthebrain(eg caffeine, by increasing theactivity : Drugsthatincrease thebody’s state of analgesics). oftheCNS(eg , alcoholand down theactivity byDepressants slowing : Drugsthatdecrease alertness , n.d.). ON ODUCTI eggender,2. The individualfactors age, bodysize, food 1. The dependingon: willvary The druguseexperience todepend onlyonthedrugitselforfactors dowiththedrug. alcoholorotherdrugsdoesnot (individual) experiences from Learning Social explainsthattheway aperson Theory (Zinberg, Model 1984)whichisderived The Interaction forModel understandingdrug use • usewhere thedruguseiscausingor Dysfunctional • Hazardous usewhere there isaprobabilitythatthe use • usewhere useisnotapproved Unsanctioned by a • recommends thefollowing terms: by anotherperson. The World Health Organisation (1982) consider to beacceptablemay well abuse bedetermined or ‘drug misuse’ are asthey too iewhatyou subjective may isnotconsidered appropriate toIt usetheterms ‘drug abuse’ terminologyDrug this throughanddiscussions. arangeofactivities alcohol ordrugs. The ChallengesandChoices program does ofyoung peoplewhodonotuse ofthemajority part actually areto thatthey dispeltheirperception andacknowledge to present studentswithstatisticalevidence important their agewhoareistherefore usinglegalandillegaldrugs. It overestimateStudents willoften thenumberofyoung people Normative education schoolsacross publicandprivate randomly selected theState. included 3,305young peopleagedfrom 12to 17years from personality. using experiences, mood, expectations,mentalhealth, health andwellbeing, attitudes, values, previous drug in stomach, personalmetabolism,state ofgeneral (dose), how used. often alcohol atalevel thatiscompromising liver function). physical ormental healthproblems (eg consuming toHarmful usewherebecausing thedruguseisknown attendance). (eg relationship withschool problems orinterfering towardscontributing socialorpsychological problems the increasedofhealthproblems likelihood inthefuture). and (egwill result smoking ofsomedescription inharm (egcommunity). alcoholuseinaMuslim community egwhatitdoes(effect), howdrug factors much A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website Please note, theASSADdatamay move to the O which iscurrently located ontheDrugandAlcohol drug statistics, refer data to theASSADsurvey Statistics dochange. To accessthemostcurrent

ffice website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug factors Drug EXPERIENCE dr Person ug © 2016 Mental Health Commission use

Environmental factors O DRUG EDUCA TION 119 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 120 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 © 2016 Mental Health Commission A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T arising fromarising theirdruguse. withstudentsto identifythelevel ofpossibleharm working Ls –Liver, Livelihood, Lover andLaw. isausefulmodelwhen It aperson’sThis model describes life anddividesitinto thefour Four LsModel situation have doneto reduce thepotential harms? with studentshere would be– What couldthefemale inthis the level for ofpotential risk herhasincreased. The discussion such asthebeachatnightandwithothersshedoesn’t know, drunk alcoholpreviously butwhenplacedinanenvironment minimisation).Foruse (ieharm example, afemale may have that aimsto reduce from theharms alcoholandotherdrug drugeducationprogramsSchool shoulduseanapproach 3. The combination ofdrugs, culture, family, laws. where (placeused),whowith,how much,availability, ors intheenvironmentfact egwhen(timeofday), L problems money, recreation, lifestyle school,Livelihood –work, partners, family,partners, friends, peers licence fines, convictions, lossofdriver’s L and emotionalhealthproblems Liver –physical, psychological over aw –legalproblems suchas –relationships with O DRUG EDUCA TION developmental delay; organ dysfunction; facialabnormalities, organ dysfunction; developmental delay; weight; smallheadcircumference;birth failure to thrive; to alcoholintheirmother’s womb. These caninclude: low of effects thatcanoccurinababy whohasbeen exposed Foetal Disorder AlcoholSpectrum (FASD) therange describes developmental problems orFoetal AlcoholDisorder (FAD). andlongterm cause problems stillbirth such asmiscarriage, through theplacenta into the baby’s bloodstream. This can pregnancy,During thealcoholthatawoman passes drinks Foetal Alcohol Syndrome treatment. the workforce, andresources crime usedinprevention and billion ayear ofhealthcare, interms road accidents, labourin moreof alcoholcoststheAustralian community than$15 excessivewho occasionallydrink amountsofalcohol. The use not causedby peopledependentonalcoholbutby those ofthealcohol-relatedMost problemsare inourcommunity anxiety. andemotionalproblemsdepressionimpairment like and of development difficulties, leadingto learning memory Alcohol hasthepotential to disruptthiscrucialwindow planning. itneedsfor learning, memory,forming parts and allthecritical process calledfrontalisation, thatthe brainisgrowing and thatfrom 12to isnow known around 20years,It through a an adultbrain;thatithadalready reached fulldevelopment. usedto bethoughtthattheteenage brainwasthesameas It school-aged students. coordination andunconsciousnessare mostappropriate for loss, poor memory term such asnausea,slurred speech,short problemsdiscussed, thepossibleimmediate andshort-term orlongterm. term short effectsWhile long-term canbe Problems related to alcoholusecanbedefinedaseither psychiatric problems. forms ofcancer, liver cardiovascular cirrhosis, diseaseand increased for risk amultitudeofphysical diseasesincluding consumption isassociated withsignificant and levels ofharm preventable causeofdeath.Hospitalisationandexcessive Alcohol useissecondonlyto tobacco