Drugs are substances that change a person's physical or mental state. The vast majority of drugs are used to treat medical conditions, both physical and mental. Some, however, are used outside the medical setting for their effects on the mind. These are referred to as recreational drugs, and many of them are illegal.
Legal drugs
Legal drugs means any prescription or over-the-counter drug that is legally obtained and used for the purpose for which it is prescribed.
Some drugs — such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine — are legal but may be subject to restrictions based on age, location of use, driving and point of sale regulations.
We regulate and control the active ingredients in legal drugs:
the alcohol content of drinks
the milligrams of nicotine in cigarettes
Illegal drugs
If a drug is classified as ‘illegal’, this means that it is forbidden by law. Different illegal drugs have different effects on people and these effects are influenced by many factors. This makes them unpredictable and dangerous, especially for young people.
The effects of a drug are influenced by:
The type of drug
How much is consumed
Where the person is when the drug is being used
What the person is doing while using the drugs
Individual characteristics such as body size and health vulnerabilities
How many different drugs are taken at one time (See Polydrug use: Factsheet)
Types of illegal drugs
Below are some types of illegal drugs. Click the link to find out more about each drug, its effects and potential harms.
Cannabis (Marijuana)
Cocaine
MDMA/Ecstasy
GHB
Hallucinogens
Heroin
Inhalants
Ketamine
Methamphetamine
It is against the law to possess, use, make, import or sell illegal drugs. The penalties for drug offences vary depending on the age of the offender (adult or minor), type of drug, quantities involved, previous offences, and the state or territory in which the offence happened.
Drugs and their classification
Depressants are drugs that slow down the central nervous system and the messages that go between the brain and the body. These drugs decrease people’s concentration and slow down their ability to respond. The name ‘depressant’ suggests that these drugs can make a person feel depressed, but this is not always the case. The term depressant purely refers to the effect of slowing down the central nervous system. Some examples of depressants include: alcohol, opioids (e.g., heroin), barbiturates, GHB. Stimulants (also referred to as psychostimulants) are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and speed up the messages going between the brain and the body. These drugs typically increase energy, heart rate and appetite. Some examples of psychostimulants include: methamphetamine (speed, ice, base), cocaine, dexamphetamine, caffeine, nicotine, MDMA/ecstasy. Hallucinogens are drugs which typically alter how a person perceives the world. These drugs can change the way a person sees, hears, tastes, smells or feels different thing
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