DRUG INFORMATION

WHAT IS A DRUG?
A drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body, alters the body's function either physically and/or psychologically. Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine and tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin).

WHAT IS A PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG?
Psychoactive drugs affect the central nervous system and alter a person's mood, thinking and behaviour. Psychoactive drugs may be divided into four categories:
Depressants: Drugs that decrease alertness by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system (e.g. heroin, alcohol and analgesics).
Stimulants: Drugs that increase the body's state of arousal by increasing the activity of the brain (e.g. caffeine, nicotine and amphetamines).
Hallucinogens: Drugs that alter perception and can cause hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing something that is not there (e.g. LSD and 'magic mushrooms').
Other: Some drugs fall into the 'other' category, as they may have properties of more than one of the above categories (e.g. cannabis has depressive, hallucinogenic and some stimulant properties).

WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS?
People use drugs for a variety of reasons. Young people often use drugs for the same reasons that adults do. Some of these include:
. to have fun
. to relax and forget problems
. to gain confidence
. to socialise
. out of curiosity
. as a form of escapism
. to lessen inhibitions
. to remove personal responsibility for decisions
. to celebrate or commiserate
. to relieve boredom and stress
. self-medication to cope with problems

Friends, parents, older brothers and sisters and the media can also have some influence over a young person's decision to use drugs.

POLY DRUG USE
Poly drug use occurs when two or more drugs are used at, or near, the same time. Mixing drugs can also occur when a manufacturer combines different drugs to achieve a specific effect or to save money by mixing in cheaper chemicals. This can result in a person combining drugs unintentionally.
The risk of harm is increased if more than one drug is used at a time, especially when drugs of unknown content and purity are combined. This includes mixing over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs and illegal drugs.

Poly drug use increases the risk of the following symptoms and effects:

heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature may be exaggerated, which can increase the chance of serious problems occurring;

overdose; and severe emotional and mental disturbances such as panic attacks and paranoia.

EFFECTS OF DRUGS
The experience that a person has when using alcohol or other drugs will be affected by the:
Individual: Mood, physical size, gender, personality, expectations of the drug, whether the person has food in his/her stomach and whether other drugs have been taken.
Drug: The amount used, how it is used and the strength and purity of the drug.
Environment: Whether the person is using it with friends, on his/her own, in a social setting or at home, at work, before or while driving.

TOLERANCE, DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL
With regular use, tolerance to and dependence on drugs can develop. Withdrawal symptoms may also be experienced if the drug is reduced or stopped.
Tolerance: A person needs more of a drug in order to achieve the same effects they felt previously with smaller amounts.
Dependence: Use of the drug becomes central to a person's life, and they may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug.
Withdrawal: Describes a series of symptoms that may appear when a drug on which a user is physically dependent is stopped or significantly reduced. The withdrawal symptoms vary depending on a range of factors including the drug type and tend to be opposite to the effects produced by the drug. The body is always trying to maintain a state of balance. When the body has become accustomed to the drug for normal function and use is ceased, the body will try
to counterbalance for the change producing withdrawal symptoms.

RELATIONSHIPS
Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and affect relationships with family and friends. Drugs affect people in different ways. Some people may become depressed, angry, aggressive, sleepy, unmotivated, paranoid, anxious or talkative. These reactions will affect how they relate to other people, such as friends, parents and siblings and may have negative effects on these relationships.

DRUG USE AND PREGNANCY
Drugs can affect an unborn child. It is safer not to use any drugs during pregnancy unless under medical supervision. Psychoactive drugs cross the placenta (the barrier between the mother's and the baby's blood) so a baby is exposed to the same chemicals as the mother. These chemicals can affect the growth and development of the baby and cause miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects.

It is recommended that women check with their doctor (or other health professional) if they are using or planning to use drugs including prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, while pregnant or breastfeeding.

TAKING CARE
Medications should be used as prescribed by a doctor and only by the person for whom they are prescribed. It is safer not to use illegal drugs. For those who choose to use illegal drugs, the following should be remembered:

As using illegal drugs can have harmful and unpredictable effects, a person may find themselves in a dangerous situation. If noticeably affected, they should not be left alone.