astheleading Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofalcohol use coordination andisthusclassifiedasadepressant. slows down theCNS,slowing theuser’sIt reactiontimeand vegetables andgrains to produce dioxide. alcoholandcarbon whereby yeast reactswiththesugarcontainedinfruits, asfermentationAlcohol isaby-product oftheprocess known What isalcohol? Alcohol www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website no alcoholisthesafest optionfor thoseunder18years ofage. the Australian Guideline’s (seeabove) thatrecommends that andpromote Guidelines 3of alcohol useorbingedrinking Help studentsto develop negative attitudestowards harmful adults usealcoholsensiblyandsafely. olds have never usedalcohol(MHC,2016a),andthatmost to stress to studentsthat31.5%of12-17year isimportant It someexposureexperienced to alcohol. isatthisagethatmoststudentswillhavebe optimised. It effects ofalcoholeducationareto mostlikely intervention instudents’period behavioural development whenthe inoculation adolescencehasbeenidentifiedasacritical Early How alcohol education istaught isimportant 4For Guideline women whoare pregnant orplanninga • 3For Guideline children andyoung peopleunder18 • 2For Guideline no healthy menandwomen, drinking • 1For Guideline no healthy menandwomen, drinking • informed decisionsaboutalcoholconsumption. more Alcohol from sothatadultscouldmake Drinking Risks developed the Australian Guidelinesto Reduce(NHMRC) Health Research Council 2009theNationalHealthandMedical In Alcohol from Drinking The new Australian Guidelinesto Reduce HealthRisks by aspecialistmedicalpractitioner. such asgeneticabnormalities. FASD canonlybediagnosed goes undetected orisnotdiagnosed dueto otherfactors FASD referred isoften to asthe ‘invisible disability’ asitoften impulsiveness, andanxiety. to concentrate,inability socialwithdrawal, stubbornness, behavioural problems,solving skills; includinghyperactivity, and money, poorlanguagecomprehension, poorproblem- to understandconceptssuchastime poor memory, inability difficulties, learning including lack ofimagination orcuriosity; andrelatingbuilding andmaintainingfriendships to groups; suchasdifficulty poorsocialisationskills, fine motor skills; poorcoordination/ the noseandupperlip);epilepsy; philtrum(anunderdevelopedindistinct groove between including smallereye openings, and flattened cheekbones, who are breastfeeding, isthesafest option. notdrinking pregnancy, isthesafest option.For notdrinking women especially important. andthatfor thisagegroup,from is drinking notdrinking under 15years ofageare at the greatest ofharm risk Parents andcarers shouldbeadvisedthatchildren alcoholisthesafestyears option. ofage, notdrinking harms). term occasion (sometimescalledshort from arising that reduces ofalcohol-related therisk injury more thanfour standard onasingleoccasion drinks harms). (sometimescalledlongterm disease orinjury reduces thelifetime from ofharm alcohol-related risk more standard thantwo onaverage drinks onany day www.nofasd.org.au More information aboutFASD isavailable at infection, orhighbloodpressure whichcan leadto stroke. panic attacks, ofpsychosis, periods reduced resistance to problems violence, including:malnutrition, hallucinations, to causehealth The continueduseofamphetaminesislikely ‘’ whichcanlastfrom to two 26hours. manner. aresidual userscanexperience Sometimes suspiciousness;panicattacks; orathreatening irritability; reduced to appetite; sleep;enlarged inability pupils;anxiety; andtalkativeness; hyperactivity confidence andenergy; to five hours. The effects caninclude:increased alertness, The immediate effects ofamphetaminecanlastfromtwo Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofamphetamineuse can beswallowed, orinhaled(snorted). injected, smoked white oryellow powder, tabletsorasliquidincapsules. They boughtonthestreet are usuallysuppliedas common forms ofamphetamineavailable inAustralia. ice. andmethamphetamineare Dexamphetamine themost goey, oxblood, meth,base, uppers, and dex,dexies, crystal chemicals inthebrain.Common street namesinclude:MDA, as ‘speed’ ofcertain speeduporstimulate asthey theactivity Amphetamines are agroup ofdrugscommonlyreferred to What are amphetamines? Amphetamines young people’s useofalcohol, bothpositively andnegatively. education programs canhave asthey astrong influenceon Engage parents andfamiliesinschool-basedalcohol pressure to engageinhazardous useofalcohol. develop strategies to resist peerinfluencesandinternal Teach studentshow to copesociallyandemotionally suppositories andsolublepowders.suppositories available inmany forms includingtablets, capsules, liquids, Analgesics are (egcodeine anddoxylamine Mersyndol®). ibuprofen andcodeine(eg Nurofen Plus ®);andparacetamol, and Flu ®);paracetemol andcodeine(eg Panadeine Forte®); andcodeine(eg Codrala combinationsuchasaspirin Cold Tylenol®); ibuprofen (eg Nurofen®); andproductsthatcontain Clear®); paracetamol(eg Panadol®, Panamax®, Dymadon®, by abrand name,Aspro (eg Disprin®, andinclude: aspirin by theirchemicalnameandalso Analgesics are known Analgesics, are orpain killers, medicineswhichrelieve pain. What are analgesics? ( the-counter Analgesics, prescription andover- A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO O TC) ffice website © 2016 Mental Health Commission O DRUG EDUCA TION 121 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 122 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 © 2016 Mental Health Commission A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T influences. adults’ example. Find to challengethese opportunities andtheirparents’are influenced by advertising andother because they seeanalgesicuseasharmless Students often relationships, andgetsufficient rest. day, inhealthy every balanced diet,beactive participate