HPE Test Harm Minimisation 12/6/26

Licit Drugs

Legal drugs

Illicit Drugs

Illegal drugs

Central Nervous System

Your body’s primary command center (the brain and spinal cord)

Dependence

When a person’s body is so used to having a drug in their system that they need the drug to feel ‘normal’.

Tolerance

When a person’s body becomes used to a drug and they need to take more of the drug to feel the same or similar effects.

Withdrawal

When a person is dependant on a drug and they stop taking it or reduce the amount they use, they may experience pain, illness, anxiety and cravings.

Stimulants

Drugs that speed up the brain and CNS

Legal Stimulants

• Caffeine

• Nicotine

Illegal Stimulants

• Methamphetamine (Ice)

• Speed

• Ecstasy

• Cocaine

Short-term Effects of Stimulants

• Being alert, agitated or excited

• Feeling anxious

• Feeling confident

• Increased heart rate

• Increased blood pressure

• Feeling sick in the stomach

• Sweating excessively

Long-term Effects of Stimulants

• Heart failure

• Stroke risk

• Malnutrition

• Organ toxicity

• Chronic mood disorders

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the brain and CNS

Licit Depressants

• Alcohol

• Prescription sedatives

Illicit Depressants

• Cannabis (marijuana or hash)

• Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone)

• Barbiturates

Short-term Effects of Depressants

• Decreased heart rate

• Slower breathing

• Drowsiness

• Loss of sensation

• Pain reduction

• Relief from anxiety

Long-term Effects of Depressants

• Chronic fatigue

• Weight gain

• Hypersomnia

• Sexual dysfunction

• Breathing issues

• Sleep issues

• Depression

• Suicidal thoughts

• Tolerance

• Dependence

• Addiction

Small Amount of Depressant Effects

• Feeling relaxed, happier and less anxious

• Feeling less pain

• Slower reflexes and reduced coordination

• Slower heartrate and breathing

• Drowsiness

• Poor concentration

Large Amounts of Depressant Effects

• Slurred speech and difficulty talking

• Problems with coordination

• Nausea and vomiting

• Extreme tiredness

• Very slow breathing and heartrate

• Hallucination

• Unconciousness

• Risk of death because of slowed breathing

Hallucinogens

Drugs that cause hallucinations and alter perception of reality

Hallucinogenic Drugs

• LSD

• Magic mushrooms

• Ketamine

Effects of Hallucinogens

• Dilated pupils

• Muscle tremors

• Nausea and vomiting

Effects of Vapes

• Rewire the brain

• Addiction

• Increases cortisol

• Releases dopamine

Harm Minimisation

Aims to address alcohol and other drug issues by reducing the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on individuals and society.

Harm Minimisation Stratergies

• Be assertive and firm to stand up for your personal choices

• Make an excuse

• Use delay tactics

• Be a ‘broken record’

• Walk away

• Avoid the situation