If you suspect bad effects, call an ambulance immediately. Don't delay, you could save a life. The ambulance officers are there to help you. Be sure to describe what drug the person has taken. If the person is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the recovery position and ensure the airway is clear. If they have stopped breathing, provide Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR). The police are not required to attend unless a death has occurred or the ambulance officers are threatened.

It is safer not to inject drugs. If someone does inject, they should always use clean equipment (syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water) and should not share equipment. Fitpacks®, which contain clean syringes are available from:

most pharmacies;

some regional hospitals, health centres and nursing posts; and

needle and syringe exchange programs. (For information on opening times and locations of these programs phone the Alcohol and Drug Information Service, contact details are outlined at the back of this booklet.)

Used injecting equipment should be disposed of responsibly e.g. disposing used equipment into a sharp safe container.

Don't drive or operate machinery. These activities can be dangerous while under the influence of drugs.

If drugs like ecstasy are being used, keep cool while dancing or doing other physical activities. Take regular breaks and wear light, absorbent clothing. Beware of hats as they trap body heat. Drink water, but regulate intake so that not too much is consumed.

DRUG INFORMATION

Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a group of drugs commonly known as Speed, Whizz, Ice, Uppers
Includes:
. Amphetamine Sulphate
. Dexamphetamine
. Methamphetamine - chrystal, meth, or rock.

Description:
Stimulant drugs that speed up certain chemicals in the brain.
Dexamphetamine is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

How Amphetamines are Used:
Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected, smoked or inhaled (snorted). The effects of amphetamines can last from four to eight hours.
Sometimes a person may experience a hangover effect that can last up to three days.

Health Effects of Using Amphetamines:
The effects of amphetamines will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with amphetamines, expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other drugs have been taken.
Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is smoked, swallowed, snorted or injected.
Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own,
in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.

Short-term effects
. Hyperactivity
. Increased blood pressure, breathing and pulse-rates
. Anxiety, irritability, suspiciousness, panic attacks and a threatening manner
. Increased energy, alertness, confidence and talkativeness
. Reduced appetite, inability to sleep and enlarged pupils.

Long-term effects
. Malnutrition
. Reduced resistance
. Infection
. Violent behaviour
. Emotional disturbances
. Periods of psychosis
. Tolerance

As methamphetamine is more potent than dexamphetamine, users are likely to experience more severe side-effects.

The effects of methamphetamine include anxiety, depression, paranoia, aggression and psychotic symptoms. Methamphetamine also increases the risk of mental health problems, so people with an existing mental health condition should be even more cautious about using this drug.

There are also dangerous effects associated with the method of use. Snorting can damage the fragile mucous membrane in the nasal passages. It produces burns and sores on the membranes that line the interior of the nose. Injecting amphetamines can result in blocked blood vessels that can cause major damage to the body’s organs, such as inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at injection site, bruising or more serious injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.

Overdose
Overdose can cause:
. Strokes
. Heart failure
. Seizures
. Death

Amphetamines and Other Drugs:
Amphetamine users may use other drugs such as minor tranquillisers, cannabis, alcohol or heroin to cope with some of the undesirable effects of amphetamines. These users may develop a rollercoaster dependence on several drugs. For example, some people may need amphetamines each day to get them going and minor tranquillisers each night to get them to sleep. This type of dependence can lead to a variety of very serious physical and psychological problems. Using more than one drug (poly-drug use) increases the harm associated with drug use.

If amphetamines are combined with alcohol, users may not feel the effects associated with alcohol straightaway. However, blood alcohol concentration still goes up and their motor skills (such as coordination and reflexes) are still impaired.

Combining amphetamines with other stimulants such as ecstasy or cocaine can greatly influence the immediate effects. The result can be unpredictable and the effects may be similar to taking a very large dose of amphetamines.

Amphetamines and Mental Health Problems:
Amphetamine use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have vulnerability to mental health problems.