Stress thatagoodway to prevent painisto maintaina these drugs. that atrusted adultistheonlypersonwhoshouldadminister have they alternativesthem after to tried painrelief. Stress treatment ofpain,butstudentsshouldbeencouragedto use term analgesicswillbethebestformSometimes ofshort education istaught isimportant How analgesicandover-the-countermedicine Paracetamol overdose canproduce acute andsometimes • mucous ofthegastric Aspirin may causeirritation • containing oraspirin Studieshave aspirin linked • analgesicsare Most safe asprescribed to usewhentaken • Death anddisease statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofanalgesicuse caffeine andothersubstances. Energy are drinks promoted amountsof Energy are drinks beverages thatcontainvarying What are energy drinks? medicines (eg NoDoz)andotherstimulantssuch asguarana. andbars,drinks someprescription andover-the-counter substances suchascoffee, , cocoa,chocolate, cola,energy andisfoundof bitter-tasting inmany crystals, common Caffeine isastimulantdrug which initspurest consists form, What iscaffeine? Caffeine andenergy drinks fewer than10tablets(25g)may befatal. damage. Adose of fatal liver damageandalsokidney asthma attacks. damageandanaemia may causekidney of aspirin use long-term Regular nausea andmentalaberration. Excessive usemay result inringing intheears, giddiness, membrane andeven bleedingfrom thestomach. giving to children aspirin andteens. discovered advisingagainst have anddoctors started fatal. Cases have dropped dramaticallysincethislinkwas affect thebrainandliver andhasthepotential to be development ofReye’s Syndrome. This syndrome can inthe viralillnessesasafactor medications during ulcers.gastric failure or medicalconditionssuchaskidney pre-existing precautions may extra applytoSome patientswith with themanufacturer’s onthepackaging. instructions inconjunction byorpharmacist, or instructed adoctor www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO O DRUG EDUCA ffice website TION actually are,actually andsothere ismore ofalcohol-related risk harm. meaning thepersondoesn’t feel asintoxicated asthey energy drinks, canmasksomeoftheeffects ofthealcohol, alcoholic energy withalcoholordrinking drinks Mixing Combining energy drinkswithalcohol sensitivity’ shouldbeavoided. breastfeeding women aswell aspeoplewith ‘caffeine The consumptionofenergy by pregnant drinks and causes excess secretion ofcalciumandmagnesium. use may threaten bonemassamong young children sinceit andbedwetting. irritability There isalsoadangerthatregular young children becauseitcancausesleepproblems, anxiety, caffeine harmful intheseproducts. for Caffeine isparticularly by children lessthan15years olddueto thehighlevels of and a20gchocolate . Energy shouldbeavoided drinks a day ofcaffeine, whichisapproximately onecoladrink recommendDoctors thatchildren stay well under100mg headaches, dehydration andfrequent to thetoilet. trips irritability, rates, increased breathing dizziness, andheart physical effects ofcaffeine onsomepeopleincludeanxiety, usually around consumption.Disturbing 12hoursafter effects continueaslongcaffeine remains intheblood, blood pressure, acidsecretion, gastric andurination. These apersonhave temperature, increasedCNS, making alertness, of average strength ) canstimulate thebrainand Caffeineeven isastimulantdrugso asmallamount(1-2cups products occasionally. fromexperiences peoplewhoonlyconsumecaffeine caffeinegeneral health.Regular usersmay have different person to persondependingontheirage, bodysize and The effects ofcaffeine, those of any drug, like differ from Death, diseaseandothercosts • • • • • • of: containamixture typically These drinks endurance andconcentration. for theirpositive effects onstamina,physical performance, and herbal drugs.and herbal has beenfound to withanumberofprescription interact of plantsandisbelieved to have but medicinalproperties, whichisasubstancethatcomesfromGinseng avariety muscle functioning. for skeletal seafood normal andmeat,isnecessary Taurine whichoccursnaturallyinfood, especiallyin smalllevels.also naturallyfound intea atvery similarto caffeine isstructurally andis of brandnames. It underavariety diseasesandasthma,marketed respiratory Theophylline whichisadrugusedfor thetreatment of and many otherfoods. has asimilareffect to caffeine. Itisalso found inchocolate whichcomesfrom thecacaoplantand theamountofcaffeinetwice ascoffee beans. from aplantthatcontainsabout Guarana isanextract 160mg ofcaffeine ina500mlcan. energy ofthepopularbrandshave drinks. Some upto Caffeine ingredient whichisusuallythemainactive in very small amounts in fatty tissuesfor smallamountsinfatty more than28days.very the body. This meansthese compoundsmay in bedetectable arethey gradually released over timeandthencleared from tissuesofthebody(includingbrain)fromthe fatty which highly fat-soluble. They may bestored andaccumulated in fourbetween and seven hours. THC anditsmetabolites are andfourtwo hours. When eaten, theeffects may last for When cannabisissmoked,theeffects canlast for between cigarette) orallyinfood ortaken or drinks. done isby rubbingasmallamountofoilonto theoutsideofa (one way thisis canbeconsumedby smoking cannabis. It form of from theplantandismostpowerful extracted concentrated liquidwhichis thick, oilisavery orally, ortaken usually smoked orcookies. intea, cakes producingis higherthaninmarijuana, strongerIt is effects. andcompressed.plant, thendried The concentrationof THC from theflowering extracted tops andleaves ofthe female Hashish (hash)ismadefrom theplant’s resin, whichis andshishas. hookahs called ‘joints’ implementssuchaspipes, bongs, orinsmoking inhand-rolled isusuallysmoked cigarettes often the plant.It form andismadefrom leaves, thedried stems andflowers of