If someone is using drugs, you might notice changes in how the person looks or acts. Here are some of those signs, but it's important to remember that depression or another problem could be causing these changes. Somebody using drugs might:.
If you think someone is using drugs, the best thing to do is to tell an adult that you trust. This could be a parent, other relative, teacher, coach, or school counselor. The person might need professional help to stop using drugs.
A grownup can help the person find the treatment needed to stop using drugs. Another way kids can help kids is by choosing not to try or use drugs. It's a good way for friends to stick together. Understanding drugs and why they are dangerous is another good step for a kid to take. Here are some words that may be new to you:.
Addiction say: eh-DIK-shen - Someone has an addiction when he or she becomes dependent on can't stop taking the drug without getting sick or craves a drug all of the time. Doctors prescribe depressants to help people be less angry, anxious, or tense. Depressants relax muscles and make people feel sleepy, less stressed out, or like their head is stuffed.
Some people may use these drugs illegally to slow themselves down and help bring on sleep - especially after using various kinds of stimulants. See below. Close Register Interest. Close Confirm bookmark. Add to My Resources You can add as many resources as you like and review them when ever you like.
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Share Email. Your name. In —17 law enforcement made , illicit drug seizures and , drug-related arrests. Harm-reduction advocates are calling for the legalisation of some drugs , and the removal of criminal penalties on others. Read more: Three Charts on who uses illicit drugs in Australia. Most people assume drugs are illegal because they are dangerous.
In a study , experts ranked 20 legal and illegal drugs on 16 measures of harm to the user and to wider society. This includes health damage, economic costs, and crime. Overall, alcohol was the most harmful drug.
At various times around the world, coffee has been illegal and cocaine has been widely available. Many drugs that currently carry criminal penalties began life as useful medicinal therapies, such as opiates, cocaine, MDMA, and amphetamines. They were often available over the counter at pharmacies or through licensed sellers. Before federation in , very few laws regulated the use of drugs in Australia. The first Australian drug laws in the early 20th century imposed restrictions on opium, primarily as a means to discourage the entry of Chinese people to Australia.
The temperance movement, mostly known today for the prohibition of alcohol in the 19th and early 20th centuries, played a key role in shaping global drug policy. The drugs found will be seized and destroyed. If you're caught with drugs you may be charged with possessing or possession with intent to supply - a much more serious offence controlled drugs, whether it's yours or not.
If you're aged 17 or under, the police are allowed to tell your parent, guardian or carer that you've been caught. If the police find you with drugs, the punishment that you receive will depend on the class of drug, the quantity of drugs found, where you are found if found close to a school or youth club, the court can give a higher sentence and your personal history previous crimes, but importantly, any previous drug offences.
For example, if you are under 18 years old and found with a Class C drug, and depending on the circumstances, it should be anticipated that, as a minimum, you will receive a formal recorded warning and a police caution. You may also be referred to the police Youth Diversion Scheme. If over 18 years it should be anticipated that you will receive a caution and further action, such as prosecution, will depend upon the decision reached by the Public Prosecution Service.
If you're found with a Class A or B drug and have a history of drug offences, you will be prosecuted. Sentences can increase if you are dealing drugs or supplying them - even if it's just to friends with no money changing hands. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis is five years imprisonment. If you're prosecuted for supplying or producing an illicit drug, the maximum prison sentence is 14 years. It's an offence to produce, supply or offer to supply any psychoactive substance if the substance is likely to be used for its psychoactive effects.
Nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and "Poppers" or alkyl nitrites aren't classed as psychoactive substances. Medicine defined by the Human Medicines Regulations and drugs controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act aren't considered psychoactive substances.
The importing of a psychoactive substance, which would include buying a psychoactive substance from a non-UK based website, may lead to individuals being prosecuted. Possessing any psychoactive substance with intent to supply, supplying or offering to supply, producing, importing or exporting, all carry a penalty of either up to six months' imprisonment or a fine, or up to seven years' imprisonment or a fine.
If police suspect you're going to share drugs with your friends, this is still considered to be supplying. Being suspected of supplying drugs means you're likely to be charged.
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