Harmful drug use

Many substances or drugs have intoxicating effects that lead to them being misused and causing harmful effects. Some substances are sold or manufactured illegally while some are produced legally, but used for unintended purposes.

Harmful effects can relate to a single occasion of drug use such as overdose or an injury resulting from intoxication, or from longer term, chronic use associated with dependence such as health problems and a range of social, legal, financial and emotional problems.

The purpose of this section is to:

provide broad information about specific drug types and their harmful effects, including overdose and dependence
inform about strategies for harm reduction, such as the Needle and Syringe Program, and early intervention, such as the Police Drug Diversion Initiative
outline methods for addressing substance misuse, including the types of services and treatments available
present relevant information for specific audiences including parents, young people and event and hospitality managers
assist health practitioners with procedures and tools for working with clients with substance misuse issues.

For people affected by substance misuse

Service brochures

For the community

For health professionals

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Last updated: 13 May 2024

Harmful drug use

For people affected by substance misuse

Service brochures

For the community

For health professionals

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