isthemostcommonlyusedandleastpowerful Marijuana episode. mild hallucinations, psychotic aserious andmay alsotrigger perceptions intime, colour, distanceortouch similarto may produce hallucinogeniceffects suchaschangesin relaxation, impaired balanceandcoordination. Larger doses small dosecandepress theCNSandproduce mildeuphoria, andmildhallucinogeniceffects ontheCNS.A is thepsychoactive ingredient ofthe plant. THC hasboth called Cannabis sativa . Delta-9 (THC) ‘Cannabis’ refers to hempplant theproductsfrom theIndian What iscannabis? Cannabis amount ofcaffeine found inenergy drinks. many adultsare notaware oftheeffects ofcaffeine andthe to engageparents incaffeine isimportant educationas It consumed instead ofthosethatcontaincaffeine. caffeine andalsoalternative thatcouldbe food anddrinks Students shouldbeableto identifyproductscontaining them. regularly drinking to are consumeenergy ifstudentsidentifythatthey drinks may beappropriate toIt focus onpeerandmediainfluence ofahealthy diet. focus onthisaspart contain highlevels ofsugar, soitwould beappropriate to Many ofthecaffeine productsthatchildren consumealso people. ofbehaviours ofhealthy needs to bediscussedaspart maintaining alow caffeine intake. Low ornocaffeine intake Students needto understandthatbeinghealthy involves How caffeine education istaught isimportant Reduced motivation: Many regular users, especiallyyoung • Hormones:Cannabis production. canaffect hormone • to and theability Brain function:Concentration, memory • • effectsterm insome regular cannabisusers, suchas: literature. However, research shows ofsomelong- evidence casesofdeathsfromconfirmed cannabis overdose in world low.The acute toxicity ofcannabisisvery There are no Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest to prevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence use ofcannabis possession, selling, supplying orintent to sellorsupply. Anyone caughtwiththesesubstancescouldbecharged for consequences, thesesubstancesare now bannedinAustralia. of syntheticcannabinoidsandthepossiblehealth ingredients abouttheactual littleisknown Because Are synthetic legalin WA? usually produced inAsia egChina. these chemicalsare sprayed andare onare alsounknown, are notfor humanconsumption. that The mixtures plant-like chemicals’ are whichmeansthey chemicalsthat experimental Synthetic cannabinoidsare classifiedas often ‘research Are synthetic safe? cannabinoids Kronic, Kush. andMango Voodoo, Kaos Kalma, productsinclude ofthewell-known each production.Some andstay aheadofthelaw,to try thenamesalsochangewith and onthemarket appearing Synthetic cannabinoidskeep ‘safe’ and ‘legal’ drugs. labelled often ‘not for humanconsumption’ as andmarketed as products, commonlyknown herbal’‘legal are mixtures Once considered alegalsubstitute for cannabis, these that have beensprayed withasolutionofcannabinoids. These products usuallycontainsomeplantbasedingredients same way withthebrainandotherorgans ascannabinoids. Synthetic inthe cannabinoids(or syntheticcannabis)interact Synthetic cannabinoids use stops. Usually theseeffects disappear gradually whencannabis orschoolsuffers. atwork motivation, sothatperformance people, have thatthey reported lessenergy and sex driveandwomen have irregular menstrualcycles. Research shows that somecannabisusershave alower use. effects canlast for several ceasingcannabis monthsafter canallbereducedlearn by regular cannabisuse. These lungs longer, to increase theeffects of thedrug. inhaledeeply, often smokers inthe andholdthesmoke bronchitis. isincreasedThis risk becausemarijuana illnesssuchaslung cancerandchronic ofrespiratory risk than tobacco, placingcannabisusersatanincreased cigarettesRespiratory illness:Marijuana have more tar A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website © 2016 Mental Health Commission O DRUG EDUCA TION 123 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 124 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 © 2016 Mental Health Commission A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T relevant includescenarios to students’ • increase student’s andrefusal socialskills, knowledge, • education programs for studentsofthisageshould: suggeststhateffective drug The available evidence-base 2002). using cannabis(McBride, young peoplehave of notbeenexposed to thepossibility as thenumberofstudentswhohave usedislow andmost as acrucialtimeto implementeffective cannabiseducation years have beenidentified secondary andearly Late primary How education cannabis istaught isimportant occasions,two andexpensive fines. found possessingsmallamountsofcannabisonmore than record suchasarrest, acriminal some jobs;andlegalrisks if suchasnotbeingableto travelrisks overseas orgetkeep suchasupsettingfamily,risks andteachers; livelihood friends ofsituations;social inavariety using cannabissuchasinjuries Ensure ofyoung studentsconsiderotherhealthrisks people engageparents where possible • respond to culturalandsocialneedsoftheschool • positiondrugeducationwithinabroader healthand • provide significant coverage ofcontent around these • thatengagestudents containhighlyinteractive activities • cannabis-related situations. alsofocusactivities onrefusal andcopingstrategies in aboutcannabis;however,experiences decision-making learning focuscannabis useare the key oftheseintroductory thatmay affectHarms studentsasa result ofotherpeople’s disclose sensitive information. prepared to protectively thosestudentswhomay interrupt andbe aboutexperiences by notusing nameswhentalking activities. Encouragestudentsto respectaperson’s privacy beforedrug useexperiences commencing cannabis-related cleargroundSet rulesaboutdiscussingteacher orstudent illegal drug. a that cannabisisnotnecessarily ‘gateway’ drugto other to note,for however, later