https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g Health Issues Facing Australia's Youth en-us 2017-03-23 01:40:42 UTC 2025-10-16 16:49:51 UTC hello@padlet.com tomsjack https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162003847  The term 'illicit substances' relates to anything which are illegal to possess or manufacture for example, marijuana, Ecstasy, Cocaine and Heroin it also includes substances which are legal to possess however they are able to be misused, these are known as 'scheduled substances' this category  includes substances of dependence such as prescription medication.
 
Subcategories of illicit substances include, stimulants, hallucinogens,  and depressants.
Stimulants raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, increase alertness, and cause you to be highly energetic temporarily examples of illicit stimulants include ecstasy (MDMA), Ritalin (ADHD Medication), and Cocaine.
Hallucinogens are a psychoactive agent which causes hallucinations, changes in perception, and can alter emotions, thoughts and consciousness. within Hallucinogens there is 3 categories, psychedelics which ; examples include LSD, Pscilobin mushrooms. Dissociatives; examples include Ketamine (Anesthetic) and Nitrous Oxide. And Deliriants which includes; Anti-histamines.
Depressants lower neuro-transmission levels which slows brain function and can affect perception and can also lead to sedation (unconsciousness) examples of depressants include cannabis, Morphine (Opiod painkiller) and Heroin.
                                                                                                       ]]> 2017-03-23 01:45:08 UTC https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162003847 laisama https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162003878 Youth is typically a period of experimentation, especially with drugs and other substances, and almost 50% of high school students would have tried an illegal drug. The most common used drugs in youth may include marijuana and ecstasy.

During the experimental stage of substance use, youth may begin to explore what drugs are, what reaction they have to them and also the social aspects of drug use.

Youth may decide to experiment with drugs because it may be a way for them to socialise with friends, they may be peer pressured into it, it might make them feel a  sense of belonging, they could be curious, or even a way to escape their problems.

Those who experiment with substances during youth are more likely to develop substance abuse issues later in their life, which could also impact their health in the long run. It could even cause youth to engage in risky sexual behavior and crime, and it may also increase the risk of depression.

STATISTICS
- In 2010, 18.7% have tried an illicit substance in their life time.
- 14.5% have tried an illicit substance in the last 12 months.
- 6.0% have tried an illicit substance in the last month.
- 2.3% have tried an illicit substance in the last week.
- Around one in six individuals (14.8%) have tired cannabis. 
-  1.6% have tried heroin.
-  In 2014, around 14% have tried/used an illicit drug, while 2.9% have used an illicit drug in the last week.
-  2.7% have tried ecstasy.
- 1.7% of 12-17 year olds who taken cocaine have only used it once or twice. ]]> 2017-03-23 01:45:26 UTC https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162003878 mortzoe https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162003932 - The use of illicit substances, that are hallucinogenic drugs such as MDMA and LSD can decrease physical health as they disrupt chemical communication between the brain and the body, causing a loss in muscle control and can prevent body temperature regulation. Which may lead to injuries or vital organs shutting down. 
- Intake of illicit substances, that are depressants such as Marijuana and Heroin can negatively impact mental health as they can lead to depression, paranoia, aggression or suicidal thoughts as short term effects. Long term effects may include cravings or anxiety or panic as individuals may become dependent on the drug. 
- Use of illicit substances, which are stimulant drugs such as cocaine and crystal meth have a negative impact on social health as the individual who is taking the drugs may become addicted and need the drug to participate in regular social activities. Friendship networks may suffer as the individual is always taking drugs, or always exhausted which may cause negative relationships. ]]> 2017-03-23 01:45:49 UTC https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162003932 mortzoe https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162663489 The Australian Government's National Drug Campaign (NDC) is apart of the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 and specifically aims to reduce young Australians motivation to use illicit drugs by increasing their knowledge about the potential negative consequences of drug use. The campaign focuses on the most popular drug of the time to raise awareness. 
The NDC communicate through advertising (radio, print, outdoor and in-venue), public relations and promotions, resource development, online activities and information lines. Their website offers information about current drugs, as well as counselling services, help organisations and organisations to help families and friends of someone who uses illicit substances. ]]> 2017-03-26 22:25:25 UTC https://padlet.com/laisama/7u1wsje93t8g/wish/162663489