Are you worried about the drug use of someone you know? For parents one of the greatest concerns they have for their children is they will start to use either drugs or alcohol. The use of harmful drugs and alcohol by teenagers is a particular concern and it has been increasing steadily for several years. Being able to spot the indications of drug use and being aware of some of the consequences they might have is a big help. However finding trustworthy information that explains the warning signs and risks of illegal drugs is often hard to find.

Fortunately there are a variety of places you can go to if you need information about the most widely available drugs. There are several web sites on the net offering clear and concise information about the most widely used drugs and the effects they will have. You should use these resources to get a deeper understanding of the most widely used drugs and also the negative effects they will have. Here is a few examples of the most widely used and abused drugs and unlawful substances.

Alcohol

Alcohol is really a drug exactly like any other. Even though it is legal it may have a severe impact on health particularly in young people. As alcohol is so widely available it is among the first drugs that many young people will experiment with. Teenage and binge drinking has become a much more widespread recently and the number of young adults hospitalised because of drinking reached record numbers in 2010. Alcohol can have both long term and short term effects on health when it is not used responsibly.

Marijuana

After alcohol cannabis is the drug that the majority of teenagers are likely to encounter. Even though it is frequently seen as being relatively harmless it can lead to severe health conditions. It can have a number of long-term implications for both physical and mental health. Extended use of the drug can lead to disorders such as paranoia, schizophrenia and may also hinder the proper functioning of the immune system.

Amphetamines

These typically come in the form of a powder and may be snorted, smoked or injected. The effects of the substance can differ from person to person but in most cases it produces a sense of euphoria, excitement and energy. Using amphetamines even for short time periods places the body under tremendous stress and can lead to high blood pressure, raised heart rate, strokes, clinical depression and paranoia.

These are just some of the drugs widely available in Australia. If you’re worried about drug use of someone you know its smart to be informed. Drug treatment help and advice from ADF Info.