isimportant orregular heavy use. It of cannabisusehasalsobeenidentifiedasaprotective factor ‘at risk’ thanthosestudentswhodonot.Delayingtheonset who beginuseofalcoholortobacco are asthey early more Cannabis educationistherefore for those students important chance ofbeingoffered cannabisandother illegaldrugs. Young peoplewhousetobacco andalcoholhave agreater for factor risk future druguse.known later cannabis use. Apositive attitudetowards druguseisa opinions studentsmay have aboutcannabisthatmay leadto environment inwhichto challengeany positive attitudesand basedcannabiseducationprovidesSchool asupportive skills towardsskills tobacco, alcoholandcannabis community on staying healthy, stress andcoping thatfocuses,wellbeing curriculum amongstotherthings, drugs complemented by follow upbooster sessions in problem thinking solvingandcritical interests O DRUG EDUCA

(McBride, 2002). (McBride, and experiences TION after use.after and violentpsychotic disorders whichmay persistfor weeks conflicts, severe depressive conditions, andbizarre dysphoria, interpersonal effectsterm may include:sexualdysfunction, fears.anxiety, insomnia,paranoiaandpersecutory The long diminished fatigue. The effects oflarger doses may include: rate, bloodpressure, bodytemperature orconfidenceand The effects ofsmallerdosesmay includeanincrease inheart Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest to prevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofcocaine use whenitisheated). sounditmakes cracking ascrack(fromThis form the ofcocaineiscommonlyknown form atlow temperature vaporises andcanbesmoked. ofthehydrochlorideis achieved by thechemicalactivation and intravenous injection. The baseform ofcocainewhich The mostcommonways ofusingcocaineisby snorting nosecandyandwhite lady. dust,crystal, flake, onthestreet snow, ascoke, is commonlyknown What iscocaine? Cocaine about cannabis. session may alsopromote greater discussion parent-child information sheetsoutlinethisrationale. Aparent information informed decisionsaboutcannabisuse.make The Family themselves around otherswhomay usecannabisandalso areconsequences ofusingcannabissothey ableto protect to effects provide and abouttheharmful studentswithfacts is parents ofthechosenactivities Inform thatthepurpose for young people. a bongorpipe’ for isthemostcommoncontext cannabisuse mind thatresearch hasidentifiedthat ‘at afriend’s placewith andcopingstrategies,predicting, in decisionmaking keep When creating for scenarios problem studentsto practice orfamily.to friends usecannabis, to pleaseorbelike perhaps pressurescovert where studentsputpressure onthemselves that involve pressure bothovert from peersorfamilyandalso by others’or beharmed cannabisuse. Consider situations how andby may whomthey feel pressured to usecannabis to considerwhen,where,Give studentsmany opportunities www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website include LSD, bromo-DMA, MDA, STPandPCP(angel dust)are (). O and thepeyote cactus hallucinogens includeplantssuch asmushrooms (psylocibin) to alterthat act aperson’s perception oftheworld. Natural Hallucinogens are naturallyorsyntheticallyproduced drugs What are hallucinogens? Hallucinogens and bloodpressure andcanleadto death. the brainstem andspinalcordrate affects respiration, heart to continuedrinking. When thebrainisaffected, swelling of whenyou have(knowing hadenoughwater), causingusers Ecstasy thebrain’s may alsodisturb mechanismfor satiation the usermay overheat anddehydrate. suchasdancing,ecstasy are combined withphysical activity of control bodytemperature. ofnormal When theeffects of regulates thebody’s temperature. appearsto causealoss It Ecstasy affects theproductionofserotonin, amechanismthat of concentration. drowsiness, muscleaches, lossofappetite, insomniaandloss Symptomsthe day may itistaken. after include:depression, Ecstasy may also have a ‘hangover’ effect whichusuallyoccurs meltdown), vomiting, hallucinations, andexcessive thirst. retention, rhabdomyolysisdehydration, (muscle urinary dosescanproduce: behaviour, irrational Higher convulsions, mouth, paranoidfeelings andhighbodytemperature. teeth grinding, increased pulserate andbloodpressure, dry nausea, sweating, hotandcoldflushes, jaw clenchingand include: feeling ofwellbeing, increased confidence, anxiety, may lastup to 24hours. oftheimmediate Some effects may can lastfor sixto eighthours, however sometimestheeffects with30 to 90minutes and The effects ofecstasyusuallystart Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofecstasyuse and champagne bottles. doves,with embossedshapesonthemsuchashearts, rabbits and designs have alsobeenavailable. tabletsare Some sold white tabletsare themostcommonbutmany othercolours Ecstasy isusuallysoldassmalltabletsorcapsules. Yellow or sold asecstasycontainnoatall. , MDA, PMA, andLSD. tablets Some mixed with(or substituted by) related drugsincluding Ecstasy doesn’t always containjustMDMA, itisoften its sideeffects as well as residual effects. ofamphetaminesandhallucinogensin properties ecstasy. MDMA isaderivativeofamphetamineandshares the MDMA as (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) isknown What isecstasy? Ecstasy (MDMA) www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website ther hallucinogens drug setin. a feeling ofnauseabefore thepsychoactive effects ofthe processes experience andconcentration.Usersoften thinking temperature andsweating and/orchills, alackofcontrol over sense oftimeandspace, poorcoordination, increased body and caninclude:vividperceptual adistorted distortions, time(fourof LSDbutusuallylastfor to ashorter sixhours) The effects ofmagic mushrooms are usuallysimilar to those Death, diseaseandothercosts mushrooms that look thesamebutare poisonous. it isdifficult