Cannabis
Mull, Pot, Weed, Leaf, Gunga, Marijuana

Description:
Cannabis is difficult to classify pharmacologically because it has a variety of effects. It is primarily a depressant drug, however, it can have hallucinogenic and some stimulant properties.

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This chemical affects a person’s mood and perception. Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil come from the cannabis plant.

Cannabis is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant. Its colour ranges from greyish-green to greenish-brown. The texture of cannabis can be fine, like dried herbs, or coarse, like tea. It is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints or water pipes called bongs.

Hashish (hash) is the dried, compressed resin extract from the flowering tops of the female plant. Hashish ranges in colour from light brown to nearly black. It is more potent than marijuana. Hashish is usually smoked through a pipe or cooked in foods and eaten.

Hashish oil is a thick and oily liquid extract from the cannabis plant. It is reddish brown
in colour. The THC is very concentrated and a small amount will produce marked effects. Hashish oil is usually added to joints or cooked in foods and eaten.

Where Cannabis Comes From:
Cannabis is the short name for the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. It is thought to have originated in Asia and reached Europe more than a thousand years ago.

How Cannabis is Used:
Cannabis is usually smoked. The THC is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the lungs. The intoxicating or high effect is felt when the THC reaches the brain. This can happen within a few minutes and may last for up to five hours.
When cannabis is eaten, the absorption of THC is much slower, taking up to three hours to enter the bloodstream. When it is eaten, the amount of food in the stomach, characteristics of the user (e.g. weight, gender and other drugs used) will determine how quickly a person feels the effects.

Health Effects of Using Cannabis:
The effects of cannabis and the risks will vary from person to person depending on the characteristics of the:

Individual (user) - Mood, physical size, physical and mental health, gender, previous experience with cannabis, expectations of the drug and personality.

Drug - The amount used, the content of THC and whether it is smoked or eaten.

Setting (environment) - Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.

Short-term effects
. Loss of concentration
. Impaired balance
. Slower reflexes
. Increased appetite
. Increased heart-rate
. Feeling of well-being
. Loss of inhibitions
. Confusion

Long-term effects
. Bronchitis
. Lung cancer
. Dependence
. Interference with sexual drive and hormone production
. Change in motivation
. Decreased concentration
. Decreased memory and learning abilities
.Schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar disorder) in those who have a vulnerability to the condition.

Overdose
There have been no confirmed deaths directly from cannabis overdose. Over a long
period of time regular use of cannabis can lead to a number of serious negative health consequences. Combining other drugs, such as alcohol, with cannabis can be very dangerous, particularly if driving or operating machinery

Cannabis and Other Drugs:
Using cannabis with other drugs increases risks. If cannabis is used in conjunction with other depressant drugs the depressant action generally increases. When cannabis is combined with alcohol it can frequently lead to behaviour which causes injuries. For example, because cannabis interferes with a person’s motor and coordination skills, vision and perceptions of time and space, the ability to drive safely and complete tasks that require concentration can be impaired. This impairment increases substantially when cannabis is used with alcohol.

Cannabis and Mental Health Problems:
The frequent or even occasional use of cannabis can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have a vulnerability to mental health problems.
Cannabis and the Brain:
Frequent use of cannabis can affect the brain by decreasing the user’s ability to concentrate and remember things and can also impact on learning ability.
Cannabis and Respiratory Problems:
Frequent use of cannabis can increase the risk of cancer and respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Heroin
Hammer, H, Smack, Horse, White, Beige

Description:
Heroin is a depressant. It affects the body's central nervous system by slowing down the activity of certain chemicals in the brain. This slows down the whole body, including breathing and heart rate.

Where Heroin Comes From:
Heroin belongs to a group of drugs called narcotic analgesics or opioids. These drugs are very strong pain relievers. Opioids are derived from a substance produced by the opium poppy which, when dried is known as opium. Heroin is manufactured from morphine or codeine, which are chemicals in the juice of the opium poppy head. Heroin is a stronger and more addictive drug than morphine or codeine.

People have used opium for several thousand years in a variety of cultures. Heroin was first synthesised in 1898 in a London hospital to treat morphine addiction. The opium poppy grows in many parts of the world. In Australia, crops are grown legally in Tasmania for medical purposes. Most of the illegal heroin in Australia comes from Asia and the Middle East.

