Are you worried about the drug effects and alcohol use of someone you know? For parents one of the biggest concerns they have for their children is that they will start to use either drugs or alcohol. Teenagers are particularly at risk as it is an age when many of them will start to experiment with these substances. Knowing the warning signs of someone who is using drugs and the effects that the drugs may have on them is of course a big help. However reliable information is often hard to come by.

Fortunately there are a number of sources of information that you can turn if you suspect that someone you know has been abusing drugs. There are several websites on the net that provide clear and concise information about the most commonly used drugs and the effects they can have. You can use these sources to gain a deeper understanding of the most widely used drugs and the negative effects they can have. Here is a quick look at some of the most commonly taken drugs and substances:

Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug just like any other. Even though it is legal it can have a severe impact on health particularly in younger people. As alcohol is so widely available it is one of the first drugs that many young people will experiment with. Teenage and binge drinking has become a lot more widespread in recent years and the number of young people hospitalised as a result 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 most young people are likely to encounter. While many people see it as being harmless this is far from the case. It can have a number of long term implications for both mental and physical health. Prolonged use of the drug can lead to conditions such as paranoia, schizophrenia and may also impair the correct functioning of the immune system.

Amphetamines

These usually come in the form of a powder and can be snorted, smoked or injected. The effects of the drug can vary from person to person but it most cases it produces a feeling of euphoria, excitement and energy. The use of amphetamines even for short periods puts the body under tremendous strain and can lead to high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, strokes, depression and paranoia.

These are just some of the drugs that are available in Australia. If you are worried about drug use of someone you know it pays to be informed.