todistinguishmagic mushrooms from other isalways dangerous toIt pickandeatwildmushrooms as speciesofmagicSome mushroom grow wildinAustralia. mushroom preparations brown orwholedried mushrooms. crude some mushrooms.may besoldaswhite crystals, It isthenaturalhallucinogenicchemicalfound in mushroomsMagic (psylocibin) theflashbacksisunknown. mechanism thatunderlies weeks oreventhelastuseofdrug. months after The atalateroriginal date. experience The flashbackscanoccur ‘flashbacks’ where there isaspontaneous recurrence ofthe besuppressed.normally usersmay Some experience LSD may also precipitate psychotic episodesthat would and paranoia. perceptual disorder, emotionalinstability, to cope, inability visualhallucinations, anddysphoria, emotion, psychological effects caninclude:alterations inmoodand levels ofglucoseinthebody, drowsiness, andnausea. The rate andbloodpressure,slightly increased heart increased increase inbodytemperature, dilationofthepupils, physiologicalThe effects short-term caninclude:slight Death, diseaseandothercosts into themouth. dissolved, orthepapertilecan bechewed to release the LSD isusuallyswallowed, placedunderthetongue and capsule, tabletorliquidform. also besoldonsugarcubes, smallsquares ofgelatineorin paperdecorated can withpopulardesigns.of absorbent It small itisusuallymixed withsugarandsoldonasmallpiece to 300micrograms. theamountsofdrugare Because so smalldoseswithusualrangingin extremely from 25 hallucinogenproduced.be themostpowerful LSDiseffective issyntheticallyproduced ortabs.andisconsideredtrips It to Lysergic asacid, aciddiethylamide (LSD)iscommonlyknown LSD statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofhallucinogens circumstances. in particular (ecstasy) canproduce hallucinogeniceffects athighdosesor drugssuchascannabisandMDMAmanufactured. Certain A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website © 2016 Mental Health Commission O DRUG EDUCA TION 125 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 126 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 © 2016 Mental Health Commission A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T and effects including: Poly drug useincreases ofthefollowing the risk symptoms prescription drugsandillegaldrugs. are combined. drugs, This includesmixingover-the-counter content andpurity a time, especiallywhendrugsofunknown isincreased ofharm The ifmore risk thanonedrugisusedat chemicals). a specificeffect or to save money bymixingincheaper when amanufacturercombinesdifferent drugs to achieve a personchoosesto combinedrugs)andunintentionally (ie or near, thesametime. This can occurintentionally (iewhen Poly ormore druguseoccurswhentwo drugsare usedat, Poly drug use depressed andbreathing maythe CNSbecomesvery cease. with otherdepressant drugssuchasalcoholandtranquillisers canbeacauseofoverdose.purity When heroin iscombined testing. Unpredictableandhighlevels of without laboratory it isalmostimpossibleto assessitsstrength orcomposition streetBecause heroin isusuallymixed withother substances, dies). depressed to apointwhere thepersongoesinto acoma and oroverdosepupils narrow to pinpoint,coldskin, (theCNSis depressedLarge breathing, dosesofheroin cancause:very sleepiness; orlossofbalance, coordination andconcentration. pain; shallow breathing; nauseaandvomiting; constipation; effects mayImmediate include: feelings of wellbeing; relief of process. calming effect, slowing thethroughreactions thethought feelingeuphoric orintense rushwhichisthenfollowed by a Heroin quickly, crosses resulting thebloodbrainbarrier ina Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofheroin use horse, white andbeige.smack, ofthestreetSome namesfor heroin includehammer, H, it ismixed or ‘cut’ with. in colourfrom white to brown, dependingonthesubstances is usuallysoldintheform ofpowder or ‘rocks’ andcanrange itspure powder. form,In heroin isusuallyawhite crystalline It , by chemicalprocess. of manufactured from orcodeine, majoralkaloids poppy, asopium.Heroin is isknown which,whendried white substanceproducedfrom by amilky theopium ®).Opioidsare analgesicsegMersyndol derived a group ofdrugscalledopioids(sometimesreferred to as isadepressantHeroin thatbelongsto (diacetylmorphine) What isheroin? Heroin www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website O DRUG EDUCA TION problems. oftesticles andprostate shrinking may experience Males menstruation, excessive growth ofhaironbackandbottom. enlargement, smallerbreasts, voice changes, cessationof depression; dependence. Females clitoral may experience: moodswings, schizophrenic activity; type and irritability; Psychological sideeffectsmay include: increased aggression damage, andwater retention. stature inadolescents, tendon short andligament permanent sleeplessness,hypertension, headaches, tendon injuries, gynaecomastia (breast-like growth inthemale),hairloss, problems,liver increased andheart cholesterol levels, Physical effectsmay include: acne, highbloodpressure, been associated withdeath. steroids. sideeffects are Some irreversible andothershave followingexperience thenon-medicaluseofanabolic There are arangeofadverse sideeffects whichusersmay Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest toprevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofsteroid use Anabolic steroids are available astabletsorliquidfor injecting. degrees.androgenic effects to varying Allanabolicsteroidscharacteristics. have bothanabolicand involved inthedevelopment andmaintenance ofmalesex and repair oftissue, mainlymuscle. The androgenic effects are psychoactive drugs. The anaboliceffects assistinthe growth derivatives oftestosterone. They are notclassedas testosterone andseveral syntheticallyproduced structural a group ofdrugsthatincludethemalesexhormone