How Heroin is Used:
Heroin is usually injected, but can also be smoked or snorted. The effects of heroin usually last from two to four hours.

Health effects of Using Heroin:
The effects of heroin will vary from person to person depending on the characteristics of the:
Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with heroin, expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other drugs have been taken.
Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is injected, smoked or snorted.
Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.

Short-term effects
Low doses
. Shallow breathing
. Nausea and vomiting
. Constipation
. Sleeplessness
. Loss of balance and coordination
. Loss of concentration
. Feeling of well-being
. Relief from pain. 

High doses
. Slow breathing
. Pupils narrow to pin points
. Skin cold to touch
. Coma and death.

Long-term effects
. Dependence
. Loss of appetite
. Chronic constipation
. Heart, chest and bronchial problems
. Women often experience irregular periods and are susceptible to infertility
. Men can experience impotence

There are also dangerous effects associated with the method of use. Injecting heroin can result in blocked blood vessels that can cause major damage to the body’s organs, inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at injection site, bruising or more serious injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue. Snorting can damage the fragile mucous membrane in the nasal passages. It produces burns and sores on the membranes that line the interior of the nose.

Overdose:
Overdose from heroin occurs as a result of the depressant properties of the drug. Heroin can slow a person's heart and breathing rates.  This can lead to heart and respiratory failure and in turn to coma and death.

The risk of heroin overdose generally increases with a larger dose. As the strength and content of street heroin is unknown it can be difficult to judge the dose, increasing the risk of overdose.

Heroin and Other Drugs
Using more than one drug at a time can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. Mixing heroin with other drugs increases the risk of harm. For example, mixing heroin with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other depressants can be fatal as it increases the risk of heart failure.

Cocaine
Coke, Freebase, Crack, Charlie, C, Rock

Description:
Cocaine is a stimulant drug which affects the central nervous system by speeding up the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, producing a feeling of increased alertness and reduced fatigue

Where Cocaine Comes From:
Cocaine is manufactured from the coca plant, which grows naturally in Peru and Bolivia. For centuries, the Peruvian Indians chewed coca leaves to lessen fatigue caused by high altitude living. In 1859, a technique was discovered to extract cocaine hydrochloride from the coca leaves, which was used as an effective local anaesthetic. Cocaine hydrochloride was also used in many commercial products and was an ingredient in Coca-Cola until 1903. In the 1920s, cocaine was banned in most Western countries, except for medical use.

How Cocaine is Used:
Is usually snorted or swallowed, but can be injected or smoked in the form of crack or freebase. Smoking crack or freebase is uncommon in Australia

Health Effects of Using Cocaine:
The effects of cocaine will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with cocaine, expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other drugs have been taken
Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is smoked, swallowed, snorted or injected
Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.

Short-term effects
. Increased breathing and pulse-rates
. Increased blood pressure
. High body temperature
. Increased alertness
. Reduced appetite
. Feeling of wellbeing
. Enlarged pupils
. Anxiety, irritability and suspiciousness
. Exaggerated feelings of confidence and energy
. Inability to sleep

Long-term effects
. Tolerance and dependence
. Aggressive or violent behaviour
. Loss of appetite, weight loss and malnutrition
. Irritability or emotional disturbances
. Restlessness
. Paranoia
. Periods of psychosis
. Auditory hallucinations
. Convulsions
. Reduced resistance to infection.

There are also dangerous effects associated with the method of use. Snorting can damage the fragile mucous membrane in the nasal passages. It produces burns and sores on the membranes that line the interior of the nose.

Injecting cocaine can result in blocked blood vessels that can cause major damage to the body’s organs, inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at injection site, bruising or more serious injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.

Overdose
Overdose can cause:
. Increased heart-rate
. Seizures
. Hyperventilation
. Heart failure
. Respiratory failure
. Burst blood vessels in the brain
. Death

Cocaine and Other Drugs:
Cocaine users may use other drugs such as minor tranquillisers, cannabis, alcohol, or heroin to cope with some of the undesirable effects of cocaine and a dependence on several drugs may develop. For example, users may find themselves needing cocaine to get them going in the day and tranquillisers each night to go to sleep. This kind of dependence can lead to a variety of very serious physical and psychological problems.

