Party drugs
Home Glossary Disclaimer Site map Contact me	Unfortunately, the Melbourne nightlife scene is home to the usual amount of party drugs. I take the view that if you can't enjoy yourself without a chemical supplement, then you really should have a good long think about things. Basically, it's hard to fuck like a rabbit if you're smacked out of reality. I understand that this sounds like a 'just say no' policy (which I oppose in relation to sex education) but the reality is that you can choose not to take drugs. On the other hand, if you do choose to take party drugs, then please do so safely! You do have a choice If you are offered drugs (and this has only happened to me on rare occasions, but it does happen), remember that: - illegal drugs often have unpredictable ingredients. You can’t be sure what they contain or the amount of the actual drug that’s present. This increases the risks. - you can choose to have a good time straight. - you don’t need to feel pressured to take drugs of any kind. Make the decision for yourself and not just because your friends (or that really hot guy/girl/tgirl at the party) are taking them. If you do choose to take drugs remember: - Party drugs are illegal and there can be legal, professional, and relationship consequences if you're caught using. - Be informed; find out about what you are taking. - Take care; use a smaller amount and don’t forget some drugs have a delayed effect. - Use one drug at a time; mixing drugs, especially with alcohol, can be lethal. - Don’t use alone; stay with your friends until the effects of the drug have 100 per cent worn off. Drug overdose Always call an ambulance if you know or suspect someone has taken a drug overdose. You could save their life. Many overdoses do not cause permanent damage and most people make a full recovery, but some overdoses can cause damage to certain organs such as the liver and kidneys. The symptoms vary widely, and everyone responds differently. Symptoms depend on the drug, the amount taken and the person’s body. Some poisons are weak and cause minor distress, while others are very strong and can cause more serious problems and possibly death. General symptoms of a drug overdose may include: - nausea - vomiting - dizziness - fitting - drowsiness - confusion - coma - breathing problems If someone who has taken drugs is not responding when you talk to them, is snoring loudly or making gurgling noises, it may mean that they are in a coma and may be dying. Do not assume that they are just ‘sleeping off’ the effects. This is a medical emergency. If you can’t wake them, call an ambulance immediately; dial triple zero (000) or 112 from mobiles. Where to get first aid help - Call 000 and ask for an ambulance (112 from mobile phones). Remember that in Victoria if you call an ambulance for a drug overdose, they have a policy of not contacting the police, so you won't get busted for helping someone. - Ask for the police if the person is violent. - Call the Poisons Information Centre on 131-126, even if the person seems okay. The centre is open 24 hours a day, everyday, Australia-wide. - Take them to the nearest hospital emergency department. - Do not try to make them vomit. Where to get longer-term help - Your local doctor can help with for information or referral to a drug treatment service. - Alcohol and drug treatment services can be found in the phone book, for help with addiction, detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy. - DrugInfo Clearinghouse; telephone 1300-858-584 for information - DirectLine; telephone 1800-888-236 for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral.		See also: More information: Better Health Channel A Victorian Government health information web site