Day: November 21, 2023

What is drug or alcohol misuse? Drugs are substances that affect how the body functions. Illegal drugs — such as ecstasy and heroin — can be harmful and unpredictable. Unlike prescription medicines, there is no government organisation that regulates the quality or amount of active ingredients in illegal substances. However, not all drugs are illegal. Alcohol is a legal drug that can be harmful if taken in large amounts or for a long time. Medicines that have been prescribed by a doctor can also be harmful if they aren’t taken as directed or are taken for non-medical reasons. Drug and alcohol misuse isn’t necessarily related to how often — or in

Why are some drugs and substances banned in sports? Sporting authorities have banned many drugs because they may give an athlete an unfair advantage. They might also cause health issues. Using drugs in sport undermines values like fair play and teamwork. When sportspeople use drugs, they: give sport a bad reputation set a poor example to others risk their reputation and career Using drugs to improve performance in sport may lead to an athlete being banned and may also harm their health. Why do people use drugs in sports? Athletes might be tempted to use ‘performance-enhancing drugs’ (PEDs) or ‘performance

What is drug and alcohol rehabilitation? Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services can help you, when you have a problem. These services are sometimes called ‘rehab’ services. They offer a range of therapies, including: treatment, counselling and support. This means you don’t have to do it alone. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation helps you: stop or reduce your use of drugs and alcohol. Most therapy aims to reduce the harm of drug use. Some therapy will help you develop skills so that you can live without drugs. Where do rehabilitation programs take place? Treatment can be given in: a community-based treatment centre a residential rehabilitation

What is drug abuse? Drug abuse is when a drug is used inappropriately. This can be when it is: used for a different purpose than it is meant for taken in excessive amounts Substances such as alcohol can be used in harmful ways. However, drug abuse usually refers to the use of illicit drugs. What are illicit drugs? When a drug is not used as intended, it is known as an illicit drug. Some types of illicit drugs include illegal drugs, such as: speed and ice (crystal meth) heroin GHB MDMA (ecstasy) LSD (acid) cocaine ketamine cannabis (marijuana) Illicit drugs can also include

Water safety for babies and children What is drowning? Drowning is when liquid (usually water) is inhaled into the lungs and prevents a person from breathing. Drowning can either be fatal (drowning resulting in death) or non-fatal, when the person survives. Previously, a non-fatal drowning was referred to as a near-drowning. Other terms, such as delayed drowning, wet drowning, dry drowning, passive/silent drowning or secondary drowning, were used to describe any illness or injury after a drowning. These terms are no longer used. Anyone who has non-fatal drowning should be seen by a healthcare professional for a medical assessment. What

Natural disasters How can I prepare for a natural disaster? The Australian Red Cross has an emergency REDiPlan, which you can download and fill out, that outlines 4 steps to prepare your household for an emergency such as a natural disaster: Step 1: Get in the know — Understand the hazards you are likely to face, know how to manage your stress, find out who can help and know where to get information in an emergency. The official emergency broadcaster is the ABC. You can find your radio frequency at ABC Local Radio. Step 2: Get connected — Decide on 3 meeting places with all members

Why is water important for good health? Water is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet. Over half of the human body is made up of water. We need water to: digest food and to absorb nutrients move our bodies well get rid of waste products keep our body at the right temperature Drinking water also keeps your teeth and mouth healthy. In most parts of Australia, the tap water contains fluoride. This helps to protect against tooth decay. Water is also needed for the body to make saliva. You need saliva to wash food away from your teeth. Saliva also

How alcohol affects your health Why is alcohol a health issue? Many Australians drink some alcohol. Some people drink alcohol in amounts that are harmful to their health. This kind of drinking can cause death, disease, and injury. This is a major factor in ill health and social harm in Australia. One standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in (approximately): 285ml full-strength beer or cider 375ml mid-strength beer 425ml light-strength beer 100ml wine 1 nip (30ml) of spirits No level of alcohol consumption can be considered safe. To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury

What is doxycycline? Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. What is doxycycline used for? Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent certain infections. Your doctor may prescribe doxycycline to: treat respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis treat other infections such as prostatitis and chlamydia control acne prevent malaria (for people travelling in high-risk areas) Your doctor may have prescribed doxycycline for another reason. If you are unsure why you are taking doxycycline, ask your doctor. It is important to always finish the course of doxycycline as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. This will ensure your infection

What is dopamine? Dopamine is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that works in the brain. It helps nerve cells send messages to each other. It’s produced by cells deep in the brain and acts on cells in other parts of the brain. What is the role of dopamine? Dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions. When you feel good, for example, when you achieve something or do something fun, it’s because you have an increase of dopamine in