Anabolic-androgenic steroids (or anabolicsteroids) are What steroids? are anabolic-androgenic Steroids severe suchaspanic emotionalandmentaldisturbances • overdose • rate, anincrease bloodpressure inheart andbody • stimulantdrugintobacco theaddictive found Nicotine, in • Tar, substancethatcontainsmany sticky ablack, • person’s health: Tobacco a containsthousandsofchemicals thatmay harm What’s intobacco? Tobacco andpassive smoking attacks andparanoia. temperature the tobacco plant. remover). and acetone (found andnailpolish inpaintstripper window cleaner),toluene (found ) inindustrial poisonous chemicalsuchas:ammonia(found infloorand www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website for inhealth- have studentsto participate opportunities • getparents to quitwhile theirchildren are young • teach young people how to copesociallywhileresisting • helpstudentsto develop negative attitudesto smoking • promising school-based approaches: Research suggestthatthemost onthepredictors ofsmoking, How tobacco prevention istaught isimportant ofsuddeninfantdeathsyndromethe risk (SIDSorcotdeath). arewho smoke mostvulnerable. Passive increases smoking young children, pregnantofpeople women andthepartner but isadangerto everyone, smoke Second-hand smoke. Passive means breathing inotherpeople’s smoking tobacco emphysema and asthma;andblindness. ureter, diseaseandstroke; andbonemarrow); heart cervix, voice box, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, kidney, bladder, (in thelung, lip, tongue, mouth,throat, nose, nasalsinus, include:cancer ofthediseasescausedbySome smoking number ofroad crashfatalities. cause 19,000deathsinAustralia eachyear, over ninetimesthe death anddiseaseinAustralia today. isestimated to Smoking Tobacco isthelargest singlepreventable smoking causeof Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest to prevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence oftobacco smoking to faster develop symptoms thanboys. ofnicotineaddiction prerequisite for symptoms to appear. Interestingly, girlstend to beaminimumnicotinedoseordurationofuseas before theonsetofdailysmoking. There doesnotappear within days to weeks oftheonsetoccasionaluse, often The first symptoms ofnicotinedependencecanappear only asmalldoseisinhaled. large amountsnicotineispoisonous, however whensmoked bloodstream through theliningofmouthandlungs. In into the quickly isinhaled, very smoke thevapourisabsorbed N Pesticides suchasDDT, methoprene (found inflea • Metals, includinglead, nickel,arsenic(white antpoison) • thepoisonusedingaschambers Hydrogen cyanide, • monoxide, Carbon apoisonousgasthatreduces the • icotine occursnaturallyinthetobacco plant. When tobacco promoting activities. peer influences to smoke made. (found inmothballs)are addedwhencigarettes are being such asbenzene (found inpetrol) andnaphthalene powder) are usedingrowing tobacco. O and cadmium(usedincarbatteries). Worldduring ll. War upby aperson’samount ofoxygen taken red bloodcells. www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website ther chemicals such asalcohol). withanotherdrug or coma;death(morewhen taken likely unconsciousness and aggression; andexcitability; jitteriness over-sedation orsleep;slow, shallow breathing; moodswings thefollowing alarge amountistaken If may beexperienced: orconstipation. diarrhoea or stuttering, blurred vision, nauseaandlossofappetite, headache, mouth,slurred drowsinessspeech andfatigue, dry loss, andmemory impairedisolation oreuphoria, thinking effects may include:depression, confusion, feelings of differentlyBenzodiazepines affecteveryone butsome Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest to prevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence oftranquilliser use (Normison®). xannies, (Serepax®), moggiesandnormies serras (Mogadon®) Street namesincludeBenzos, tranx,sleepers, downers, pills, Australia. are available onprescription onlyin temazepam,Mogadon®), flunitrazepam andbromazepam. (eg Valium®0, oxazepam (eg Serepax®), nitrazepam (eg prescribed intabletorcapsuleform andincludediazepam andarehypnotic usually (sleep inducing) properties pills thathave calming, relieving) and anxiolytic(anxiety astranquillisersandsleeping They are commonlyknown promote sleepandare sometimesusedto treat epilepsy. by to doctors relieve stress andanxiety, relax musclesor Benzodiazepines are depressant orsedative drugsprescribed Tranquillisers (Benzodiazepines) issue. rather thanadisciplinary asahealthand safety issue Guidelines shouldtreat smoking thatwillbeputinplacefor studentswho smoke. support The Guidelines thatincludetheprocedures andintervention Education Drug shouldconsiderdeveloping School Schools Young even to peoplecanbecomeaddicted smoking • Young generallyrespectthose peoplewhodosmoke, • young peopledon’t Most smoke. • on positive messagessuchas: istherefore It smoking. suggested thatprograms shouldfocus up somestudentsto take thingthatattracts may bethevery isa Discussions thatsuggestsmoking ‘deviant’ behaviour advocating thatstudentssimply ‘don’t smoke’. person out.Encouragestudentsto be ‘smoke free’ ratherthan aresmoke moreto beoneofthecrowd, likely thantheodd understandthatyoung thatthey peoplewhodon’timportant misconceptions abouttobacco usefor is students. It inthisresourceThe normative educationactivities clarify cigarettes theeasieritisto ayoung stop. personsmokes; don’tif they many cigarettes, smoke however, thefewer who decidenotto. A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website © 2016 Mental Health Commission O DRUG EDUCA TION 127 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 128 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9 © 2016 Mental Health Commission A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T It