Using more than one drug on any one occasion (poly-drug use) increases the risk of complications and serious side effects. An example is the use of cocaine and then another drug, such as amphetamines, while the cocaine is still active in the body. As street cocaine is rarely pure, the users cannot be certain which other drugs have been added to the cocaine. This can result in unplanned poly-drug use and serious side-effects.

Cocaine and Mental Health Problems:
Cocaine use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have a vulnerability to mental health problems.

Ecstasy
Es, XTC, Eccies, Pills, Bickies

Description:
Ecstasy is the name given to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy is a derivative of the amphetamine group and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It is sometimes referred to as a psychedelic amphetamine.

Ecstasy does not always contain just MDMA. Ecstasy pills are often mixed with a variety of other substances including aspirin, caffeine and ketamine (a veterinary anaesthetic agent). Sometimes drugs containing no MDMA are sold as ecstasy. This makes it difficult for people to know what they are taking.

Where Ecstasy Come From:
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine was first synthesised by Merck Pharmaceuticals in 1912. It was originally developed as an appetite suppressant, although it was never actually used for this purpose.

In the 1970s, MDMA was used in American therapy classes to enhance communication. Ecstasy became available in Australia in the mid-1980s, and became an illegal drug in 1987.

How Ecstasy is Used:
Ecstasy tablets or capsules are usually swallowed. When swallowed, the effects become apparent within 30 minutes and last for up to six hours. The hangover effects may last for up to 24 hours.

Ecstasy may also be taken by suppository, snorting, smoking or injecting crushed tablets. As ecstasy usually comes in tablet form, it is not designed to be injected. The tablets are bound by a chalky substance, which if injected, can cause blocked veins or other unpleasant effects such as abscesses, blood poisoning (septicaemia) and gangrene.

Health Effects of Using Ecstasy:
The effects of ecstasy will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with ecstasy, expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other drugs have been taken.
Drug – The amount used, its purity, and whether it is taken as a suppository, by snorting, smoking or injecting.
Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.

Short-term effects
. Overheating and dehydration, which can cause muscle meltdown
. Excessive water consumption can result in a breakdown of cell structure, which can cause cells to swell, burst and die
. Feeling of wellbeing and exaggerated confidence
. Anxiety
. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
. Poor concentration
. Insomnia
. Increased pulse rate and blood pressure
. Hot and cold flushes, sweating
. Nausea

Long-term effects
. Depression
. Drowsiness
. Muscle aches
. Loss of appetite
. Insomnia
. Loss of concentration
. Irritability

Research suggests that weekend use of ecstasy may lead to a depressed mood mid-week.

There are also dangerous effects associated with the method of use. Snorting can damage the fragile mucous membrane in the nasal passages. It produces burns and sores on the membranes that line the interior of the nose. Injecting ecstasy can result in blocked blood vessels that can cause major damage to the body’s organs, such as inflamed blood vessels and abscesses, blood poisoning, bacterial infections which may damage the heart valves, vein collapse, infection at injection site, bruising or more serious injuries if users inject into an artery or tissue.

Overdose:
Overdose usually results from the body overheating and becoming dehydrated, which can cause muscle meltdown and possible death from failure of major organs such as liver or kidneys. Overdose may also occur from excessive water consumption and retention, leading the body’s cells to swell which can result in brain damage and death.

The risk of overdose increases with a larger dose.

Ecstasy and other drugs:
Ecstasy users sometimes take other drugs such as minor tranquillisers and alcohol to cope with some of the undesirable effects experienced after using ecstasy.

They may also use ecstasy in conjunction with other drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines, LSD or alcohol. Using more than one drug (poly-drug use) increases the risk of complications and serious side-effects, and can lead to a variety of serious physical and psychological problems. For example, using ecstasy with other drugs that dehydrate the body, such as speed and alcohol, can increase the problems associated with dehydration.

