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Alcohol, smoking and other drugs ... all about
Page content: General | Alcohol | Alcohol-related health conditions | Smoking | Smoking-related health conditions | Smoking - quitting | Drugs | Drugs-related health conditions
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Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and many illegal drugs like cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines are used in our community. Drug use can lead to drug overdose and cause serious and fatal health conditions, like brain damage and cancer.
General
Statistics show use of alcohol and tobacco, especially among young people, is a serious health issue. Binge drinking exposes teenagers to even greater risk.
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause serious health, personal and social problems. Heavy drinkers, binge drinkers and young drinkers are particularly at risk.
Alcohol-related health conditions
Brain and liver damage can be the result of heavy long term drinking. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome in babies.
Smoking
Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco. Smokers also inhale about 4,000 other chemicals in cigarette smoke. Smoking can also lead to wrinkles and premature ageing.
Smoking-related health conditions
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body; it can cause diseases like cancers, heart disease and emphysema. Smoking during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby.
Smoking - quitting
Quitting smoking might take a while. Courses, counselling and telephone support can help you quit smoking. See your doctor if necessary.
Drugs
Drugs like amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy can have immediate and long term effects on your health. All drugs carry some health risks.
Drugs-related health conditions
Drug use can cause memory loss and loss of smell. Cannabis use can cause drug-induced psychosis. The hepatitis C virus and HIV can be spread by sharing needles.
More information
Australian Government, NHMRC - Australian Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits.
Australian Drug Foundation.
Victorian Government - Drugs & Alcohol in Victoria.
Quit Victoria.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Better Health Channel
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Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Last updated: April 2009
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Alcohol, smoking and other drugs ... all about - Better Health ChannelAlcohol, tobacco, caffeine and many illegal drugs like cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines are used in our community. Drug use can lead to drug overdose and cause serious and fatal health conditions, like brain damage and cancer...
© State of Victoria. All rights reserved
The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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