isbelieved thatthechemicalsintheseproductscancause It fluids,cleaning andcorrection andmodelbuildingcement. Sudden sniffingdeathcan follow theuseofaerosol sprays, Sudden sniffingdeath brain syndrome. convulsions,blackout, coma,grand malepilepsy, acquired coordination and musclecontrol, nausea,vomiting, diarrhoea, bloodshot eyes, hallucinationsanddelusions, decreased Higher doseeffects caninclude:decreased coordination, impaired coordination andmuscle control. beat,headache, bloodshotorglazed eyes,irregular heart unpleasant breath, giggling andlaughing, slurred speech, blurred vision,runny drowsiness, nose orsneezing, diarrhoea, Low to moderate doseeffects caninclude: feeling of wellbeing, to befelt immediatelystart andcanlastfor 45minutes. dependent onarangeoffactors. The effects ofinhalantsmay The possiblephysical effects ofVSU, any drug, like are Death, diseaseandothercosts statistics. dataforRefer thelatest to prevalence theASSADsurvey Prevalence ofvolatile substance use • • • • into:categorised asinhalantsandare depressantknown drugswhichcanbe for ofintoxication. thepurpose Volatile substancesare also deliberately inhalingsubstancesthatare volatile (vaporous) refers of to thepractice Volatile substanceuse(VSU) Volatile substances () heroin). benzodiazepines combinedwithalcoholoropiates suchas difficulties, anincreased riskof overdose anddeath (eg be unpredictableanddangerous andcouldcausebreathing benzodiazepinesThe withotherdrugscan effects oftaking include soda orpoppers)are asnitrites clear,known yellow liquidsand N oil sprays. They includepaint,deodorant,hair, andvegetable insect Aerosols are sprays thatcontainpropellants andsolvents. andlighter fuels.extinguishers in householdorcommercial productssuchasfire includemedicalanaestheticsandgasesused Gases fluidanddegreaser.correction products suchaspaintthinner, cleaningfluid, dry glue. They are usuallycommonhouseholdandindustrial Solvents are liquidsorsemi-solidssuchaspetrol and itrites (together nitrite suchasamyl, andisobutyl butyl www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au HealthCommission’sMental website www.dao.wa.gov.au Drug andAlcoholO ffice website O DRUG EDUCA TION group ofstudentsare usingvolatile substances, itis Where thatanindividualorsmall aschoolhasclearevidence can befound inSDERA’s Awhole-school ittogether: Getting studentsatrisk, how to develop theseinschoolsto support procedures and support Examplesofintervention support. be offered alongsideappropriate school-basedintervention Any educationdelivered to studentsaround thisissueshould chemicals isrecommended. that emphasisestheseproductsaspoisonsandhazardous Where thisisnotrequired, drug-related generic education anddiscussionoftheissueby young people.knowledge ofalocaloutbreak or by virtue risk ‘fad’, orby widespread about shouldoccurwhengroupsVSU ofstudentsare at- ishowever recommendedIt thatschooldrugeducation based programs. schools donotincludetheseinhalantsintheirclassroom- reflected instate and nationalpoliciesandstrategies, that easily accessiblefrom retail outlets, itisrecommended and As productscontainingvolatile substancesare cheapand How VSU ismanagedandtaught isimportant exercise inhaling. after iftheuserisstressed ordoesheavy failure, particularly heart dao.health.wa.gov.au/vsu/pages/home.htm Drug andAlcoholO Further information about isavailable onthe VSU WA website www.dao.health.wa.gov.au). team (refer toService theDrugandAlcoholO from Drug aCommunity counselling services recommended thattheschoolseeks on thewebsite www.sdera.org.au todistributed all WA schools in2010andisavailable approach to drugeducation resource whichwas ffice website athttp://www. ffice Phone: 131114 suicide prevention services. and support suicide withaccessto 24hourcrisis about orthinking apersonalcrisis experiencing Lifeline WA www.kidshelp.com.au on 180055 Kids Helpline isa24hourhelplinethatcanbecalled headspace and Yarn Space www.headspace.org.au www.dao.health.wa.gov.au andAlcoholDrug Office (ASSADsurvey 2014) AwareDrug www.drugaware.com.au www.ybblue.com.au/ young people Beyondblue isanationaldepression initiative for d=10737421314&libID=10737421314 http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?i National Strategy Drug Household Survey report) Australian Institute ofHealth and Welfare (2010 Australian Foundation Drug www.adf.org.au E-mail: [email protected] callers:1800198024 Country Phone: (08)94425000 another’s alcoholordruguse. to aprofessionally trainedcounselloraboutyour own or where wide,you cantalk confidential telephone service LineisafreeAlcohol 24-hour, Support andDrug state- Phone: (08)92211411 treatment, educationprograms andyarning. including a rangeofculturallysecure services, Aboriginal Alcohol provides Service andDrug provides all Western Australians Useful websites andotherresources Phone: (08)626643339amto to 5pm Monday Friday anxiety, andsuicidalthoughts. self-harm help themovercome issuesassociated withdepression, Youth Focus withyoung works peopleaged12-25to The othertalkhttp://theothertalk.org.au/ www.sdera.wa.edu.au Education Drug andRoadAwareSchool www.reachout.com.au themselves Reachout isabouthelpingyoung peopleto help Email: [email protected] callers:1800653203 Country Phone: (08)94425050 support. Talk confidentially to anotherparent for strategies and trained counselloraboutalcoholandotherdrugs. parents andfamilymembers. Talk to aprofessionally for alcohol andotherdruginformation andsupport Parent andFamily Lineisafree Support Drug www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines National Research Health andMedical Council Centre www.ncpic.org.au National Cannabis Prevention andInformation A RESILI ENCE APPROACH T © 2016 Mental Health Commission O DRUG EDUCA TION 129 Challenges and Choices YEAR 9