Ecstasy and Mental Health Problems
Ecstasy use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have a vulnerability to mental health problems.

Hallucinogens
LSD, Acid, Trips, Mushies, Tabs

Description:
Hallucinogens describe a class of drugs that produce hallucinations. A hallucination is an illusion of seeing or hearing something that is not actually there

Hallucinogens can be produced naturally or synthetically. The most commonly known hallucinogen is synthetic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) which is sold as a liquid or an absorbent tab or small square of paper. Natural hallucinogenic chemicals are found in plants such as the peyote cactus (mescaline) and some mushrooms (psilocybin).

Certain drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy may produce hallucinogenic effects at high doses or in other circumstances.

Where Hallucinogens Come From:
Lysergic acid diethylamide is the most commonly used hallucinogen in Australia. LSD was first produced in 1938 by Albert Hoffman, a Swiss chemist.

The drug is usually sold on small pieces of absorbent paper (tabs) decorated with popular designs, such as smiley faces and cartoons. It may also be sold on sugar cubes, small squares of gelatine or in capsule, tablet or liquid form.

Mescaline is native to Mexico and was used by the Mexican Indians in their religious ceremonies. Mescaline is usually dried and refined into a powder, which varies from white to brown in colour.

Psilocybin is a chemical found in mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms or golden top mushrooms, which are commonly found growing in Australia. Psilocybin may be sold as crude mushroom preparations or whole dried brown mushrooms.

How Hallucinogens are Used:
Lysergic acid diethylamide is usually swallowed. When swallowed, the effects start within 30 to 60 minutes and peak in three to five hours. The effects usually last for up to nine hours, but they can last for 24 hours.

Mescaline can be chewed or boiled into a liquid and drunk. Its effects last from four to six hours.

Magic mushrooms are either eaten raw, cooked, made into a drink or dried for later consumption. The effects usually last from four to six hours.

Health Effects of Using Hallucinogens:
The effects of hallucinogens will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:
Individual (user) – Mood, physical size, health, gender, previous experience with hallucinogens, expectations of the drug, personality, whether the person has had food and whether other drugs have been taken.
Drug – The amount used, its purity, and the way it is taken.
Setting (environment) – Whether the person is using with friends, on his/her own, in a social setting or at home, at work or before driving.

Short-term effects
. Dilation of pupils
. Increase in heart-rate and blood pressure
. Increase in body temperature and sweating
. Seeing things in a distorted way or seeing things that do not exist
. Dizziness
. Drowsiness
. Nausea
. Intense sensory experiences – bright colours, sharper sounds
. Impaired coordination and tremors
. Distorted sense of time - minutes can seem like hours
. Varying emotions
. Distorted sense of space and body
. Tension and anxiety leading to panic attacks

Long-term effects
. Flashbacks – a spontaneous and unpredictable recurrence of prior drug experience ('tripping') without taking the drug. Flashbacks may occur days, weeks or years after the drug was last taken. They can be triggered by the use of other drugs, stress, fatigue, and physical exercise or for no apparent reason
. Increased risk of developing severe mental disturbances in those who have a predisposition to the condition
. Impaired memory and concentration
. Tolerance
. Psychological dependence

Overdose
While there are no reported cases of fatal overdoses directly from hallucinogens there are still significant risks associated with the use of these drugs. When consuming hallucinogens, such as LSD, a person's perception is affected, which can lead to people placing themselves in risky situations.
With magic mushrooms it is often difficult to distinguish between them and poisonous look-alikes. Some poisonous mushrooms can cause permanent liver damage or death within hours of being consumed. It is very dangerous to pick and eat wild mushrooms.
Hallucinogens and Other Drugs:
Hallucinogen users sometimes take more than one drug at the same time (polydrug use). Effects can be unpredictable when two or more different drugs are combined.
Using hallucinogens with other drugs such as alcohol or amphetamines (speed) increases the risk of complications and side-effects, and can lead to a variety of serious physical and psychological problems.
Hallucinogens and Mental Health Problems:
Hallucinogen use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in those people who have a vulnerability to mental health problems.